History Made: PSG’s Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati Clinch Ballon d’Or Glory - (2025)

Updated: 22/12/2025

On a momentous evening in Paris, the football world witnessed history being made as the prestigious Ballon d'Or awards were presented to the standout players of the season. Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati emerged as the deserving winners of the men's and women's Ballon d'Or awards, respectively, captivating audiences with their exceptional performances and remarkable achievements.

Ousmane Dembele's Triumph:

Ousmane Dembele, representing Paris Saint-Germain, claimed his first-ever Ballon d'Or award, solidifying his status as one of the standout players of the season. Despite being a supporting character for much of his career, Dembele's standout performances in PSG's historic treble-winning campaign propelled him to the top of the footballing world. Scoring an impressive 35 goals in all competitions, Dembele's journey to the Ballon d'Or stage was marked by surprise and celebration.

The football community erupted in excitement as Ronaldinho announced Dembele as the winner, with chants and applause echoing through the venue. In his acceptance speech, Dembele expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing the exceptional nature of his season and acknowledging the support he received throughout his career. Joining the esteemed ranks of past French Ballon d'Or winners, Dembele's victory signified a significant milestone in his career.

Celebrating Women's Excellence:

Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona etched her name in history by becoming the first woman and only the third player ever to clinch three consecutive Ballon d'Or awards. Despite Barcelona's setbacks in major competitions, Bonmati's outstanding performances and unwavering commitment to excellence stood out, garnering her well-deserved recognition in the footballing world.

Individual Honors and Club Achievements:

Aside from the headline-grabbing Ballon d'Or wins, the night was filled with accolades and acknowledgments for various players and clubs. Noteworthy mentions include Lamine Yamal's victory in the Men's Kopa Trophy, Vicky Lopez's win in the Women's Kopa Trophy, and Hannah Hampton's remarkable feat of being the first recipient of the Women's Yashin Trophy.

Paris Saint-Germain's dominance was further underscored as the club clinched the Men's Club of the Year award, capping off a memorable season highlighted by their UEFA Champions League triumph. Additionally, Arsenal's Women's Club of the Year award celebrated their success in the UEFA Women's Champions League, solidifying their position as a pioneer in the women's game.

Redefining Excellence:

The evening's celebrations extended beyond individual performances, with the presentation of the Socrates Trophy to the Xana Foundation, a poignant tribute to the foundation's commitment to supporting families dealing with serious illnesses. The values of compassion and solidarity echoed throughout the ceremony, emphasizing the broader impact of football beyond the pitch.

Looking Towards the Future:

As the curtain fell on the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony, the footballing community reflected on the remarkable achievements and exceptional talent showcased throughout the evening. Players like Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmati epitomized the spirit of excellence, inspiring the next generation of footballers to dream big and reach for new heights in the sport.

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