On September 22, 2025, football fans worldwide held their breath as France Football revealed the winner of the men's Ballon d’Or. After a thrilling season and tight competition, Ousmane Dembélé was awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or for men.
Why Dembélé Won
Dembélé had a season few can forget. He was instrumental in leading Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to multiple trophies, including their first ever UEFA Champions League title. His stats were outstanding: goals, assists, match-winning contributions. Those numbers plus his influence in big games gave him the edge.
The Other Contenders
The main rival turned out to be Lamine Yamal (Barcelona). Many thought Yamal’s creative brilliance and contributions made him a strong candidate. Other names in the mix included Vitinha, Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Cole Palmer, Kylian Mbappé, Nuno Mendes.
Significance of the Win
- It marks a milestone for PSG and for French football.
- It confirms that individual excellence in club and European competition still counts heavily.
- It underlines Dembélé’s resurgence and consistency at the highest level.
Criticism and Debate
Some fans and pundits felt that Yamal might have been more deserving. Others argued that the weight of winning the Champions League tipped the scales. There’s always debate around Ballon d’Or voting — who votes, what criteria matter most (goals, assists, influence, trophies) — and this year was no different.
