Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal was quick to congratulate Ousmane Dembele after seeing the Paris Saint-Germain star beat him to the 2025 Ballon d’Or award. The teenager finished second in the rankings but didn’t go home empty-handed as he won the Kopa Award for a second year running, and his father is confident that it will be a different story next year.
It is the year 2025 and Ousmane Dembele is a Ballon d'Or winner. It's a reality that might require a little getting used to, as the Paris Saint-Germain superstar's path to this point has been far from smooth, but it is a fitting end point nonetheless.
Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele was named the Men's Ballon d'Or winner for the 2024/25 season. The France international was the outright favourite to win the trophy after he led Les Parisiens to a fantastic European quadruple last season, and some fans are praising the winger. However others feel that Barcelona's Lamine Yamal was unfairly snubbed.
The Ballon d'Or. Love it or loathe it, it's the award every footballer in the world dreams of one day winning. And now, after a memorable 2024-25 campaign, the winner of the 2025 Golden Ball has been announced: Ousmane Dembele.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has beaten off competition from Lamine Yamal to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The France international was crowned the best male player in the world at a ceremony in Paris on Monday night after an incredible season where he won the quadruple with Luis Enrique’s side and delivered the club a first ever Champions League title.
Lamine Yamal has been named the world’s best young player for the second year running after landing the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards in Paris. The teen sensation was instrumental in Barcelona's success, winning the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2024-25 season. And he played a starring role in Spain’s triumphant run to glory at last year’s European Championship.
Paris Saint-Germain and France star Ousmane Dembele is heading to the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night in a custom-made tuxedo. The 28-year-old attacker is the red-hot favourite to land the prestigious prize after a stellar season that brought four trophies for his club side but faces competition from Barcelona and Spain teenager Lamine Yamal.
With the Ballon d'Or ceremony just hours away, a former winner has given his verdict on the two frontrunners. He revealed his vote would go to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal for his "unpredictable" style, but concedes that Ousmane Dembele's Champions League triumph with Paris Saint-Germain might "tip the scales" in his favour.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been named “Golden Ball” winner by CIES Football Observatory, with Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe claiming the runner-up spot. There is no place in the top five for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele despite the World Cup-winning France international being favourite to land the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2025.
Barcelona legend Ronaldinho will reportedly give out the 2025 Ballon d'Or in Paris on Monday night as Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal vie for football's most prestigious individual award. Dembele is being tipped as the favourite to win the Golden Ball after playing a key role in Paris Saint-Germain's historic treble success last season.
If the voting process for the Ballon d'Or were truly fair, Lionel Messi would have 14 Golden Balls to his name instead of eight. The Barcelona legend was by far the best footballer in the world between 2008 and 2021, but had to concede defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo five times, and Luka Modric once, as the Real Madrid duo were rewarded for spearheading their team's unprecedented success in the Champions League.
If you thought the days of the Ballon d'Or generating headlines were over after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's era of dominance came to an end, then think again. After one of the most closely-fought races for a number of years, Rodri came out on top in 2024, beating Vinicius Jr into second place as Real Madrid dramatically boycotted the ceremony in Paris in protest at their star player missing out.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been praised for his unique mentality and natural brilliance by former La Masia talent Keita Balde. The ex-Barca winger likened Yamal’s style of play to a carefree kickabout with friends, highlighting the youngster’s spontaneity and joy on the pitch. The 18-year-old is being hailed as one of world football’s best players ahead of the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Barcelona will kick off their Champions League campaign against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Thursday with injuries clouding preparations. Lamine Yamal is ruled out, but coach Hansi Flick is placing his faith in Marcus Rashford to step up. With Frenkie de Jong and Gavi’s fitness also under scrutiny, the Blaugrana enter the competition looking to improve on last season’s heartbreak.