Paris — In a much-anticipated ceremony held on September 22, 2025, Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the winner of the men’s Ballon d’Or, narrowly edging out young talent Lamine Yamal, who finished in second place. The announcement was made at the France Football gala at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

Dembélé, winner with strong credentials

Dembélé, 28, playing for Paris Saint-Germain, earned the honor for a historic campaign: 35 goals, 16 assists, decisive leadership, and a season crowned with major trophies including the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the Coupe de France.

His football maturity, influence on the team and consistency throughout tournaments were the factors that, according to the official criteria, tipped the scales in his favor.

Lamine Yamal: precocious talent, favorite for many

Lamine Yamal, just 18 and shining for FC Barcelona, came in as a major favorite. His dribbling skills, decisive assists, important goals and his role in high-profile matches—such as the Champions League semifinal against Inter—put him in the spotlight among fans and analysts. Also, he won the Kopa Trophy for best player under 21 for the second consecutive year.

Many believe Yamal had more than enough merit; some argue that his style of play, its aesthetic and symbolic value (youth, projection, charisma) made him as deserving, if not more so, than Dembélé.

The controversy: criterions, leaks, and perceptions

The outcome was not without controversy:

• Very close point difference between Dembélé and Yamal fueled critiques that the decision may have leaned not only on sports merit but also on media narrative.
• Leaks of a supposed preliminary result list floated before the ceremony, claiming that Yamal had actually garnered more points than Dembélé.
• Different evaluation criteria: collective titles vs individual impact, consistency vs moments of brilliance, youth vs experience. Some voters and experts favor trophies, others decisive performances.

Implications of the result

For many, this iteration of the Ballon d’Or means more than just an individual award:

• It reflects the recognition of Dembélé’s significant role in a demanding season, especially at PSG.
• It reaffirms that while youth has immense symbolic value, the weight of titles, clutch performances, and consistency remains central to convincing the France Football panel.
• It also highlights the growing tension between what fans believe is “deserved” and what the official criteria (and media perception) actually reward.

Although Lamine Yamal did not take home the trophy, his second-place finish and the intensity of the debate make this season one for the history books—not only for what happened on the pitch, but also for how modern football weighs youth, talent, achievement, and narrative.

Ballon d’Or 2025 goes to Dembélé, but Yamal proves that the future is already here.