Ousmane Dembélé wins Ballon d'Or 2025; Record achievement for Aitana Bonmati

PARIS: Paris Saint Germain star Ousmane Dembele has won the Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual award in football. The award is for his outstanding performance as a member of the PSG team that lifted the Champions League trophy last season. The 28-year-old Dembele beat Barcelona and Spain teenager Lamine Yamal to win the award at a ceremony in Paris. Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d'Or for the best women's player.

'I really don’t have the words to express my gratitude. It was an incredible season with PSG. Although it is an individual trophy, this success is the result of a team’s role. The Ballon d'Or was not my goal, but the team worked hard to win the Champions League,' said Dembele after receiving the award.

Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati has won the Women's Ballon d'Or for the third consecutive year. Bonmati beat Arsenal star and Spain midfielder Mariona Caldentey to the top spot.

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player ever to reach the Ballon d’Or podium. PSG was crowned the best men's club of the year and Arsenal the best women's club of the year.