Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has finally reached the pinnacle of world football, winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career. The 28-year-old Frenchman outclassed strong contenders such as Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland to secure the golden prize.
Dembélé’s breathtaking pace, sharp dribbling, and decisive goals were vital to PSG’s domestic and European triumphs last season. Often criticized in the past for inconsistency and injuries, the winger produced his most complete campaign yet, silencing doubts and delivering when it mattered most. His performances in crucial knockout matches gave him the edge, convincing voters that he had finally matured into a world-class leader.
Standing on stage at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, Dembélé expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans. “This is a dream come true. I’ve worked tirelessly for this moment, and I share it with everyone who believed in me. Football is joy, and tonight I feel the joy of all those years of sacrifice.” His triumph marks the first Ballon d’Or for a French player since Karim Benzema in 2022, and it represents a career-defining comeback story for a footballer once haunted by setbacks.
The women’s categories also produced historic moments. England coach Sarina Wiegman was crowned Women’s Coach of the Year after guiding the Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory in Switzerland, while Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton earned the Yashin Trophy as the best goalkeeper in the world. Hampton’s heroics in the penalty shootout against Spain, where she saved two crucial spot-kicks, sealed her place among the game’s elite.
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For Wiegman, this recognition marks another milestone in her extraordinary tenure with England. Having lifted the Euros in 2022 and again in 2025, she praised her players, staff, and supporters in her acceptance speech. “This award reflects the collective spirit of the team. Women’s football is growing stronger every year, and we must continue to fight for equality, inclusivity, and respect within the sport.”
England’s rise was further highlighted by forward Michelle Agyemang’s Kopa Trophy nomination, though the honor ultimately went to Barcelona’s 19-year-old Vicky Lopez, underlining Spain’s continued strength in youth development.
As the curtain fell on the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Dembélé’s long-awaited breakthrough and England’s dominance in women’s football underscored one clear message: resilience and belief can turn years of struggle into unforgettable triumphs.
