On Monday, September 22, the glittering Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris delivered history, heartbreak, and honours.
Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmati were named the men’s and women’s best players in the world, while Sarina Wiegman picked up Women’s Coach of the Year.
Dembele’s long road to the top
Dembele, now of Paris Saint-Germain, took the men’s Ballon d’Or after leading PSG to a treble-winning season, capped by their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
It’s a landmark first Ballon d’Or for him. He beat out fierce competition, with Lamine Yamal the runner-up, and Vitinha placing third in the voting.
During his acceptance speech, Dembele was emotional, thanking his club, his coach Luis Enrique, and his team-mates.
“I am a little stressed to be honest. I have received this award from one of the biggest legends of all time, I can’t believe this,” Dembele said.
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Bonmati makes history
Aitana Bonmati, the midfield maestro for Barcelona, secured the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third consecutive year – the first woman to achieve the feat.
Despite her team falling short in the Champions League final (losing to Arsenal), Bonmati’s performances were undeniable.
She said: “It’s incredible this feeling. I never thought when I was a kid that I could achieve this because I didn’t think women’s football can exist.
“I had idols like Andres Iniesta and Xavi and when I was a kid I only saw them on TV. It’s incredible to be here and make history.
“But all of these trophies are because of collective work. We had a difficult season because we won some trophies, but we also lost some to amazing footballers.”
Honours all around
The 2025 ceremony was not just about the Ballon d’Or. Other major awards included:
Sarina Wiegman named Women’s Coach of the Year after leading England to a second Euro title in a row.
Luis Enrique took home the men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy for best coach.
Hannah Hampton winning the inaugural women’s Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper).
Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed the men’s Yashin Trophy.
In terms of club honours, PSG were named Men’s Club of the Year, and Arsenal were awarded Women’s Club of the Year.
Top goal scorer awards included Viktor Gyökeres winning the men’s Gerd Müller Trophy, and Ewa Pajor awarded the women’s.
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