Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has been crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, edging out Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in one of the most anticipated award nights in recent football history. The French forward secured the prestigious accolade after leading PSG to a historic quadruple last season, a campaign that included a dominant 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan.
The triumph represents a landmark achievement for Dembele, whose career has been marked by both brilliance and challenges. His consistency under coach Luis Enrique was pivotal as PSG swept domestic and European competitions, elevating him above Yamal in the voting for the Golden Ball. The award marks the pinnacle of Dembele’s career and a crowning moment for PSG, who had long chased continental success.
Yamal, just 18 years old, did not leave the Paris ceremony empty-handed. The Barcelona prodigy retained the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world’s best young player, for the second year in a row. Despite finishing as runner-up in the Ballon d’Or rankings, the teenager showed maturity beyond his years as he congratulated Dembele with a warm handshake and embrace, earning widespread praise for his humility and sportsmanship.
Yet, the evening was not without drama. Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, made headlines after issuing a bold statement following the results. Speaking to Spanish radio station COPE, he declared: “Next year is ours.” His comment has set the stage for a potential rivalry between Dembele and Yamal in future editions of the Ballon d’Or, with the youngster tipped by many to dominate the award in years to come.
The showdown between the two stars highlights a generational shift in football. Dembele, at 28, is enjoying his prime years and has finally fulfilled the promise that once made him one of the world’s most expensive players. Yamal, meanwhile, is emerging as the face of Barcelona’s new era under Hansi Flick, despite currently being sidelined with injury. His rapid rise has reignited hope at Camp Nou that the Catalans have unearthed another superstar capable of carrying the club’s legacy forward.
Barcelona now face a testing run of fixtures without their young talisman. Flick’s side will travel to Real Oviedo in La Liga on Thursday before clashing with Real Sociedad at the weekend. The absence of Yamal is a significant blow, but the teenager’s continued recognition on the global stage offers encouragement for the Blaugrana faithful.
For PSG, Dembele’s triumph comes just days before they return to Ligue 1 action against Auxerre. With the Ballon d’Or now added to his personal accolades, the Frenchman’s confidence will be soaring as he looks to maintain the form that made him the world’s best player last season.
As the dust settles on the 2025 Ballon d’Or, one thing is clear: football may be entering a new golden era of rivalry. Dembele’s crowning moment has solidified his legacy, but the rise of Lamine Yamal ensures the battle for football’s most coveted individual prize is far from over.
