Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembélé and Bonmatí crowned in Paris Ceremony

The event, presented by France Football, recognised performances from the 2024-25 season, confirming Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal as the dominant clubs of the year .

Dembélé’s Triumphant Season

Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the best men's player in the world after a stellar season that saw him become the cornerstone of Paris Saint-Germain's success . His remarkable campaign included 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 matches, playing a pivotal role in PSG's historic quadruple-winning season, which included the club's first-ever UEFA Champions League title . The winger was also voted the UEFA Champions League Player of the Year, cementing his status as the world's best for the 2024-25 season .

Bonmatí Makes History

Aitana Bonmatí has entered the record books by winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third consecutive year, a historic first for any player . The Barcelona and Spain midfielder maintained her dominance at the highest level, leading her club to a domestic treble and a UEFA Women’s Champions League final appearance . In her acceptance speech, Bonmatí highlighted the significance of the occasion, noting it was "the first time the women have the same awards as the men," calling it "the way forward" for the sport .

PSG and Arsenal Honoured as Top Clubs

The "Men’s Club of the Year" award went to Paris Saint-Germain following a historic season where they won an unprecedented quadruple of Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League, and later, the UEFA Super Cup . The club had a record nine players nominated for the Men’s Ballon d’Or, underscoring their collective strength .

On the women's side, Arsenal was named "Women’s Club of the Year" after a campaign that culminated in them lifting the Women’s Champions League trophy for the second time in their history, dethroning Barcelona in the process . Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers used the acceptance speech to deliver a powerful message, stating, "Invest in women. Invest in women’s sport. When we do that, all of us benefit" .

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony not only honoured individual brilliance but also highlighted the growing prominence of women's football, setting a new benchmark for the global game.