The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony, held in Paris on September 22nd, delivered unexpected twists, historic milestones, and a new champion at the top of world football. This year’s rankings highlighted the rise of young stars, the dominance of Paris Saint-Germain, and the remarkable comeback story of a player once written off.
1. Ousmane Dembélé Wins His First Ballon d’Or
Once plagued by injuries and inconsistency, Dembélé silenced critics with a stunning 2024–25 season. Leading PSG to a Champions League title, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists, he finally fulfilled his massive potential. This victory marks the first Ballon d'Or of his career—a story of redemption and resilience.
2. Lamine Yamal Makes History at 18
Barcelona’s young prodigy, Lamine Yamal, stunned the footballing world by finishing second in the voting—the youngest player ever to place this high. He also took home the Kopa Trophy as the best U21 player globally, proving that a new generation of talent is ready to lead.
3. Vitinha Powers PSG’s Midfield
Vitinha was the quiet engine behind PSG’s treble-winning season. With elite control in midfield, excellent positioning, and playmaking ability, he contributed 12 goals and 18 assists across all competitions. Often overshadowed by flashier teammates, his consistency and intelligence earned him a deserved third-place finish.
4. Mohamed Salah Still Among the Elite
Even without major silverware, Mohamed Salah showed once again why he belongs among the world’s best. With 31 goals and 11 assists, he led Liverpool’s attack with trademark efficiency. At 33, he remains one of the most reliable and dangerous forwards in world football.
5. Raphinha Shines in Career-Best Season
Raphinha stepped out of the shadows and delivered a career-high season for Barcelona. With 24 goals and 15 assists, he was vital in their domestic push and provided consistent output on the right wing. His aggressive style and tireless work rate made him a standout performer.
Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance, placing five players in the top 10, underscored their evolution into a European powerhouse, while Barcelona showed that their next golden generation is already here. More than just awards, this year’s rankings told stories of redemption, emergence, and transition. Whether it was Dembélé’s long-awaited triumph, Yamal’s historic rise, or the quiet excellence of players like Donnarumma and Mendes, the 2025 Ballon d’Or reminded us why football remains the world’s most unpredictable and compelling sport. With so much young talent already competing at the highest level, the future of the game looks brighter than ever.