The Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony in Paris delivered a night of history, celebration, and powerful narratives in world football. The annual event, organized by France Football, once again gathered the sport’s biggest names and brightest stars to honor the best players and coaches of the past year.
This edition was particularly significant, with triumphs that underscored resilience, brilliance, and evolution in the modern game. Ousmane Dembélé, after a career filled with injuries and doubts, clinched the men’s award following a spectacular season. Aitana Bonmatí, the linchpin of Barcelona and Spain, added another Ballon d’Or Féminin to her growing legacy. Meanwhile, Sarina Wiegman, the trailblazing Dutch coach, was named Best Coach, cementing her status as one of the most influential figures in football today.
This article dives into the stories behind their victories, the context of the awards, reactions from the football world, and what these results mean for the future of the sport.
Ousmane Dembélé From Injury Prone to Ballon d’Or Winner
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The Long Road Back
For years, Ousmane Dembélé was seen as a player of extraordinary talent hampered by fragility. His early days at Barcelona were defined by brilliance on the pitch but frequent visits to the treatment room. Many critics doubted he would ever reach his potential.
Yet 2024–25 marked the transformation of Dembélé from an enigma into the best player in the world. Playing for Paris Saint-Germain, he delivered a season of consistency, creativity, and decisive contributions in the biggest games.
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Season Highlights
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- Ligue 1 Champion: Dembélé spearheaded PSG’s attack, finishing with double figures in both goals and assists.
- Champions League Glory: His performances in Europe stood out, particularly in the knockout rounds, where he scored crucial goals and orchestrated PSG’s attacking play.
- International Impact: Dembélé shone for France, helping them to a strong run in the European Championship with his flair, dribbling, and vision.
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Why He Won
Dembélé’s success represents more than just numbers. It is a testament to resilience—a player who refused to let injuries define his career. His dazzling dribbles, ability to break defensive lines, and newfound maturity in decision-making turned him into the standout performer of the year.
Aitana Bonmatí Continuing Her Golden Era
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Dominance in Women’s Football
Few players in modern football have embodied excellence as consistently as Aitana Bonmatí. Already a Ballon d’Or Féminin winner in 2023, she returned to the podium in 2025 after another season of brilliance with Barcelona and Spain.
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Achievements
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- Barcelona’s Architect: Bonmatí orchestrated the midfield as Barcelona secured another Liga F title and reached the Champions League final, where she was instrumental.
- Spanish National Team Success: Fresh off Spain’s Women’s World Cup triumph in 2023, Bonmatí continued her leadership, guiding the team through Euro 2025 qualifiers with authority.
- Consistency and Class: Her combination of vision, technical precision, and leadership set her apart from her peers.
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Legacy in the Making
Bonmatí’s back-to-back Ballon d’Or victories solidify her as a generational talent. Comparisons with legends like Xavi and Iniesta are no longer exaggerated—she has carved her own place in football history, particularly as a role model in the growth of women’s football.
Sarina Wiegman A Coaching Icon
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A Historic Achievement
Sarina Wiegman’s recognition as Best Coach felt inevitable. Her work with the England women’s national team has been transformative. Following a European Championship triumph in 2022 and a World Cup final appearance in 2023, she carried England forward with tactical evolution and cultural impact.
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Why She Stands Out
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- Consistency: Wiegman’s teams are disciplined, tactically astute, and adaptable.
- Player Development: She has nurtured young talents while balancing experienced leaders.
- Cultural Influence: Beyond the pitch, Wiegman has been a voice for gender equality and inclusivity in sport.
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Broader Impact
By winning this award, Wiegman became the first coach to secure global recognition for sustained success in women’s football. Her triumph is symbolic of the growing respect for female managers in the game.
Other Notable Awards
While Dembélé, Bonmatí, and Wiegman stole the headlines, the evening featured several other awards:
- Best Goalkeeper (Yashin Trophy): A top European keeper was recognized for his commanding presence and shot-stopping heroics.
- Best Young Player (Kopa Trophy): An emerging star under 21 was celebrated for breakthrough performances on the global stage.
- Club of the Year: Barcelona, Manchester City, and PSG were among the nominees, with one club ultimately honored for excellence across men’s and women’s football.
These awards highlighted the breadth of talent shaping the sport’s present and future.
Global Reactions
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Fans and Media
Social media exploded with reactions:
- Dembélé’s win sparked joy among PSG supporters and admiration from neutrals who celebrated his comeback story.
- Bonmatí’s triumph reaffirmed her status as the face of women’s football.
- Wiegman’s award drew praise for breaking barriers in coaching.
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Fellow Players
Messages poured in from peers across the football world. Teammates hailed Dembélé’s resilience, while Bonmatí’s colleagues lauded her consistency and leadership. Wiegman received congratulations not only from England players but from coaches and athletes worldwide.
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Critics and Debate
As with every Ballon d’Or, debates raged about who should have won. Some argued that other stars—such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, or Alexia Putellas—had strong cases. Yet the consensus was that this year’s winners embodied excellence and perseverance.
The Symbolism of 2025’s Winners
The trio of Dembélé, Bonmatí, and Wiegman reflects broader themes in football:
- Resilience: Dembélé’s journey from fragile prospect to global superstar demonstrates the power of perseverance.
- Consistency and Class: Bonmatí’s dominance reflects the maturation of women’s football as a competitive, global force.
- Trailblazing Leadership: Wiegman’s recognition illustrates the expanding respect for female coaches and the importance of representation.
Historical Context
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For Dembélé
He joins a distinguished list of French Ballon d’Or winners, following legends like Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, and Karim Benzema. His victory is a milestone for a player once written off.
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For Bonmatí
Her consecutive wins elevate her alongside pioneers of the women’s game. She has become not only a player of her generation but a global ambassador for women’s football.
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For Wiegman
Her award may prove pivotal in opening doors for more female coaches at the highest levels of men’s and women’s football. She stands as an inspiration for a new generation of leaders.
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