PSG’s Dembele Edges Out Lamine Yamal to Win Ballon d’Or 2025

Paris, France — 2025-09-22 20:15 CEST.

Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain has been awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or (Men’s), beating Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal. In the women’s category, Spain’s Aitana Bonmati secured the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third consecutive year. 

1) The Latest

• Dembele, aged 28, clinched the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or following a standout season with PSG — which saw him play a major role in securing the Champions League, Ligue 1, and other domestic trophies. 

• Lamine Yamal, still only 18, finished second, marking another impressive showing as one of the game’s brightest young talents. 

• Bonmati’s win in the women’s contest further cements her dominance in recent seasons, extending her run of top-level personal accolades. 

2) Context in Brief

• Nominees & Odds: Dembele had become a strong favourite in betting markets, with odds considerably shorter than most rivals, including Yamal. Analysts pointed to Dembele’s goal contributions, influence in big games, and PSG’s success in continental and domestic competitions. 

• Yamal’s Rise: Despite his youth, Yamal had already claimed the Kopa Trophy (for under-21 players) and impressed with both national team and club performances, making many consider him a frontrunner. 

• Value of Team Success: PSG’s achievements in the 2024-25 season played a key role — winning the Champions League was viewed as especially important in tipping the balance in Dembele’s favour. 

3) Law, Policy & Process

• The Ballon d’Or is awarded annually by France Football based on votes from international journalists, looking at performance over the season (August to July in this case). 

• Eligibility includes club and international performances, individual contribution, consistency, and success in major tournaments. Team trophies often play a heavy part in voters’ considerations.

4) Voices & Stakeholders

• Dembele: Upon winning, he credited PSG, his coach, and teammates, emphasising that the award was a collective effort. 

• Yamal: While disappointed to finish second, many commentators praised him for his consistency and maturity given his age. He had earlier stated that he dreams not just of one Ballon d’Or, but many. 

• Analysts: Some argued that Dembele’s leadership in critical matches, particularly in the Champions League, gave him the edge. Others countered that Yamal’s flair and potential made him a compelling alternative.

5) Evidence & Data Box

6) Risks, Implications & Scenarios

• Youth vs Experience Narrative: Yamal’s strong showing reinforces the narrative that football is moving quickly toward younger talents being centrepieces, but Dembele’s win shows that experience and consistency still count heavily.

• PSG’s Growing Prestige: Winning Ballon d’Or enhances PSG’s status, potentially affecting transfers, sponsorship, and recruitment of talent.

• Expectations for Yamal: Coming so close at a young age may increase pressure on Yamal to deliver consistently in top tournaments.

7) What We Don’t Know Yet

• Exact breakdown of the vote (how many votes Dembele vs Yamal got) – France Football has not yet released detailed tallies.

• Whether this win will shift voter criteria in future editions (greater weight to individual flair vs team trophies).

• How this result will influence contract negotiations, marketing, or individual branding for both players.

8) Timeline

• 7 August 2025: Ballon d’Or nominees announced. 

• 2024-25 season end (July 2025): Dembele helps PSG to win Champions League and domestic honours. Yamal continues to impress with club and country. 

• 22 September 2025: Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris — Dembele wins, Bonmati wins women’s award.

9) What to Watch Next

• Whether Yamal will use this result as a springboard to win in the future.

• How PSG leverages Dembele’s win in their commercial and athletic strategy.

• Discussions among pundits and fans about voting fairness, criteria, and whether team success should carry such weight.

Editor’s note: This article will be updated when France Football publishes full vote counts and judging criteria.

Corrections: None identified at publication.