Dembélé Beats Yamal To The Ballon d’Or As Bonmati Claims Hat-trick

By Advent Shoko

Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé has been crowned 2025 Ballon d’Or winner in Paris, edging Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, while Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí sealed a historic third consecutive women’s title.

Dembélé’s Redemption

Dembélé, who inspired PSG’s first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph and a domestic quadruple, capped a season of 35 goals and 16 assists with football’s most prestigious individual prize. Once sidelined for disciplinary issues, his rebirth as a lethal striker under Luis Enrique turned him into a scoring machine.

Receiving the trophy from Ronaldinho, an emotional Dembélé fought back tears, calling his win “truly exceptional” and inviting his mother to share the stage.

Bonmati Class, Three In A Row

Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí joined legends Michel Platini and Lionel Messi as the only players to win three straight Ballon d’Ors. Despite Spain’s Euro 2025 heartbreak against England, she was named best player of the tournament, while also leading Barça to a domestic treble and Champions League final.

Bonmatí called the achievement “unbelievable”, saying:

“I owe Barcelona everything. This is the club of my life.”

Other Winners

• Kopa Trophy (Men U-21): Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
• Kopa Trophy (Women U-21): Vicky López (Barcelona)
• Yashin Trophy (Best GK): Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/now Man City)
• Best Women’s GK: Hannah Hampton (England)
• Johan Cruyff Trophy (Best Coaches): Sarina Wiegman (England), Luis Enrique (PSG)
• Gerd Müller Trophies (Top Scorers): Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal), Ewa Pajor (Barcelona)
• Club of the Year (Men): PSG
• Club of the Year (Women): Arsenal Women

A New Era

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo gone from the stage, the Ballon d’Or has entered a new chapter. The battle amongst a rising crop of stars signals a fresh era where predicting the next winner has become as thrilling as the football itself.

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