Tag: 2025 Ballon d’Or

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Ballon d’Or 2025: Dembele Reveals First Person To Congratulate Him For Beating Yamal

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has disclosed who was the first to congratulate him on winning this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The Frenchman recently won the award ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in Paris after recording the highest points.

The 28-year-old spoke with L’Equipe as he disclosed that Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi was the first person who congratulate him for his achievement.

He also added revealed that the likes of Luis Suarez and Xavi also congratulated him.

“Messi congratulated me first, he sent me a message directly,” Dembele said via @ReshadFCB (as reported by Sportskeeda).

“Xavi and Luis Suárez also sent me their congratulations. They were all very happy for me.”

Dembele and Messi were former Barcelona teammates in the past during their time at Camp Nou.

The former Dortmund star won the treble in the 2024-25 season with PSG, scoring 33 goals and registering 13 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions for the club.

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Ballon d’Or 2025: LaLiga Explains Why Lamine Yamal Was Denied Award

LaLiga president, Javier Tebas, has claimed that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal was denied the 2025 Ballon d’Or because of his age.

Tebas has however expressed his optimism that Yamal will soon win the award.

Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain finished top in the Ballon d’Or voting this year, with 18-year-old Yamal as runner-up.

Yamal however went home with the Kopa Trophy for best young player, a prize he has now won back-to-back.

“If he had been older than 23, he would have won it, too, I’m sure, but since he was younger, they gave him the other one [Kopa trophy],” Tebas said.

But unlike Tebas, Barcelona President Joan Laporta had admitted that Dembele won the prize because PSG lifted the Champions League trophy.

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Dembele hails ‘wonderful’ Yamal, insists ‘he’ll win several Ballon d’Or awards’

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has hailed Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal after edging him to the 2025 Ballon d’Or on Monday night in Paris.

Dembele, who spearheaded PSG’s historic treble-winning campaign last season, claimed football’s top individual prize ahead of Yamal and Vitinha.

Dembele’s treble-winning campaign

The Frenchman registered 37 goals and 16 assists across all competitions as PSG secured their maiden Champions League title alongside Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.

His heroics left voters with little doubt as he clinched the Golden Ball at the Théâtre du Châtelet.

Barcelona also enjoyed a stellar year under Yamal’s influence, lifting La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

However, their Champions League semi-final exit tilted the balance in Dembele’s favour.

Classy words for Yamal

In his emotional acceptance speech, Dembele lauded his teenage rival: “Lamine Yamal is an exceptional young man. A wonderful player with great maturity. I believe he will win several Ballon d’Or awards.”

Tribute to family

The PSG star also fought back tears as he thanked those closest to him. “To my mother, I want to thank you. You have always been there for me, mama,” he said.

“To my family, we have experienced so much together. We have been through it all. We will always be together.”

Future battle for football’s biggest prize

Dembele’s prediction for Yamal may not be far-fetched. At just 18, the Spaniard has already carved his name into football’s elite, recording five goal contributions in his first three games of the new campaign before picking up an injury.

Dembele himself has also been nursing a knock but is expected to feature when PSG host Auxerre in Ligue 1 next weekend.

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Ballon d’Or: Nigerian Goalkeeper Ranked 4th Best in The World

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has been ranked the fourth best goalkeeper in the World.
This is according to the latest Ballon d’Or ranking released on Monday.
The annual Women Yashin Trophy was presented in Paris on Monday with Chelsea’s England international Hannah Hampton claiming the top spot,
Chiamaka, who mans the goal of Brighton & Hove Albion in England finished fourth in the final ranking.
The Yashin Trophy is part of the Ballon d’Or given to the world’s best female goalkeeper.
Ann-Katrin Berger, who plays her football with Gotham FC picked the second spot while Barça goalkeeper Cata Coll is the third best.
Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar completed the top five.
Super Falcons star, Nnadozie has been outstanding for both club and country.
She helped her national team claim victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
She won the 2024 UNFP Goalkeeper of the Season with French top side, Paris FC. Also won the Coupe de France Féminine.
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BREAKING: Ousmane Dembélé beats Yamal to 2025 Ballon d’Or

Ousmane Dembélé has officially been crowned the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, capping off an extraordinary year in which he inspired Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble.

The Frenchman beat competition from Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal and fellow PSG teammate Vitinha to claim football’s most prestigious individual honour at the glittering ceremony in Paris, France.

PSG’s treble hero rewarded

Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or triumph comes after a season where he played a decisive role in PSG’s Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League victories.

His pace, creativity and consistency finally earned him global recognition, securing his place among the game’s elite.

Lamine Yamal makes history

While Dembélé claimed the main prize, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal cemented his own piece of history by winning the 2025 Kopa Trophy as the best young player in the world.

The Barcelona sensation becomes the first ever player to win the award back-to-back, making him one of football’s brightest talents.

Other Major winners on the night

Portuguese striker Viktor Gyökeres was handed the Gerd Müller Trophy after finishing as Europe’s top scorer, while PSG manager Luis Enrique was named Best Men’s Manager, recognised for masterminding the club’s treble success.

Meanwhile, former PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma picked up the Best Goalkeeper Award. The title follows his incredible performance while with the Ligue 1 side.

PSG was also named best team in Europe in 2025, after their strong showing across all competitions.

A Frenchman on top again

Dembélé becomes the first French player since Karim Benzema in 2022 to lift the Golden Ball, marking a remarkable chapter in his career.

From battling injuries earlier in his journey to conquering the world stage, the 28-year-old has now etched his name into football’s history books.

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How much money does the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner actually earn?

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is just around the corner, with the football world waiting to see who will be crowned the best of the season.

On the men’s side, frontrunners include PSG star Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

 

But while many assume the award carries a huge cash prize, the truth is that the Ballon d’Or itself does not come with direct financial compensation.

 

No cash prize, just the trophy

The winner receives only the Ballon d’Or trophy, organized by France Football and UEFA, which is valued at about $3,500. It is not made of solid gold despite its appearance.

Bonuses and endorsements fill the gap

What the Ballon d’Or lacks in prize money, it makes up for in career impact.

Players who win often trigger lucrative bonuses in their club contracts, while endorsement deals with global brands can run into the tens of millions.

 

The award also boosts a player’s transfer value and global visibility overnight.

 

Beyond men’s football

This year’s gala, as is usually the case, will also celebrate women’s football, with Real Madrid and Colombian star Linda Caicedo among the nominees in the young player category.

Additional honours will go to the best coach and best club of the season, ensuring recognition across the sport.

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My Ballon d’Or Nomination Is A Miracle – Super Falcons Star, Nnadozie

Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons goalkeeper, has stated that her nomination for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or is a miracle.

The 24-year-old is the first African shot stopper to be nominated for the prestigious award.

Nnadozie earns the nomination on the back of her impressive outings for her former club, Paris FC, and Nigeria.

She helped Paris FC win the Coupe de France Feminine before leaving the club in May.

The former Rivers Angels goal tender then played a crucial role as Nigeria won a record-extending 10th title at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nnadozie won the best goalkeeper award at the tournament.

“It is a miracle for me. It shows that all the hard work, dedication and everything I’ve been doing in the past, has been worth it,” Nnadozie told BBC Sport.

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Ballon d’Or 2025: Rio Ferdinand Names Two Favourites To Win Award

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has tipped Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal as the leading contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The Englishman said this while speaking with former Manchester United team-mate Michael Owen on his Rio Ferdinand presents YouTube channel.

Ferdinand also rated Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe ahead of Dembele and Yamal.

“If you consider everyone being at their best, I think Mbappe is that guy,” Ferdinand said.

“Even if we consider the two main contenders for the Ballon d’Or this year in Dembele and Yamal, even if they are at their best, I would still say Mbappe.

“He scored 40 odd goals last season. If Real Madrid won the league last season and got far in the Champions League, he probably gets the Ballon d’Or.”

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Ballon d’Or 2025: 30-man shortlist unveiled

The final nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or have been officially announced ahead of the award ceremony scheduled for Monday, September 22, in Paris.

The list features 30 players who stood out during the 2024–25 season, with performances across Europe’s top leagues and tournaments, including the Club World Cup, considered in the selection process.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele leads the race following a standout campaign that saw him guide PSG to a historic treble, including their maiden UEFA Champions League title.

However, strong internal competition comes from teammates Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi, both enjoying exceptional seasons.

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also made the shortlist after a breakout year, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Barça’s Raphinha were recognised for their impressive contributions in title-winning campaigns.

Here is the full list of 2025 nominees:

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma

2. Serhou Guirassy

3. Denzel Dumfries

4. Desire Doue

5. Erling Haaland

6. Jude Bellingham

7. Viktor Gyokeres

8. Achraf Hakimi

9. Harry Kane

10. Robert Lewandowski

11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

12. Lautaro Martinez

13. Alexis Mac Allister

14. Ousmane Dembele

15. Kylian Mbappe

16. Scott McTominay

17. Joao Neves

18. Nuno Mendes

19. Michael Olise

20. Cole Palmer

21. Pedri

22. Fabian Ruiz

23. Declan Rice

24. Raphinha

25. Vinicius Jr

26. Virgil van Dijk

27. Mohamed Salah

28. Vitinha

29. Florian Wirtz

30. Lamine Yamal

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Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie Just Got Nominated for the Ballon d’Or Yachine Trophy

Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named among the five nominees for the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy — an award presented by France Football to honour the best goalkeepers in the world as part of the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony.

At just 24, Nnadozie has become one of the most dependable goalkeepers in international football, with her rise marked by remarkable performances and a string of well-deserved accolades.

She won the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award back-to-back in 2023 and 2024, a recognition of her consistent brilliance and commanding presence between the posts.

Her 2023/2024 season with Paris FC Féminines was nothing short of exceptional, earning her the title of Best Goalkeeper of the Season in the French Division 1 Féminine League. And she hasn’t slowed down since.

Just last month, at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nnadozie delivered yet another outstanding performance for the Super Falcons, securing the Golden Glove and being named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Now based in England, her nomination for the Yachine Trophy places her in elite company — alongside Ann-Katrin Berger, Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, and Daphne van Domselaar — all celebrated for their impact over the past year.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on 22 September, with nominees in other categories being revealed throughout the day.

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