Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembélé receives the 2025 Men's Ballon d'Or during the 69th Ballon d'Or awards ceremony.
French forward Ousmane Dembele has claimed the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or, entering the ranks of football’s all-time greats. The award was presented by France Football at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday evening.
The Ballon d’Or, inaugurated in 1956, honors the best individual talent in world football. This season marked a collaboration with UEFA for the first time, raising the profile of the iconic award even further.
Ousmane Dembele Makes History on First Nomination
Dembele, 28, won the Ballon d’Or in his debut nomination, a rare achievement in modern football. His victory makes him only the 10th player in history to secure the Ballon d’Or while also winning the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League during their career.
This places him among legends such as Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Kaká, Rivaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Bobby Charlton, Paolo Rossi, Gerd Müller, and Franz Beckenbauer.
Messi and Ronaldo Absent for Second Year
For only the second time in two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature in the 2025 shortlist. Messi, a record eight-time winner, and Ronaldo, a five-time recipient with 18 total nominations, have dominated the award for years.
Dembele’s triumph signals a new era in global football. His combination of speed, skill, and vision has impressed both fans and critics alike.
The Ballon d’Or Legacy
Over its 69-year history, the Ballon d’Or has celebrated football’s finest players from around the globe. The full list of winners highlights the evolution of the sport and its international stars:
- 1956: Stanley Matthews (England, Blackpool)
- 1960s: Luis Suárez, Omar Sivori, Lev Yashin, Denis Law, Eusébio
- 1970s: Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Kevin Keegan
- 1980s: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Michel Platini, Paolo Rossi, Marco van Basten
- 1990s: Roberto Baggio, Hristo Stoichkov, George Weah, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Rivaldo
- 2000s: Luís Figo, Ronaldinho, Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi
- 2010s: Messi, Ronaldo, Luka Modric
- 2020s: Messi, Karim Benzema, Rodri, Ousmane Dembele
This historic list reflects decades of football excellence, with Dembele’s 2025 win highlighting the sport’s new generation of stars.
Dembele’s Unique Achievement
Winning the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League, and the World Cup is a rare feat. Dembele’s name now stands alongside legends like Messi and Zidane. This recognition cements his status as one of the premier talents of his era.
Fans and analysts praised Dembele for his consistent performances at Paris Saint-Germain, as well as his contributions to France’s national team. His combination of tactical intelligence, agility, and finishing ability has set him apart in elite competitions.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Ousmane Dembele joins the exclusive group of footballers whose careers combine club and international success with individual accolades. As football evolves, Dembele’s achievement signals a shift in recognition toward emerging stars capable of shaping the future of the game.
The Ballon d’Or continues to celebrate excellence in football, offering fans a yearly reminder of the sport’s rich history and exciting future. Dembele’s win not only honors his individual brilliance but also inspires young players worldwide to dream big and chase football glory.
