Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner at the 69th Ballon d’Or awards ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on September 22, 2025.
Cyber Reporters reports that the Paris Saint-Germain forward beat out Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and his teammate Vitinha to claim the prestigious award.
Dembélé expressed gratitude to the clubs that have shaped his career, including Stade Rennes, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona, which he described as a club he had always dreamed of playing for.
Dembélé’s win marks a significant breakthrough for both the player and his club.
He becomes the first PSG player to win the Ballon d’Or and the first Frenchman since Karim Benzema in 2018 to claim the honor.
The 28-year-old Frenchman’s exceptional performance in the 2024-25 season played a pivotal role in PSG’s success, including their UEFA Champions League title win.
Dembélé’s impressive stats include 37 goals and 15 assists, showcasing his influence on the team’s triumphs.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony recognized other outstanding players and teams.
Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí secured her third consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or, solidifying her dominance in women’s football.
Lamine Yamal, despite finishing second in the Ballon d’Or voting, made history by becoming the first player to win the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player for two consecutive years.
PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma received the Yashin Trophy for best men’s goalkeeper.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or awards highlighted the strength of French and Spanish football, with PSG and Barcelona dominating the ceremony.
PSG was named Men’s Club of the Year, while Arsenal took home the Women’s Club of the Year award.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of football’s finest, honoring talent, hard work, and passion.