French International Ousmane Dembélé Crowned Ballon d’Or Winner

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

French forward Ousmane Dembélé has been officially named the winner of the 2024–25 Ballon d’Or, becoming the sixth Frenchman in history to claim football’s most prestigious individual prize.

The 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star follows in the footsteps of Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini (three-time winner), Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema. He also becomes only the second PSG player to lift the accolade, after Lionel Messi.

In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona scooped the Ballon d’Or Féminin, further cementing her status as one of the standout figures in world football.

*Other Major Award Winners*

Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player):

Men’s: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Women’s: Vicky López (Barcelona)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper):

Men’s: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s: Hanna Hampton (Chelsea)

Gerd Müller Trophy (Top Scorer):

Men’s: Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)

Women’s: Ewa Pajor (Wolfsburg)

Johan Cruyff Trophy (Best Coach):

Men’s: Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s: Sarina Wiegman (England)

Club of the Year:

Men’s: Paris Saint-Germain

Women’s: Arsenal

Socrates Trophy (Social Impact):

Xana Foundation

*French Football Legacy*

Dembélé’s triumph represents a milestone in French football, reinforcing the nation’s rich history of Ballon d’Or winners. His dazzling form and pivotal performances for PSG this season earned him recognition ahead of global superstars.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain celebrated a memorable night, with Donnarumma, Luis Enrique and the club itself also honoured, underscoring the French champions’ dominance both domestically and in Europe.

For women’s football, Bonmatí, Hampton, López, Pajor and Wiegman highlighted a new wave of talent and excellence, while Arsenal claimed the women’s Club of the Year award after a stellar campaign.

The gala not only celebrated individual brilliance but also acknowledged the wider contributions of footballers, coaches and institutions across the globe.