(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Ousmane Dembele, the speedy winger for Paris Saint-Germain and France, grabbed the spotlight at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night. He edged out young Spanish star Lamine Yamal to win the men’s award for the first time in his career. Over at the women’s side, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati made history by scooping up the title for the third straight year.
The Chatelet Theatre buzzed with energy as Brazilian icon Ronaldinho stepped up to announce the men’s winner. Fans chanted Dembele’s name, with a few cheers for Yamal adding to the tension. When Dembele’s name rang out, the crowd erupted. The PSG forward, known for his dazzling attacks, had to hush the cheers just to deliver his speech. He racked up 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 games last season, lighting up the pitch for his club. Kissing the golden ball trophy, Dembele got emotional, especially when he thanked his mom, who sat in the audience.
Bonmati’s win cements her as a force in women’s football. She shone brightly for Barcelona this season, pushing them to the Champions League final and helping Spain reach the Euros final—though both ended in tough losses. Now, she’s the first woman to claim three Ballon d’Or awards in a row, joining legends like Lionel Messi and Michel Platini in that elite club.
In other youth honors, Yamal held onto the Kopa Trophy for the best young player, marking his second win in a row. The Barcelona teen played a key role in their La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana triumphs, scoring 21 goals and adding 26 assists across 55 matches. “First, thanks to France Football for this award—it’s an honor to be here again,” Yamal said. “I also want to thank Barcelona and the Spanish national team; without them, I wouldn’t be standing here.”
PSG’s Luis Enrique picked up the men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy as the top coach, thanks to guiding the team to a historic treble, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League title with a 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in the final. He skipped the event to coach against rivals Marseille that night.
Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma took home the men’s Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper. His stellar saves helped PSG snag that Champions League win before he switched to Manchester City in the summer transfer window, where he’s already impressing with big stops.
Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, a Swedish striker who moved from Sporting CP, won the Gerd Muller Trophy for top scorer. He fired in 54 goals over 52 games last season, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.
DJ Snake, a huge PSG supporter, and ex-player Javier Pastore handed the men’s Club of the Year award to Paris Saint-Germain. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi accepted it amid a trophy-packed season—though PSG did drop a 1-0 loss to Marseille on the same evening.
Shifting to women’s awards, Barcelona’s Vicky Lopez beat out Michelle Agyemang for the Kopa Trophy, giving Barca a clean sweep in the youth categories. England women’s coach Sarina Wiegman earned the women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy after leading her team to back-to-back European Championship titles, beating Spain in this year’s final. “What an honor to get this award,” Wiegman said. “After a very special summer and an insane tournament, I first want to thank the players, staff, FA, and my family for their hard work, trust, and support.” She added, “The women’s game has grown so much and broken records. This isn’t just personal—it’s recognition for women’s football. With growth comes responsibility; we must keep our identity and fight misogyny together. Football should unite us, never divide.”
Chelsea and England’s Hannah Hampton claimed the women’s Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, playing a huge part in England’s Euros success. Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor, who joined from Wolfsburg, won the women’s Gerd Muller Trophy with 43 goals in 45 games during her debut season. Finally, Arsenal Women took the Club of the Year honor after outsmarting Barcelona to win the Champions League.
Here’s how the final Ballon d’Or rankings shook out for the men: 1. Ousmane Dembele, 2. Lamine Yamal, 3. Vitinha, 4. Mohamed Salah, 5. Raphinha, 6. Achraf Hakimi, 7. Kylian Mbappe, 8. Cole Palmer, 9. Gianluigi Donnarumma, 10. Nuno Mendes.
For the women: 1. Aitana Bonmati, 2. Mariona Caldentey, 3. Alessia Russo, 4. Alexia Putellas, 5. Chloe Kelly, 6. Patricia Guijarro, 7. Leah Williamson, 8. Ewa Pajor, 9. Lucy Bronze, 10. Hannah Hampton.
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