On 22 September 2025, the Ceremony of the Ballon d’Or dazzled Paris with the world’s top football players and managers, all in attendance at the Théâtre du Châtelet. The awards, run by France Football, watched history unfold on its 69th celebration of the game’s greatest award pageant, crowning the best performers of the 2024-25 football season. The men’s awards recognised achievement from August 2024 until July 2025, while the women’s awards were honoured until August 2025.
The ceremony reflected how the global game is changing, from landmark firsts to the next generation of first-time winners, to major and historical moments in women’s football.
This article on 96 APK will explain every aspect of the Ballon d’Or 2025, including the complete list of winners, highlights from the event, and what you need to take away from an unforgettable ceremony.
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Ousmane Dembélé lifted the Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career. His electric performances were central to Paris Saint-Germain’s historic UEFA Champions League win, PSG’s first in the club’s history. His outstanding play all season, combined with dominance of Ligue 1, finally, Dembélé’s creativity, speed, and key contributions earned him the most prestigious individual award.
This award will mark a turning point in Dembélé’s career, taking the story from a player who suffered injuries to a player who has realised his long-held potential on the biggest stage.
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Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona, Spain)
The women’s game continues to revolve around Bonmatí, who has lifted her third consecutive Ballon d’Or. The Spanish playmaker has been crucial in the success of both Barcelona and Spain’s improvement in women’s football.
Bonmatí’s continued excellence in the absolute upper echelon of the women’s game has sparked comparisons against the greatest of all time, and her third straight Ballon d’Or establishes her as an athlete in the pantheon of this generation.
Kopa Trophy Winners: The Future of Football
Men’s Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain): The gifted teenager came away with this award again, reinforcing that this leap of newfound stardom is no accident. Combining flair, maturity, and match-winning ability at such a young age makes him one of the most exciting players on the planet.
Women’s Kopa Trophy: Vicky López (Barcelona, Spain): The first-ever winner of the women’s Kopa Trophy, her technical ability, vision, and leadership are indicative of the future of the women’s game.
Yashin Trophy: The Best Goalkeeper
Men’s Yashin Trophy: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, PSG/Manchester City): An imposing presence in goal, Donnarumma earned this accolade for his outstanding shot-stopping ability in domestic and European competitions.
Women’s Yashin Trophy: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England): An incredible honour to be the first winner of the women’s Yashin Trophy. Hampton’s agility and consistency were central to Chelsea being so dominant.
Gerd Müller Trophy: Top Goal Scorers of the Season
Men’s Gerd Müller trophy: Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden, Sporting CP → Arsenal): Praised for his commendable scoring output across competitions, and his transfer to Arsenal has firmly established him among the finest in Europe.
Women’s Gerd Müller trophy: Ewa Pajor (Poland, Barcelona): In another historic first, Pajor’s prolific finishing for Barcelona earned her this award as the first-ever women’s winner.
Johan Cruyff Trophy: Best Managers
Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy: Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain): Recognised for guiding PSG through an iconic season, including their Champions League victory this season.
Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy: Sarina Wiegman (England): A perennial winner, Wiegman’s achievements with the Lionesses provided her with the opportunity for a second global award.
Club of the Year
Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain: The French side recognised for finally breaking through in Europe and hosting a domestic party all year.
Women’s Club of the Year: Arsenal Women: Their success in continental competitions and squad growth saw them conferred with this honour.
Sócrates Award: Xana Foundation (Spain)
While the accolades are deserving in their own right, the highlight of the night was the Sócrates Award, presented to the Xana Foundation in Spain. The award recognises humanitarian and social efforts, but also demonstrates the ability of football to positively influence and inspire communities, both locally and internationally.
Conclusion
To sum up, the 2025 Ballon d’Or was not only a night of acknowledging talent, but a statement about the future of football, with an abundance of new winners like Dembélé being recognised, Bonmatí continuing her stellar run and two brand new categories established for women’s football, it will surely make its mark as one of the most memorable Ballon d’Or night in modern history.
Football is changing, and the Ballon d’Or is changing with it, declaring that it is not only celebrating this brilliance on the pitch, but also inclusivity, youth and social responsibility.
96 APK has shared every aspect of the Ballon d’Or 2025, including the complete list of winners, unique insights, and highlights from a magical night in Paris.
