Key Winners and Milestones in the 69th Ballon d’Or Awards
The 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or awards, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, celebrated the most outstanding achievements in both men’s and women’s football. This year’s ceremony honored players who delivered exceptional performances throughout the season, marking significant milestones for several athletes.
Ousmane Dembélé Claims First Ballon d’Or
Ousmane Dembélé, a key player for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), secured his first Ballon d’Or award. The French forward had an extraordinary season, leading PSG to multiple titles, including the European treble of the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the French Cup. His standout performances in the Champions League were particularly notable, as he scored eight goals and provided six assists in 15 matches. Despite playing primarily as a winger, Dembélé often took on a central role, forming a formidable front three with teammates Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. His ability to link play and create scoring opportunities was instrumental in PSG’s historic victory in Munich.
Dembélé’s triumph came despite recovering from a right hamstring injury sustained during national team duty. His teammates could not attend the ceremony due to a postponed Ligue 1 match against Marseille, which ended in a 1-0 defeat—their first loss of the season.
Aitana Bonmatí Wins Third Consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin
Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona claimed her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, cementing her status as one of the greatest female players of all time. The 27-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role in Barcelona Femení’s domestic success, contributing to a treble in Spanish football. However, she faced setbacks in major finals, losing to Arsenal in the Champions League final and to England on penalties at Euro 2025. Despite these challenges, Bonmatí remained a consistent force in high-stakes moments, showcasing her leadership and skill.
In her acceptance speech, Bonmatí emphasized the importance of inspiring future generations. “We are more than footballers. We are leading by example through all the world. For the new generations coming, I think they can dream about being footballers, not like our generation. They can dream it,” she said.
Recognition for Young Talent and Coaches
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the men’s Kopa Trophy for the second consecutive year, highlighting his emergence as a top talent in world football. The 18-year-old phenom was also nominated for the Ballon d’Or, further solidifying his potential. In the women’s category, Vicky López claimed the Kopa Trophy, completing a Barcelona sweep of the awards.
The women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, awarded to the best coach of the year, went to England’s Sarina Wiegman. Her leadership guided the Lionesses to back-to-back Women’s Euro titles in 2025. Meanwhile, PSG manager Luis Enrique received the men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy after guiding his team to the Champions League and Ligue 1 titles.
Legacy of the Ballon d’Or
Since its inception in 1956, the Ballon d’Or has recognized the finest talents in football. This year’s ceremony highlighted not only individual brilliance but also the growing influence of women’s football and the development of young stars. As the sport continues to evolve, the awards serve as a testament to the dedication, skill, and passion that define the game.
