Top Honors and the Night’s Highlights
The Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris turned into a football showcase on Saturday evening as the 2025 Ballon d'Or 2025 ceremony wrapped up. CBS Sports’ Kate Scott and Dutch legend Ruud Gullit fronted the broadcast, which streamed live on the network’s Golazo channel and YouTube. The host lineup added a touch of glamour, but the real drama unfolded on stage when Paris Saint‑Germain’s French winger Ousmane Dembele stepped forward to claim the men’s prize.
Dembele’s win wasn’t just a personal milestone; it felt like a statement from the voting panel. The 28‑year‑old’s stats – 28 goals, 14 assists, and a decisive role in PSG’s Ligue 1 title – paired with a noticeable uptick in consistency, convinced many that this was one of the most decisive victories the award has ever seen. Former Ballon d’Or legend Ronaldinho handed the trophy, underscoring the moment’s significance.
On the women’s side, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati repeated as the Ballon d’Or winner, solidifying her reputation as a midfield maestro. Her vision, passing range, and leadership helped Barcelona secure a domestic double, and the back‑to‑back award marks her as one of the era’s defining talents.
Other Awards, Emerging Stars and Club Honors
The ceremony also celebrated a slew of other categories, highlighting the sport’s depth:
- Men’s Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – a 17‑year‑old who dazzled with his dribbling and goal threat.
- Women’s Kopa Trophy: Vicky Lopez (Barcelona) – praised for her poise and play‑making at a remarkably young age.
- Men’s Coach (Johan Cruyff Trophy): Luis Enrique (PSG) – recognized for turning PSG into a balanced, attacking unit.
- Women’s Coach (Johan Cruyff Trophy): Sarina Wiegman (England) – celebrated for leading England to a major tournament final.
- Men’s Yashin Trophy: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City) – highlighted for crucial saves in the Champions League run.
- Women’s Yashin Trophy: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea) – credited with a series of clean sheets in the Women’s Super League.
- Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) – the season’s top scorer with 31 league goals.
- Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Ewa Pajor (Barcelona) – netting 22 goals to lead the league.
- Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint‑Germain – for a domestic double and deep Champions League run.
- Women’s Club of the Year: Arsenal – after clinching the Women's Super League and reaching the Champions League final.
- Socrates Trophy (Humanitarian): Xana Foundation – honored for its community‑focused programs across Europe.
Beyond the trophies, the night signaled a shift in how the award panel values creativity and technical flair. Dembele’s evolution—from a flash‑in‑the‑pan talent at Rennes to a disciplined, yet dazzling attacker for PSG—mirrored the growing appetite for players who blend speed, skill, and consistent output.
For many fans, the ceremony cemented a new era where youthful exuberance, as shown by Yamal and Lopez, sits comfortably alongside seasoned excellence. The blend of league stars, emerging prodigies, and humanitarian recognitions painted a picture of football that’s as much about impact off the pitch as it is about goals and trophies.
