Ousmane Dembélé claimed the 2025 Ballon d’Or ahead of Lamine Yamal thanks to a season of relentless brilliance, record-breaking performances, and decisive moments in Europe’s biggest games.
The 69th edition of the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, held in Paris on September 22, 2025, celebrated football’s brightest talents. Paris Saint Germain (PSG) star Ousmane Dembélé stole the spotlight, outperforming global stars such as Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé to claim the coveted award.
In this article, we highlight the key reasons behind Yamal’s historic triumph, exploring the standout performances, career milestones, and defining moments that set him apart from his closest rival, Ousmane Dembélé.
A Career-Defining Season
Ousmane Dembélé entered the 2024–25 campaign with high expectations and exceeded them at every turn.
Combining lightning pace with precise finishing, he delivered the most productive season of his career, leading his club in goals and assists while guiding them deep into domestic and European competitions.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was named the winner of the 2025 men’s Ballon d’Or due to the French club’s domestic and European supremacy.
The club enjoyed a fantastic season, culminating in a stunning run to Champions League victory and four (4) notable trophies which deservedly earned him this year’s award.
Consistency From Start to Finish
Ballon d’Or voters reward players who shine all year, and Dembélé was unstoppable from the opening whistle of the season to its final match. He maintained elite fitness levels, avoided injury setbacks, and delivered match-winning performances week after week, earning Player of the Month honors multiple times.
Decisive Performances in Big Matches
Whether it was a critical league clash, a tense Champions League knockout tie, or a dramatic cup final, Dembélé consistently rose to the occasion. His explosive dribbles and clinical strikes turned tight games in his team’s favor, proving he could dominate on the grandest stages.
Rankings That Told the Story
Statistically, Dembélé outpaced nearly every rival across Europe. He topped charts for combined goals and assists, led his team to silverware, and posted career-best numbers in key offensive metrics. These achievements resonated with Ballon d’Or voters, ultimately giving him the edge over the talented Lamine Yamal.
Career Highlights So Far
- First Ballon d’Or Win: Crowned the world’s best footballer for 2025.
- Domestic and European Glory: Instrumental in securing both league and continental titles.
- Global Recognition: A central figure for his national team, shining in major international fixtures.
Below is the full list of players who appeared on the 2025 Ballon d’Or ranking:
1 — Ousmane Dembele
2 — Lamine Yamal
3 — Vitinha
4 — Mohamed Salah
5 — Raphina
6 — Achraf Hakimi
7 — Mbappe
8 — Cole Palmer
9 — Gianluigi Donnarumma
10 — Nuno Mendes
11 — Pedri
12 — Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
13 — Harry Kane
14 — Desire Doué
15 — Viktor Gyökeres
16 — Vinicius Jr.
17 — Robert Lewandowski
18 — Scott McTominay
19 — João Neves
20 — Lautaro Martínez
21 —
22 —
23 — Jude Bellingham
24 — Fabian Ruiz
25 — Denzel Dumfries
26 — Erling Haaland
27 — Declan Rice
28 — Virgil van Dijk
29 — Florian Wirtz
30 — Michael Olise
