France international and PSG winger, Ousmane Dembele has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award.
The announcement was made Monday night at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the world’s biggest stars gathered to celebrate the best players of the past year.
Dembele, 28, beat Barcelona and Spain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to the prize and succeeds Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, who won the trophy in 2024.
Also, Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has earned global recognition after being ranked the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards held in Paris.
England and Chelsea shot-stopper, Hannah Hampton, made history on Monday night by claiming the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy, following a standout year in which she played a starring role in the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 triumph and Chelsea’s domestic treble.
Nnadozie, who has steadily built a reputation as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, was named among the top five in the final ranking released by the organisers.
Spain’s Cata Coll finished in third place, while Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger came second, just behind Hampton.
The Super Falcons star, who plays her club football with Paris FC in France, continues to be recognised on the global stage.
She first caught worldwide attention at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where she won Player of the Match in Nigeria’s shock victory over Australia.
For Hampton, the landmark award capped a remarkable season in which she kept 13 clean sheets in the Women’s Super League, shared the Golden Glove, and was instrumental in Chelsea’s domestic success before leading England to European glory.
Ballon d’Or: Nigeria’s Nnadozie ranked fourth-best goalkeeper in the world.
*Aitana Bonmati wins Women’s Ballon d’Or third time in row
Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s Ballon d’Or at an awards ceremony in Paris on Monday, the third consecutive year she has taken the prize.
Bonmati edged out Mariona Caldentey, her teammate in the Spain side beaten on penalties by England in the Women’s Euro 2025 final in July.
*Ballon d’Or : Arsenal’s Gyokeres wins best striker, as Luis Enrique claims best coach of the year
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night brought recognition to some of the biggest names in world football, with Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres and Spain coach Luis Enrique among the headline winners.
Gyökeres, who has enjoyed a stellar year leading Arsenal’s attack, was crowned the Gerd Müller Trophy winner, an award given to the year’s best striker.
His prolific form in front of goal proved decisive in securing the accolade ahead of other top forwards across Europe.
Spain manager Luis Enrique added another feather to his managerial cap by being named Best Coach of the Year.
Enrique collected the Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, while Sarina Wiegmann, England women’s national team coach, was honoured with the women’s equivalent.
In the goalkeeper category, Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Manchester City) took home the Men’s Yashin Trophy, while Hannah Hampton (England, Chelsea) claimed the Women’s Yashin Trophy.
For the best young players, Barcelona talents shone brightest.
Lamine Yamal (Spain) won the Men’s Kopa Trophy, while his club teammate Vicky López (Spain) clinched the Women’s Kopa Trophy.
The Club of the Year awards went to PSG in the men’s category and Arsenal Women on the women’s side, reflecting their dominance across domestic and European competitions.
The glittering ceremony once again highlighted the global spread of talent, with Arsenal, Barcelona, PSG, and the Spanish national team standing out as some of the night’s biggest winners. (vitalnewsngr.com)
