Without a doubt, the 2025 season was absolutely incredible for the world of soccer. From thrilling matches in the Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League, to captivating performances throughout the regular seasons in leagues across the globe, fans were treated to countless unforgettable moments. It was a season defined by skill, drama, and breakthrough stars, setting the stage for one of the most competitive and exciting Ballon d’Or races in recent times.
The 2025 men’s Ballon d’Or winner was awarded to the French winger Ousmane Dembélé, who won it for the first time. Dembélé led French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain to a remarkable season, completing a domestic double by winning the French Ligue 1 and Coupe de France. Most importantly, he led PSG to their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy, which is Europe’s most prestigious tournament made up of the best 36 Eurasian teams.
In this spectacular season, Dembélé won the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, UEFA Champions League Player of the Season, and the Ligue 1 Golden Boot (top league scorer). According to official league and UEFA records, he scored 37 goals and provided 14 assists across all competitions, totaling a whopping 51 goal contributions in just 59 games.
Even with Dembélé’s incredible season, there was still fierce competition from the likes of Mohamed Salah, Vitinha, and Raphinha.
This year’s second place went to Lamine Yamal, a gifted right winger playing for Barcelona. He’s only 18 years old, but he’s already considered one of the best players in the world, and many analysts believed that he deserved the award over Dembélé.
His deft touch on the ball and pinpoint finishing allowed him to rack up quite a few goals and assists for Barcelona. With 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games last season, according to Barcelona’s official statistics, he certainly has the stats of a world-class player.
Even with this incredible season, he finished a full 300 points behind Dembélé in the Ballon d’Or voting. In response to coming up shy of winning the Ballon d’Or, Yamal took to social media, posting: “God’s plan is perfect, you have to climb to get to the top. Happy for the Kopa trophy x2 and congratulate Dembélé for the award and the great season.”
The Ballon d’Or is never without controversy, but this year the dissent from fans has been greater than ever before. After surveying students at Cleveland, it’s clear that opinions are very mixed.
“I kind of feel like other players should have won it. I’m a little biased because I’m a Liverpool fan, but I think it should have gone to Mo Salah,” said junior Beckham Ruhoff in an interview.
“I think Raphinha should have been ranked higher. I think it’s disappointing that he was ranked fifth,” said junior Max Morrison during the same survey.
“I don’t think Mo Salah should even be in the top five,” said junior Zach Sanchez when asked for his opinion.
As the debates continue and opinions remain divided, one thing is certain: the 2025 season showcased some of the brightest talents and most thrilling moments in recent soccer history. Whether you agree with the outcome or not, the performances and excitement throughout the season have been monumental. With such fierce competition and emerging stars, the future of soccer looks more exciting and unpredictable than ever.
