Paris, France – Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí claimed the coveted Ballon d’Or awards Monday night at the Théâtre du Châtelet, recognizing the world’s top male and female footballers.Dembélé, now with Paris Saint-Germain, edged out fellow contenders to secure the men’s prize, while Bonmatí of Barcelona and Spain was honored as the best female player.
The awards mark a high point for both players, solidifying their status as elite talents in the sport. Bonmatí’s win comes after a stellar year with both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, including a World Cup victory. Dembélé’s recognition signals a new chapter in his career following his transfer to PSG. The ceremony itself underscored Paris’s growing influence as a global hub for football and a showcase for star power.
The ceremony’s transformation into a high-society event was noted by L’Équipe, which described the Théâtre du Châtelet as hosting “beautiful people of all ranks.” The red carpet featured a mix of football figures, influencers, and industry personalities, including newly appointed Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi’s presence and address to the audience signaled a potential outcome for Dembélé, ultimately proven correct.
The full list of honorees includes:
- Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona & Spain)
- Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal & Spain)
- Alessia Russo (Arsenal & England)
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain)
- Chloe Kelly (Arsenal & England)
- Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona & Spain)
- Leah Williamson (Arsenal & England)
- Ewa Pajor (Barcelona & Poland)
- Lucy Bronze (chelsea & England)
- Hannah Hampton (Chelsea & England)
- clàudia Pina (Spain & Barcelona)
- Marta (Orlando Pride & Brazil)
- Caroline Graham Hansen (barcelona & Norway)
- Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride & Zambia)
- Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea & France)
- Cristiana Girelli (Juventus & Italy)
- Temwa Chawinga (KC Current & Malawi)
- Melchie Dumornay (lyon & Haiti)
- Klara Bühl (Bayern Munich & Germany)
- Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich & Denmark)
- Amanda Gutierres (Palmeiras & Brazil)
- Esther González (Gotham FC & Spain)
- Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea & Sweden)
- Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit & Italy)
- Emily Fox (Arsenal & USA)
- Lindsey Heaps (Lyon & USA)
- Clara Mateo (Paris FC & France)
- Frida Leonhardsen-Maanum (Arsenal & Norway)
- Steph Catley (Arsenal & Australia)
- Caroline Weir (Real Madrid & Scotland)
