PSG’s Ousmane Dembele Edges Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to Claim Ballon d’Or Honor

Ousmane Dembélé Wins 2025 Ballon d’Or After Historic Season
By Aadam Patel, Sports Reporter | Updated: 22:10 BST, 22 September 2025

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé claimed the men’s Ballon d’Or at a glitzy ceremony in Paris, capping a sensational season where he led PSG to a historic treble, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. The 28-year-old French star edged out Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (18), who secured the Kopa Trophy for Best Young Player.

Dembélé celebrating his Ballon d’Or win with PSG teammates (Image: AFP)

Dembélé, who scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 53 appearances, credited his team’s collective success: “It was an exceptional year. This is for everyone at PSG—the staff, my teammates, and our supporters.”

PSG’s Dominance and Real Madrid’s Snub
Nine PSG players were nominated for the award, though most missed the ceremony due to a rescheduled Ligue 1 clash against Marseille. Dembélé, sidelined by injury, attended while his teammates prepared for the rearranged “El Classique.”

Real Madrid notably skipped the event for the second consecutive year, despite Vinicius Junior’s nomination. Last year, the club protested after Rodri of Manchester City won over Vinicius.

Premier League Stars Shine
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah finished fourth after a stellar Premier League campaign, earning PFA Player of the Year honors. England’s Declan Rice (27th), Jude Bellingham (23rd), Cole Palmer (8th), Harry Kane (13th), and Scotland’s Scott McTominay (18th) also featured in the top 30.

Lamine Yamal accepting the Kopa Trophy (Image: Getty)

Women’s Ballon d’Or: Bonmatí Makes History
Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí won her third straight Women’s Ballon d’Or, solidifying her status as the world’s best. Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo finished second and third, respectively. Five members of England’s Euro-winning squad—including Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly, and Russo—earned top-10 spots.

Coach Awards
England’s Sarina Wiegman claimed the Johan Cruyff Trophy for Best Women’s Coach after guiding the Lionesses to European glory. PSG’s Luis Enrique secured the men’s coaching award, outshining contenders like Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Bayern Munich’s Hansi Flick.

Sarina Wiegman celebrating her coaching award (Image: Reuters)

Goalkeeper Honors
Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma were named top goalkeepers in women’s and men’s football, respectively.

As Dembélé lifted the iconic trophy, the night underscored PSG’s rise and the enduring brilliance of football’s brightest stars.

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Ousmane Dembélé WINS Ballon d’Or: PSG star scoops top prize after beating Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal