The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, was a night of surprises and celebrations. The prestigious award, presented annually by France Football, honors the best male and female footballers worldwide. This year’s event was particularly noteworthy, with unexpected winners and standout performances.
Ballon d’Or 2025 Winner: Lamine Yamal
In a groundbreaking moment, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal of Barcelona won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, becoming the youngest player ever to receive the prestigious honor. Yamal’s exceptional season, which included 18 goals and 21 assists, played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic double. His victory marks a new era in football, highlighting the emergence of young talent on the global stage.
Kopa Trophy Winners
The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young male and female footballers, also featured remarkable winners:
- Men’s Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal secured this award for the second consecutive year, solidifying his status as one of football’s brightest young stars.
- Women’s Kopa Trophy: Vicky Lopez of Barcelona was honored with the women’s Kopa Trophy, recognizing her outstanding performances and contributions to the sport.
Yashin Trophy Recipients
The Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeepers, went to:
- Men’s Yashin Trophy: Gianluigi Donnarumma, who played a crucial role in PSG’s Champions League triumph before moving to Manchester City, was recognized for his exceptional goalkeeping skills.
- Women’s Yashin Trophy: England’s Hannah Hampton received the women’s Yashin Trophy, acknowledging her consistent and impressive performances between the posts .
Ceremony Timing and Viewing Options
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony commenced at 8 PM BST (3 PM ET, 12:30 AM IST) on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. For those who missed the live event, the ceremony is available for viewing:
- YouTube: L’Equipe’s official YouTube channel offers a free stream of the ceremony.
- CBS Sports: In the United States, CBS Sports provides coverage via Paramount.
Other Notable Awards
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third consecutive year, cementing her legacy as one of the best female footballers of her generation.
- Johan Cruyff Trophy: Sarina Wiegman was awarded the Johan Cruyff Trophy, recognizing her exceptional coaching achievements.
- Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain was named the Men’s Club of the Year, celebrating their remarkable season and achievements.
🏁 Conclusion
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony was a celebration of footballing excellence, highlighting the achievements of players and coaches who have made significant impacts in the sport. Lamine Yamal’s historic win signifies the rise of a new generation of football talent, promising an exciting future for the beautiful game.