Live Coverage of the 2025 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
Stay updated with the latest winners and highlights from the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony taking place at Paris’ Theatre du Chatelet. Follow along as we unveil the champions of football for both men and women, along with special awards and performances throughout the night!
Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí Shine at the 2025 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
Paris, France – The prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony lit up the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday night, celebrating the pinnacle of football excellence. Hosted by CBS Sports’ Kate Scott and legendary player Ruud Gullit, the event showcased a dazzling array of talent, with Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí taking center stage as the evening’s biggest winners.
Dembélé’s Triumph
In a moment electrified by anticipation, Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain was awarded the Men’s Ballon d’Or, marking a career milestone for the French forward. The crowd erupted in cheers as Brazilian icon Ronaldinho announced his name, igniting chants of “Ousmane!” throughout the venue.
Dembélé, who had an exceptional season with 35 goals across all competitions, expressed his gratitude during his acceptance speech. “This is exceptional,” he said, reflecting on his journey and thanking his previous clubs. He becomes the eighth French player to win the award, joining the ranks of legends like Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane.
Bonmatí’s Historic Win
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona made history by claiming her third consecutive Ballon d’Or, a feat only previously achieved by Lionel Messi and Michel Platini. Bonmatí’s victory was particularly poignant, as she highlighted the growth of women’s football and the importance of representation. “We are more than footballers,” she stated, encouraging young girls to dream big in a sport that has historically seen underinvestment.
Other Notable Winners
The ceremony also recognized several other outstanding players and teams:
- Men’s Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
- Women’s Kopa Trophy: Vicky Lopez (Barcelona/Spain)
- Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy: Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy: Sarina Wiegman (England)
- Men’s Yashin Trophy: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City/Italy)
- Women’s Yashin Trophy: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea/England)
- Men’s Gerd Muller Trophy: Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal/Sweden)
- Women’s Gerd Muller Trophy: Ewa Pajor (Barcelona/Poland)
- Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
- Women’s Club of the Year: Arsenal
A Night of Celebration and Reflection
The evening was not without its somber moments, as the hosts paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident earlier this summer. The heartfelt montage served as a reminder of the fragility of life, even amidst the celebration of sporting achievements.
As the night drew to a close, the atmosphere was electric, filled with hope for the future of football. With Dembélé and Bonmatí leading the way, the sport continues to evolve, inspiring the next generation of players and fans alike.
