Emotions ran high at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris as France’s Ousmane Dembele and Spain’s Aitana Bonmati claimed the top honors in men’s and women’s football, respectively. Dembele, 28, was recognized for his pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s triumphant Champions League campaign, while Bonmati made history by securing her third consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Dembele’s victory marks a significant achievement in his career, succeeding Manchester City’s Rodri, who took home the award in 2024. The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona winger was instrumental in PSG’s historic season, scoring 35 goals across all competitions, and helping the club achieve a French league and cup double alongside their first-ever Champions League title.
Dembele’s Emotional Triumph
In an emotional acceptance speech, Dembele expressed his gratitude towards his teammates and coach Luis Enrique, whom he described as “like a father.” Despite the individual nature of the award, Dembele emphasized the collective effort behind PSG’s success. “The Ballon d’Or has not really been an objective for me in my career, but I worked hard for the team to win the Champions League,” he stated.
Dembele’s journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and dedication. Having been part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad, his career has been a testament to his skill and resilience. His victory at the Ballon d’Or ceremony is a culmination of years of hard work and determination.
Bonmati’s Historic Achievement
Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmati’s win in the Women’s Ballon d’Or category further cements her legacy in women’s football. The Barcelona and Spain midfielder edged out her national teammate Mariona Caldentey, who played a crucial role in Spain’s journey to the Women’s Euro 2025 final, where they were narrowly defeated by England.
Bonmati’s achievement is particularly remarkable given her challenges last season, including a bout of viral meningitis that saw her miss the start of the Euros. Despite these setbacks, she was named player of the tournament, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination.
Bonmati is the first woman to win the Women’s Ballon d’Or three times, joining the ranks of Norway’s Ada Hegerberg and USA’s Megan Rapinoe as previous winners since the award’s inception in 2018.
The Significance of the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or remains the most prestigious individual accolade in football, symbolizing excellence and achievement on the global stage. For Dembele and Bonmati, these awards not only honor their individual brilliance but also highlight the evolving landscape of football, where talent and hard work are recognized and celebrated.
Bonmati’s three consecutive wins follow the back-to-back victories of her Barcelona and Spain teammate Alexia Putellas, showcasing the strength and depth of Spanish women’s football. Her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers worldwide, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can lead to unparalleled success.
Looking Ahead
As the football world celebrates these remarkable achievements, both Dembele and Bonmati are poised to continue their impressive careers. For Dembele, the challenge will be to maintain his high level of performance and help PSG achieve further success. Bonmati, on the other hand, will aim to build on her legacy and lead her teams to more victories in the future.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony not only celebrated individual excellence but also underscored the importance of teamwork and resilience in achieving greatness. As the football season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these two outstanding players continue to shape the future of the sport.
