Ousmane Dembele has been crowned the winner of the Ballon d’Or after leading Paris Saint-Germain to Champions League glory last season. The 28-year-old France forward beat Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal to the top prize at the Paris ceremony, receiving football’s most illustrious individual honour from Ronaldinho to loud cheers and applause at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, and was emotional during his speech as he broke down into tears thanking his mum - who joined him on stage.
Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third year in a row, beating Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo to the top prize. Even though Spain lost out to England in the Euro 2025 final and Barcelona were beaten by Arsenal in the Champions League final, Bonmati’s quality shone through and the 27-year-old was named the best player at the Euros and in the Champions League last season. Bonmati is the first player to win the award three times since it was created in 2018.
Sarina Wiegman picked up the women’s Johan Cruyff trophy after leading England to their second consecutive Euros title, and her third in a row, while there was more success for the Lionesses as Hannah Hampton received the inaugural Yashin trophy for best women’s goalkeeper. Although missing out on the top prize, Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for best young player for the second year in row. PSG and Arsenal were named men’s and women’s clubs of the year, respectively.
Follow all the latest updates from the Ballon d’Or ceremony and find the winners of all the awards with our live blog below:
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Ballon d’Or Awards
- Ousmane Dembele wins Ballon d'Or ahead of Lamine Yamal
- Liverpool's Mohamed Salah fourth as top-10 revealed
- Aitana Bonmati win women's Ballon d'Or for third straight year
- Alessia Russo third as Lionesses miss out on women's Ballon d'Or
- Lamine Yamal wins Kopa Trophy for second year running
- Sarina Wiegman and Luis Enrique win Johan Cruyff trophy
- Hannah Hampton and Gianluigi Donnarumma win Yashin trophy
- Viktor Gyokeres and Ewa Pajor win Gerd Muller trophy
- PSG and Arsenal win Club of the Year after Champions League wins
- Full list of tonight's winners
Neymar hits out at Ballon d’Or results after Raphinha decision: ‘Too much of a joke’
12:00
,
Mike Jones
Neymar has criticised the final ranking of the men’s Ballon d’Or and described Raphinha’s fifth-place finish as a “joke” after the Brazilian’s record-breaking Champions League campaign.
Ousmane Dembele won the Ballon d’Or for the first time after leading Paris Saint-Germain to glory in the Champions League.
Ewa Pajor and Viktor Gyokeres win Gerd Müller Trophy
11:40
,
Mike Jones
Viktor Gyokeres thanks France Football, his former club Sporting for the “incredible memories created together”. He says it’s an “amazing feeling” to be standing on stage, “it’s a great recognition and an honour”, and he thanks his family.
“Now I start a new stage in my career at Arsenal, let’s create some special memories there together as well.”
Ewa Pajor and Viktor Gyokeres win Gerd Müller Trophy
11:20
,
Mike Jones
Pajor said when she was a little girl growing up in Poland she could never have imagined being at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
“This trophy belongs to our team, every day playing with you makes me a better player and it’s a privilege to be part of this amazing club,” she says of her Barcelona teammates.
She seems a little lost for words; “it’s not easy,” she jokes. She thanks her manager and her family for their support.
“I am proud to be part of women’s football, how we are growing, how we inspire little girls who can watch us in big stadiums, on the television, and have a better opportunity to develop,” she finishes.
Why the Ballon d’Or got it wrong
11:00
,
Miguel Delaney
So now we fully transition from the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era, to a modern equivalent of Florian Albert or Allan Simonsen.
That isn’t to be disrespectful to two genuine greats, or the 47th different Ballon d’Or winner in Ousmane Dembele. He, like them, at least has a good argument to claim the award.
It’s just that, also like them, it doesn’t feel one of those victories that is going to be overly celebrated from the vantage point of history. There’s an element of trying to force present performances to fit something grander, to amplify it into something that fits.
Emotional Ousmane Dembele breaks into tears thanking mum after winning Ballon d’Or
10:45
,
Mike Jones
An emotional Ousmane Dembele broke into tears as he thanked his mum for supporting his career after winning the men’s Ballon d’Or in Paris.
Dembele received football’s most illustrious individual honour after leading Paris Saint-Germain to Champions League glory last season. The 28-year-old forward beat Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal to the top prize.
Final Ballon d'Or rankings
10:30
,
Mike Jones
- Ousmane Dembele
- Lamine Yamal
- Vitinha
- Mohamed Salah
- Raphinha
- Achraf Hakimi
- Kylian Mbappe
- Cole Palmer
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Nuno Mendes
Full list of Ballon d'Or winners
10:15
,
Mike Jones
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Ousmane Dembele
Women's Ballon d'Or: Aitana Bonmatí
Socrates Award: Xana Foundation
Men's Club of the Year: Paris St-Germain
Women's Club of the Year: Arsenal
Gerd Müller Trophies - Ewa Pajor and Viktor Gyokeres
Men's Yashin Trophy - Gianluigi Donnarumma
Women's Yahsin Trophy - Hannah Hampton
Men's Johan Cruyff Trophy - Luis Enrique
Women's Johan Cruyff Trophy - Sarina Wiegman
Men's Kopa Trophy - Lamine Yamal
Women's Kopa Trophy - Vicky Lopez
Fabio Capello makes embarrassing gaffe when presenting Sarina Wiegman award at Ballon d’Or
10:00
,
Mike Jones
Former England manager Fabio Capello mispronounced Sarina Wiegman’s name when awarding the Lionesses boss the Johan Cruyff trophy for best women’s coach at the Ballon d’Or awards.
As he read out the winner of the award, Capello announced the Dutch coach’s name as ‘Sabrina Wiegman’ before the Lionesses manager came onto the stage to accept the trophy at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Luis Enrique: 'The players accomplished an incredible year'
09:45
,
Mike Jones
PSG manager Luis Enrique had this to say when he accepted the Johan Cruyff Trophy. “It is time for me to thank so many people. First of all I would like to thank my family. It is a special award for them too. Then I would like to thank everyone from Paris St-Germain, everyone makes this club what it is. And of course the players, because they accomplished an incredible year.
“I would like to thank two very special people. First president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who always looks after the team, and also Luis Campos, we have always shared a special relationship.”
Lionesses miss out on top prize
09:30
,
Mike Jones
With Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton, five of Lionesses made the top 10, but old foes Spain won the top prize and finished runner-up.
The best-placed of the Lionesses was Russo, who only managed third despite winning Euro 2025, the Champions League with Arsenal and being the top goalscorer in the WSL.
Women's Ballon d'Or top 10
09:15
,
Mike Jones
Here’s how the women’s Ballon d’Or nominees were ranked:
- Aitana Bonmati
- Mariona Caldentey
- Alessia Russo
- Alexia Putellas
- Chloe Kelly
- Patri Guijarro
- Leah Williamson
- Ewa Pajor
- Lucy Bronze
- Hannah Hampton
Aitana Bonmati: 'If it was possible to share it, I would'
09:00
,
Mike Jones
Here’s a translation of Aitana Bonmati’s speech in Spanish: “My third time in a row here, and I still can't believe it. Incredible. Thank you to France Football for this, for the third time, it really could have gone to anyone. If it was possible to share it, I would, because I think it has been a year with an exceptionally high level, above all among my teammates, who had a great year.
“Also to receive it from the hands of Andres Iniesta, one of my idols since I was little, alongside Xavi. I learned my football from them, to this day I thank them for all that they have taught me. Thank you to them for everything that they have done in football.
“Also thank you to the organisation, for improving things year on year. This year we have the same awards as the men, which I welcome, that is what we have worked towards for a long time.
“To my club Barcelona, the president, the board, the staff and my teammates. For awards like this, we don't achieve them alone. It's thanks to the collective work of the team. I owe Barcelona everything, this is the club of my life. I hope to represent this badge for many more years.”
Aitana Bonmati makes history with Ballon d’Or triumph
08:50
,
Jamie Braidwood
Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati has won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third year in a row, beating Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo to the top prize.
Even though Spain lost out to England in the Euro 2025 final and Barcelona were beaten by Arsenal in the Champions League final, Bonmati’s quality shone through and the 27-year-old was named the best player at the Euros and in the Champions League last season.
Arsenal win Women's Club of the Year
08:40
,
Mike Jones
Renee Slegers was joined by her players onstage when the club were presented with the best women’s team of the year award.
The Arsenal manager said it was a real honour to win.
“I’m proud to stand here representing a club who has pioneered women’s football for 38 years,” she explained.
“Community is what we’re building around Arsenal Women.”
She also thanked the board and club directors, and “our wonderful supporters, who are an integral part of who we are as a club, driving us to sold-out crowds at Emirates Stadium”.
“Thank you all for this award, invest in women, invest in women’s sport. When we do that all of us benefit,” she concluded.
More from Wiegman on Coach of the Year award
08:30
,
Mike Jones
"This award means even more because it is named after Johan Cruyff,” the England boss said.
“He believed in the power of sport and believed in every kid having the opportunity to play, to grow and to belong, and that is why I feel so connected with him.
"I would like to say let's keep moving forward, keep uniting our beautiful game and enjoying our beautiful game too. Let's celebrate our successes too. And if Burna Boy's around, let's do some dancing too."
Three in a row for Bonmati
08:20
,
Mike Jones
Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the third year in a row becoming the first ever female footballer to achieve the feat.
“It’s incredible this feeling. I never thought when I was a kid that I could achieve this because I didn’t think women’s football can exist,” Bonmati said.
“I had idols like Andres Iniesta and Xavi and when I was a kid I only saw them on TV. It’s incredible to be here and make history.
“But all of these trophies are because of collective work. We had a difficult season because we won some trophies, but we also lost some to amazing footballers.”
Sarina Wiegman reacts to Johan Cruyff award
08:10
,
Mike Jones
England manager Sarina Wiegman won the best women’s coach award at this year’s Ballon d’Or after orchestrating a European Championship title defence with the Lionesses.
“What an honour to get this award after an insane summer,” Wiegman said at the ceremony in Paris.
“I would like to thank the players, the staff, the FA and my family for the hard work, trust and unconditional support I got from them. Without you I would not be standing here.
“The women’s game has grown so far, we have broken records. I would also like to thank Switzerland for organising the Euros because it was absolutely insane.
“This is not just a personal honour. I see it as a recognition of the women’s game and of our journey because we have come so far.”
Dembele thanks fans for supporting him
08:00
,
Mike Jones
The newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner praised his fans and supporters on X following his win.
He posted and picture of himself with the trophy and captioned it: “A lot of joy, pride, and emotion. A dream come true.
“Thank you to everyone who has always supported me throughout this journey.”
Beaucoup de joie, de fierté et d’émotion. Un rêve devenu réalité. Merci à tous ceux qui m’ont toujours soutenu tout au long de ce parcours. #ballondor pic.twitter.com/dLTgZXqa6d
— Ousmane Dembélé (@dembouz) September 23, 2025
Why the Ballon d’Or got it wrong
07:30
,
Flo Clifford
“So now we fully transition from the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era, to a modern equivalent of Florian Albert or Allan Simonsen.
“That isn’t to be disrespectful to two genuine greats, or the 47th different Ballon d’Or winner in Ousmane Dembele. He, like them, at least has a good argument to claim the award.
“It’s just that, also like them, it doesn’t feel one of those victories that is going to be overly celebrated from the vantage point of history. There’s an element of trying to force present performances to fit something grander, to amplify it into something that fits.”
More from Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney here:
Lionesses miss out on top prize
07:00
,
Flo Clifford
- Aitana Bonmati - Barcelona, Spain
- Mariona Caldentey - Arsenal, Spain
- Alessia Russo - Arsenal, England
- Alexia Putellas - Barcelona, Spain
- Chloe Kelly - Man City/Arsenal, England
- Patri Guijarro - Barcelona, Spain
- Leah Williamson - Arsenal, England
- Ewa Pajor - Barcelona, Poland
- Lucy Bronze - Chelsea, England
- Hannah Hampton - Chelsea, England
Five Lionesses made the top 10, but old foes Spain won the top prize and finished runner-up.
The best-placed of the Lionesses was Alessia Russo, who only managed third despite winning Euro 2025 and the Champions League with Arsenal.
Hannah Hampton pays tribute to ‘trailblazer’ Matt Beard at Ballon d’Or awards
06:30
,
Flo Clifford
Hannah Hampton paid tribute to former Liverpool manager Matt Beard after she won the inaugural Yashin Trophy award for best women’s goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Hampton saved two penalties in England’s Euro 2025 final triumph against Spain and was outstanding between the posts as the Lionesses defended their European crown in Switzerland.
The 24-year-old received the award from former England International Mary Earps, who was previously denied the chance to win the Yashin Trophy because there was not a prize for women.
Fabio Capello makes embarrassing gaffe when presenting Sarina Wiegman award at Ballon d’Or
06:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Former England manager Fabio Capello mispronounced Sarina Wiegman’s name when awarding the Lionesses boss the Johan Cruyff trophy for best women’s coach at the Ballon d’Or awards.
As he read out the winner of the award, Capello announced the Dutch coach’s name as ‘Sabrina Wiegman’ before the Lionesses manager came onto the stage to accept the trophy at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Wiegman led England to a second consecutive Euros title in Switzerland this summer, as well as her third Euros title in a row as coach, as the Lionesses defeated Spain on penalties.
Luis Enrique: 'The players accomplished an incredible year'
05:00
,
Flo Clifford
PSG manager Luis Enrique had this to say when he accepted the Johan Cruyff Trophy. “It is time for me to thank so many people. First of all I would like to thank my family. It is a special award for them too. Then I would like to thank everyone from Paris St-Germain, everyone makes this club what it is. And of course the players, because they accomplished an incredible year.
“I would like to thank two very special people. First president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who always looks after the team, and also Luis Campos, we have always shared a special relationship.”
Full list of Ballon d'Or winners
04:00
,
Flo Clifford
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Ousmane Dembele
Women's Ballon d'Or: Aitana Bonmatí
Socrates Award: Xana Foundation
Men's Club of the Year: Paris St-Germain
Women's Club of the Year: Arsenal
Gerd Müller Trophies - Ewa Pajor and Viktor Gyokeres
Men's Yashin Trophy - Gianluigi Donnarumma
Women's Yahsin Trophy - Hannah Hampton
Men's Johan Cruyff Trophy - Luis Enrique
Women's Johan Cruyff Trophy - Sarina Wiegman
Men's Kopa Trophy - Lamine Yamal
Women's Kopa Trophy - Vicky Lopez
Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmati win Ballon d'Or
03:00
,
Flo Clifford
28-year-old Dembele had quite the season, racking up 37 goals and 15 assists in 60 appearances, and winning the Champions League, Ligue Un, French Cup and French Super Cup.
While Bonmati reached the Euros and Champions League finals with Spain and Barcelona, losing both, but won the Liga F title, the Copa de la Reina, and Spanish Super Cup, notching 20 goals and 16 assists in 58 matches.
Hannah Hampton: 'I stand on the shoulders of so many great goalkeepers'
02:00
,
Flo Clifford
And Hannah Hampton’s full speech as winner of the Yashin Trophy. “Firstly I would like to say a massive thank you to France Football for this award. I don't think it's an achievement for me but for women's goalkeeping, that the award is finally now taking part.
“I stand on the shoulders of so many great goalkeepers of the past. Sitting alongside my fellow nominees, I'm proud to be a part of such an incredible group and inspiring future generations of goalkeepers coming through and training so hard.
“I'd like to thank my family, my brother who is here tonight, for the sacrifices that you made when I was growing up, driving me around everywhere so that I could fulfil my dream and be here tonight.
“To all the coaches, there's so many, from Frosty at Stoke, to all the coaches at Birmingham, all those at Villa, at Chelsea with Emma and Strew bringing me in, and now with Seb, Dan and Sonia having to put up with me on a daily basis. To Sarina and Dan for having the faith in me over the summer, with the success we've had. To the fans, your support does not go unnoticed and it truly means a lot.
“Finally, to Grandpa. I love and miss you everyday. I hope I made you proud. We did it.”
Renee Slegers: 'Invest in women, invest in women's sport'
01:00
,
Flo Clifford
Here’s Renee Slegers’ full speech as Arsenal won the award for Best Women’s Club.
“Wow. Thank you so much. It's a true honour for Arsenal to be recognised as Women's club of the year and we are so pleased to be here tonight to accept this award on behalf of everyone connected to our club.
“I'm proud to stand here representing this club that has pioneered women's football for 38 years, since 1987, when we were founded as part of Arsenal Community. It's fitting that we are being celebrated here tonight as community is what we are building at Arsenal women.
“I'd like to thank our owners, Stan and Josh [Kroenke], the board, Claire [Wheatley] and everyone across the club that strives every day to give us the best possible conditions to make it possible to do what we want to.
“Finally I can't stand here and not reference our wonderful supporters, who are, and have always been, such an integral part of who we are as a club. Driving us to play in front of sold out crowds at Emirates stadium. We truly could not achieve any of this without you all.
“Invest in women. Invest in women's sport. When we do that, all of us benefit.”
Hannah Hampton pays tribute to Matt Beard
Tuesday 23 September 2025 00:30
,
Flo Clifford
Yashin Trophy winner Hannah Hampton paid a beautiful tribute to Matt Beard, the former Liverpool manager who died this weekend aged 47.
“The women's game sadly on Saturday lost a real trailblazer, Matt Beard,” she said. “Matt was someone who cared an awful lotfor the women's game when no one else did. He lit up the room when everyone was in it. And this is just a message to show that not everyone should have to go through these dark moments alone. Sometimes the brightest smiles in the room hide the heaviest pain. He'll be greatly missed.”
Aitana Bonmati makes history with Ballon d’Or triumph
Monday 22 September 2025 23:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati has won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third year in a row, beating Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo to the top prize.
Even though Spain lost out to England in the Euro 2025 final and Barcelona were beaten by Arsenal in the Champions League final, Bonmati’s quality shone through and the 27-year-old was named the best player at the Euros and in the Champions League last season.
The midfielder keeps the women’s Ballon d’Or at Barcelona for the fifth year in a row, following two wins for Alexia Putellas and now a third consecutive triumph. Bonmati is the first player to win the award three times since it was created in 2018.
Emotional Ousmane Dembele breaks into tears thanking mum after winning Ballon d’Or
Monday 22 September 2025 23:40
,
Jamie Braidwood
An emotional Ousmane Dembele broke into tears as he thanked his mum for supporting his career after winning the men’s Ballon d’Or in Paris.
Dembele received football’s most illustrious individual honour after leading Paris Saint-Germain to Champions League glory last season. The 28-year-old forward beat Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal to the top prize.
Dembele used to be known as a promising but inconsistent young talent who struggled after a big-money move to Barcelona in 2017. But he was transformed after arriving at PSG in 2023, with manager Luis Enrique helping to turn him into a complete forward who offered defensive work as well as goals.
Why the Ballon d’Or got it wrong
Monday 22 September 2025 23:25
,
Miguel Delaney
So now we fully transition from the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era, to a modern equivalent of Florian Albert or Allan Simonsen.
That isn’t to be disrespectful to two genuine greats, or the 47th different Ballon d’Or winner in Ousmane Dembele. He, like them, at least has a good argument to claim the award.
It’s just that, also like them, it doesn’t feel one of those victories that is going to be overly celebrated from the vantage point of history. There’s an element of trying to force present performances to fit something grander, to amplify it into something that fits.
More from Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney here:
Sarina Wiegman: 'Let's keep uniting our beautiful game'
Monday 22 September 2025 23:10
,
Flo Clifford
Sarina Wiegman, accepting her award for best women’s team coach, had some lovely words to say about the man the award is in honour of.
The England manager said: “This award means even more because it is named after Johan Cruyff. He believed in the power of sport and believed in every kid having the opportunity to play, to grow and to belong, and that is why I feel so connected with him.
“I would like to say let's keep moving forward, keep uniting our beautiful game and enjoying our beautiful game too. Let's celebrate our successes too. And if Burna Boy's around, let's do some dancing too.”
The Dutchwoman was memorably surprised by her favourite artist Burna Boy during the Lionesses’ victory celebration in London after winning the Euros this summer.
Aitana Bonmati: 'If it was possible to share it, I would'
Monday 22 September 2025 22:50
,
Flo Clifford
Here’s a translation of Aitana Bonmati’s speech in Spanish: “My third time in a row here, and I still can't believe it. Incredible. Thank you to France Football for this, for the third time, it really could have gone to anyone. If it was possible to share it, I would, because I think it has been a year with an exceptionally high level, above all among my teammates, who had a great year.
“Also to receive it from the hands of Andres Iniesta, one of my idols since I was little, alongside Xavi. I learned my football from them, to this day I thank them for all that they have taught me. Thank you to them for everything that they have done in football.
“Also thank you to the organisation, for improving things year on year. This year we have the same awards as the men, which I welcome, that is what we have worked towards for a long time.
“To my club Barcelona, the president, the board, the staff and my teammates. For awards like this, we don't achieve them alone. It's thanks to the collective work of the team. I owe Barcelona everything, this is the club of my life. I hope to represent this badge for many more years.”
Paris celebrates Ousmane Dembele's Ballon d'Or
Monday 22 September 2025 22:40
,
Flo Clifford
Ousmane Dembélé is the 2025 Men's Ballon d'Or... and the Parisians celebrate it! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/kDVbWgI7p3
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025
Final Ballon d'Or rankings
Monday 22 September 2025 22:30
,
Flo Clifford
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
Final Women's Ballon d'Or rankings
Monday 22 September 2025 22:20
,
Flo Clifford
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
Full list of tonight's winners
Monday 22 September 2025 22:15
,
Flo Clifford
Ousmane Dembele - Ballon d'Or
Aitana Bonmati - Ballon d'Or Feminin
Lamine Yamal - Kopa Trophy
Vicky Lopez - Women's Kopa Trophy
Gianluigi Donnarumma - Yashin Trophy
Hannah Hampton - Women's Yashin Trophy
Viktor Gyokeres - Gerd Muller Trophy
Ewa Pajor - Women's Gerd Muller Trophy
PSG - Club of the year
Arsenal - Women's Club of the Year
Luis Enrique - Men's Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman - Women's Coach of the Year
Fundacion Xana - Socrates Award
Paris crowd celebrates Dembele's win
Monday 22 September 2025 22:09
,
Flo Clifford
The camera pans to the now-sodden red carpet outside, as the heavens have opened while the ceremony has been going on.
Not that that’s dampened the enthusiasm of those gathered outside, who are singing Dembele’s chant at full voice.