Ballon d’Or 2025: A Celebration of Legends in Paris
The Ballon d’Or always delivers moments that define football history, and the 2025 edition was no different. From rising stars to established icons, the ceremony in Paris, led by Ruud Gullit and Kate Scott, crowned the very best of the game. It was a night where breakthroughs met legacies, with new names joining football’s most exclusive list.
The Glamour Before the Glory
Paris was glowing last night, September 22nd, 2025, as football’s finest gathered for the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet. The evening was not only about awards but also about spectacle. Cameras flashed on the red carpet as players, coaches, and stars from across the world of football made their entrance. Tailored suits, statement gowns, and bold accessories turned the arrivals into a fashion show of its own, a reminder that this ceremony has become as much a cultural moment as a sporting one.
From Breakthrough to Dynasty
Since 1956, the Ballon d’Or has honoured the best in football, celebrating those who shape the game with brilliance and consistency. This year was no exception. The crowd in Paris blended prestige with excitement, as nominees arrived surrounded by anticipation. Each year the awards highlight not only statistics but also the stories behind the players, from breakthrough campaigns to defining legacies.
The spotlight shone brightest on Ousmane Dembélé, who clinched his first ever Ballon d’Or. The PSG forward scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions, leading his club to Champions League glory. His win was historic, not only because it was his first nomination, but also because it marked his breakthrough into football’s most elite circle.
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí continued to carve her own legend. The Barcelona midfielder lifted her third consecutive Ballon d’Or, joining Michel Platini and Lionel Messi as the only players in history to achieve such a feat. With 22 goals and 16 assists for club and country, plus league and cup triumphs, her dominance remains unmatched.
Take a look below to see the final standings of both the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or.
Further Awards
The Kopa Trophy for best young talent went to Lamine Yamal in the men’s category and Vicky López in the women’s, confirming Spain’s bright future. For the top goalscorers, The Gerd Müller Trophy was awarded to Viktor Gyökeres and Ewa Pajor, who both stood out as the year’s top scorers. What’s more, in the goalkeeping category, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hannah Hampton lifted the Yashin Trophy as the best in their position.
The Johan Cruyff Trophy recognised coaching brilliance, with Luis Enrique honoured for guiding PSG to Europe’s pinnacle and Sarina Wiegman celebrated as the face of England’s women’s dominance. Lastly, Club of the Year went to PSG on the men’s side and Arsenal for the women, cementing their place as leading forces in modern football.
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