PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí Claim Ballon d’Or Honors in Paris

Football’s biggest individual prize was shared across men’s and women’s football on Sunday night, as Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé and FC Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí took home the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards at a glittering ceremony in Paris.

Dembélé’s Landmark Achievement

For Dembélé, the win marks the first Ballon d’Or of his career and a defining moment in his resurgence. The French international has been central to PSG’s success this season, combining flair, pace, and creativity to drive the club’s domestic and European campaigns. His victory also highlights PSG’s growing influence in world football, as he becomes the latest player from the French champions to be recognized on the global stage.

Speaking with visible emotion, Dembélé dedicated the award to his teammates and the fans, noting that the journey to this point was “filled with challenges but also with belief and perseverance.”

Bonmatí’s Continued Dominance

On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí extended her dominance in world football by claiming her second consecutive Ballon d’Or. The Spanish midfielder played a pivotal role in both Barcelona’s UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph and Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory. Known for her vision, passing accuracy, and relentless energy, Bonmatí has become one of the most influential figures in the modern game.

Her back-to-back success reflects the continued rise of women’s football globally and further cements Barcelona’s role as a powerhouse in the sport.

A Night of Celebration in Paris

The Paris gala once again reinforced the Ballon d’Or’s reputation as football’s most prestigious individual award. Beyond recognizing individual brilliance, the ceremony celebrated the resilience, hard work, and determination that define the sport at its highest level.

With Dembélé and Bonmatí now etching their names into football history, the 2025 awards underline a new era of talent, where both men’s and women’s football continue to push boundaries and inspire millions of fans around the world.