Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé and FC Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí were honored with Ballon d’Or awards Monday, marking historic achievements for both players. Dembélé secured the inaugural Yashin Trophy, recognizing the world’s best goalkeeper, while Bonmatí claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or, a first for a Spanish player.
The prestigious ceremony in Paris celebrated individual brilliance in football, with Bonmatí’s victory signaling a growing prominence for women’s football on the global stage. She becomes only the third winner of the Women’s Ballon d’Or, following Megan rapinoe (2019) and Alexia Putellas (2021, 2022). Dembélé’s Yashin Trophy acknowledges extraordinary goalkeeping talent, a newly established award within the Ballon d’Or framework.
Bonmatí, 25, enjoyed a stellar year with Barcelona, leading the club to both Champions League and Liga F titles.She also played a pivotal role in spain’s triumphant FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. “It’s a dream come true,” Bonmatí said, accepting the award. “This is for all the girls who are fighting to make women’s football more visible.”
Lionel Messi claimed his eighth Ballon d’Or, extending his record as the most decorated player in the award’s history. The Argentine superstar, currently playing for Inter Miami, received the honor largely based on his performance leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Erling Haaland, of Manchester City, finished second in the men’s voting.
