The highly anticipated 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony captivated the football world tonight, held at the prestigious Théâtre du Châteletin Paris. The event, which crowns the world's best male and female footballers, saw Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí claim the top individual honors. The ceremony commenced at 8pm BST, with fans tuning in via L'Equipe's official YouTube channel and TNT Sports.

In the men's category, Ousmane Dembélé was officially crowned the world's greatest player, an achievement largely attributed to his pivotal role in leading Paris Saint-Germain to their first-ever Champions League triumph, alongside another Ligue Un title. Dembélé, who had been a hot favorite, made a calm appearance on the red carpet before receiving the prize from 2005 winner Ronaldinho. Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamalsecured second place after an impressive season where he helped his club win the domestic treble, posing with his family after the announcement. Notably, Real Madrid players once again boycotted the prestigious awards show.

Photo Credit: The Sun

The ceremony also shed light on the rankings of other prominent players. England international Declan Rice of Arsenal was ranked 27th, a slight drop from his 26th position in 2024. Rice's contributions to Arsenal's Premier League title challenge and their run to the UEFA Champions League semi-final, including two remarkable free kicks against Real Madrid, were highlighted. Other players in the top 30 included Erling Haalandat 26th, Virgil van Dijk at 28th, Florian Wirtz at 29th, and Michael Olise at 30th, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano. Raphinha was also noted as placing fifth in the men's race.

For the women's Ballon d'Or Féminin, Spain and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmatí made history by winning the award for a third consecutive year, solidifying her status as a dominant force in women's football. She narrowly pipped her compatriot and Arsenal ace Mariona Caldentey. England's Alessia Russo, another Arsenal star, achieved an impressive third place. Other Lionesses also featured prominently, with Chloe Kelly securing fifth place and captain Leah Williamson ranking seventh in the women's Ballon d'Or race.

Beyond the main player awards, other significant accolades were presented. England Women's boss Sarina Wiegman was honored with the Best Coach award, recognizing her continued success. The nominations for other categories highlighted global talent; Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu was shortlisted for the Women’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy, battling Sonia Bompastor, Arthur Elias, and Renée Slegers.

Additionally, Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made the final cut for the prestigious Women’s Yacine Trophy for Best Goalkeeper, following her outstanding performance as the best goalkeeper at WAFCON 2024 and her heroics during the Super Falcons' historic 10th Africa Women’s Cup of Nations title. Despite their remarkable achievements and nominations, both Madugu and Nnadozie were notably absent from the Paris gala, as confirmed by a senior Nigeria Football Federation official.

Photo Credit: The Mirror

The red carpet was a spectacle of glamour, with attendees including hostess Kate Scott, who stunned fans in a sparkling dress alongside her ex-professional boxer husband Malik Scott.PSG stars Joao Neves and Gianluigi Donnarumma also graced the event with their significant others, as did Maria Guardiola, daughter of Pep Guardiola. England's Lionesses, including Leah Williamson in a cool black ensemble and Chloe Kelly, added to the star-studded affair, celebrating a night dedicated to football's elite.