The world of football experienced a night full of emotions, memories, and new idols this Monday in Paris: Ousmane Dembélé, forward of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), was crowned with his first Ballon d'Or, while the Spaniard Aitana Bonmatí lifted her third consecutive trophy, establishing herself as one of the leading figures in women's football.
The Frenchman, who just a few years ago faced criticism for his inconsistency, was full of gratitude after receiving the award from Ronaldinho.
Visibly nervous, he recalled his beginnings in Vernon, his time with Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, dedicating the award to his mother, his best friend, and coach Luis Enrique, whom he described as “a father.”
"If anyone had ever told me that I was going to win the Ballon d'Or... Today I am fulfilling a dream," he confessed.
With this victory, Dembélé becomes the second Frenchman to lift it in the 21st century, after Karim Benzema in 2022. His achievement was celebrated with flares and shouts in the streets of Paris.
Aitana, the queen of the triple crown
The Barcelona midfielder took the stage to receive her third consecutive Ballon d'Or, presented by Andrés Iniesta, one of her childhood idols.
“As a little girl, I couldn't imagine that women's football could reach this level. This award is an honor and a commitment to the new generations,” she said, visibly emotional.
Bonmatí, who had a brilliant season with the League, Cup, and Supercup, emphasized that success is collective: “We are more than just footballers; we have to lead by example.”
With this victory, Spain has claimed five consecutive Women's Ballon d'Or awards, confirming the dominance of its football.
A gala of emotions and memories
The ceremony also left moments of human impact:
- The tribute to the Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who passed away in an accident, moved the audience.
- The Xana Foundation, established in memory of Luis Enrique's daughter, received the Socrates Trophy for its charitable work.
- PSG was awarded Best Men's Club after achieving a historic treble, while Arsenal took home the award in the women's category.
Main winners of the 2025 Ballon d'Or
- Men's Ballon d'Or: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
- Women's Ballon d'Or: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)
- Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal and Vicky López
- Yashin Trophy: Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hannah Hampton
- Best clubs: PSG and Arsenal
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