Ballon d’Or Saga 2025: Drama, Triumphs and Surprises
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris delivered all the glitz, tension, and debate football fans have come to expect. While Ousmane Dembélé’s historic triumph dominated headlines, the night also sparked controversy and emotional storylines that defined the saga.
Dembélé, whose dazzling season propelled Paris Saint-Germain to their first ever UEFA Champions League title, emerged as the clear winner. With 35 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, the Frenchman was hailed as unstoppable. For many, his victory was a personal redemption story after years of injuries and criticism. His emotional speech, dedicating the award to his teammates, family, and fans, moved the audience to tears.
Yet the decision wasn’t without debate. Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal had enjoyed a sensational year, dazzling in La Liga and on the international stage with Spain. Many argued he deserved stronger recognition, though he did collect the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player. Some fans and pundits suggested that Yamal’s breakthrough season was unfairly overshadowed by Dembélé’s seniority and PSG’s European triumph.
Elsewhere, big names were surprisingly absent. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior all skipped the gala, fueling speculation about tensions between clubs and award organizers. Their no-show sparked conversations about whether the Ballon d’Or has lost some of its universal appeal.
PSG, meanwhile, had double cause for celebration. The French giants were named Men’s Club of the Year, underlining their rise from nearly men to continental conquerors. For a club often accused of falling short in Europe, this was vindication.
The saga of the 2025 Ballon d’Or revealed the award’s dual nature: a glittering honor that crowns excellence, but also a lightning rod for debate. From Dembélé’s redemption to Yamal’s missed glory and the absentees’ silent protest, this year’s edition will be remembered not just for who won, but for the stories and controversies that surrounded it.