DEMBÉLÉ AND BONMATÍ SHINE AS BALLON D’OR WINNERS

By: Gyang Dakwo

Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint Germain has won his first Ballon d’Or. Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona claimed the women’s prize for the third year in a row. The ceremony was held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and the crowd cheered loudly as Dembélé received his trophy from Ronaldinho.

Dembélé had an outstanding season with PSG. He helped the team win the Champions League, Ligue 1 and the French Cup. He scored 35 goals in total, including eight in the Champions League where he also provided six assists. His performances led PSG to its first ever Champions League title. He attended the ceremony while recovering from a hamstring injury. His teammates could not join him because they were playing against Marseille in a rescheduled league match, which PSG lost 1–0.

Bonmatí showed again why she is seen as the best women’s player in the world. She played a key role in Barcelona’s domestic treble last season. However, she also faced setbacks when Barcelona lost the Champions League final to Arsenal, and Spain fell to England on penalties in the Euro 2025 final. Even so, she remained one of the most reliable players in the biggest games.

Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal received the men’s Kopa Trophy for the second year in a row as the best under 21 player. His teammate Vicky López won the women’s Kopa Trophy, giving Barcelona both youth awards.

The Johan Cruyff coaching prizes also went to familiar names. England’s Sarina Wiegman was honored for leading her team to back-to-back European titles, while PSG’s Luis Enrique won the men’s award after guiding his club to victories in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

The Ballon d’Or has been awarded by France Football since 1956, celebrating the best players and coaches in world football.