*Barcelona Girl Bonmati Wins It Back-to-Back-to-Back
*First Woman Footballer To Do So
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) hotshot Ousmane Dembélé said he was nervous to collect the 2025 Ballon d’Or as the best male footballer on the planet.
He was crowned the winner Monday night, September 22, after an exceptional season with PSG.
Also crowned was Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati who received the Ballon d’Or as best woman footballer in the world for the third time in a row.
“Incredible, I have no words. It’s been an amazing season with PSG,” Dembele said.
“I’m a little nervous, as you can see—it’s not an easy task. To take home this trophy, and to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, is something truly exceptional. I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished in my career,” he added.
The French forward went on to thank the club that believed in him: “I want to thank PSG, who came for me in 2023, the president, the staff, and the club, which is like a wonderful family. I also want to thank all the PSG staff, Luis Enrique, my father, and above all, my teammates—this has been a fantastic team.”
Dembélé emphasized the collective effort behind the achievement: “We won practically everything this year, and we were able to raise the level to achieve these team trophies. This individual award, I see it as something we all share together.”
Thanks Barcelona
He also remembered the club that launched his career to the elite: “I want to thank all my teams, especially FC Barcelona, where I first achieved my dreams.”
Closing his speech, Dembélé reflected on the significance of the award: “Although the Ballon d’Or was never a personal goal in my professional career, winning it is something truly incredible.”
Bonmati Makes History, Joins Cruyff, Platini, Van Basten
Same night as Dembele, Barcelona’s Bonmatí became the most decorated female footballer in Ballon d’Or history after winning her third trophy, joining an elite group of legends in the men’s game such as Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten—each with three Ballons d’Or—while still trailing Cristiano Ronaldo (5) and Lionel Messi (8).
What makes her feat even more remarkable is that Bonmatí secured the golden treble consecutively, something only Platini and Messi had achieved before.
The Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris once again witnessed Aitana’s brilliance, her eyes shining for a third consecutive year as she continues to captivate fans and experts alike every time she steps onto the pitch.
The Catalan midfielder, impeccable in both presence and speech, earned global recognition for an outstanding individual season, even if it was bittersweet collectively—falling short in the Champions League final with Barcelona and the Euro final with Spain.
Her decisive influence in both competitions was undeniable, with coaches naming her Most Valuable Player (MVP) of both the UEFA Women’s Champions League season and the European Championship held in Switzerland.
Bonmatí ranked as the second outfield player with the most minutes last season for Barcelona (3,278), behind only Pajor (3,394) and goalkeeper Cata Coll (3,556).
In terms of production, the Barça No. 14 recorded 15 goals (12 in the league and 3 in the Champions League) and 12 assists (6 in the league, 5 in the Champions League, and 1 in the Supercopa), contributing directly to 27 goals.
Yet her true impact went far beyond statistics. With vision and a unique way of interpreting the game, Bonmati carried her team through difficult stretches, conjuring technical resources and passes that few could imagine, delighting spectators who consistently showered her with praise.
Her success stems from persistence, ambition, and an insatiable drive to improve, win more, and work harder, coupled with a demanding self-discipline that can sometimes play against her.
Those who know her best say she would gladly trade this Ballon d’Or and all the Parisian glamour for lifting the Champions League trophy in Lisbon or the Euro with Spain.
But from the very moment she received those silver medals—proudly highlighting the value of finishing second—her mind was already set on climbing back to the very top.
Now, with a third Ballon d’Or proudly displayed in her small museum in Ribes, Spain, her motivation to win it all again is stronger than ever.
True to her nature, she will not think about returning to Paris until the day she is required to travel again to the French capital next year—when she might well be lifting her fourth Ballon d’Or, leaving only the “extraterrestrials” Ronaldo (5) and Messi (8) ahead of her.
PHOTO CAPTION: Two World’s Best… Bonmati (left) and Dembele, with their Ballon d’Ors,on Monday night.
