On a starlit evening in Paris on Monday, September 22, 2025, the Théâtre du Châtelet played host to the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, a dazzling celebration of football’s finest talents, coaches, and clubs. The event, widely regarded as the pinnacle of individual and collective recognition in the sport, brought together luminaries from across the globe to honor the standout performers of the 2024-25 season. From Arsenal’s sensational striker Viktor Gyökeres to Spain’s masterful tactician Luis Enrique, the night was a testament to the global reach and enduring appeal of football, with awards recognizing excellence in both men’s and women’s categories. The ceremony also shone a spotlight on emerging young stars and dominant clubs, with Arsenal, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Spain’s national teams emerging as some of the biggest winners.
The Ballon d’Or, organized by France Football, has long been the gold standard for recognizing footballing brilliance. Since its inception in 1956, the award has evolved from a singular honor for the world’s best male player to a multifaceted celebration that acknowledges achievements across various roles—strikers, goalkeepers, coaches, and young talents—while also embracing the growing prominence of women’s football. The 2025 edition, held in the heart of Paris, was no exception, blending tradition with innovation as it introduced new awards and celebrated a diverse array of winners from different leagues, nations, and backgrounds.
Viktor Gyökeres: The Gerd Müller Trophy and a Striker’s Ascendancy
One of the night’s standout moments came when Arsenal’s Swedish forward Viktor Gyökeres was awarded the Gerd Müller Trophy, recognizing him as the best striker of the 2024-25 season. Gyökeres, who rose to prominence with Sporting Lisbon before securing a high-profile transfer to Arsenal in the summer of 2025, has taken the footballing world by storm with his clinical finishing, relentless work rate, and ability to deliver in clutch moments. His performances in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, where he spearheaded Sporting’s attack with a remarkable goal-scoring record, laid the foundation for his move to the Premier League, where he has continued to dazzle.
The Gerd Müller Trophy, named after the legendary German striker known for his prolific scoring at Bayern Munich and with the West German national team, is a prestigious accolade that pits the world’s top forwards against one another. Gyökeres faced stiff competition from some of Europe’s most elite strikers, including Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, and PSG’s Kylian Mbappé, all of whom have consistently rewritten goal-scoring records in their respective leagues. Yet, it was Gyökeres’ consistency, versatility, and ability to perform in both domestic and European competitions that set him apart.
In his acceptance speech, Gyökeres expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and family, emphasizing the collective effort behind his individual success. “This award is not just for me but for everyone who has supported me—my teammates at Sporting and Arsenal, my coaches, and the fans who push me to be better every day,” he said, clutching the trophy. His journey from Sweden’s domestic leagues to the global stage is a story of perseverance, and his 2025 Ballon d’Or recognition marks a significant milestone in what promises to be a storied career.
Gyökeres’ transition to Arsenal has been seamless, with the 27-year-old striker quickly becoming a fan favorite at the Emirates Stadium. Under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, he has adapted to the Premier League’s physicality and tactical demands, scoring crucial goals in both league and UEFA Champions League matches. His ability to combine raw power with technical finesse has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats, and his Gerd Müller Trophy win solidifies his status as one of football’s brightest stars.
Luis Enrique: Masterminding Spain’s Euro 2025 Triumph
While Gyökeres’ individual brilliance lit up the ceremony, Spain’s national team manager Luis Enrique claimed one of the night’s most coveted coaching honors: the Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy for Best Coach of the Year. Enrique’s award was a recognition of his exceptional leadership in guiding Spain to victory at Euro 2025, a tournament that showcased his tactical acumen and ability to mold a cohesive unit from a talented but diverse group of players.
Enrique, a former Barcelona manager known for his attacking philosophy and meticulous preparation, took the Spanish national team to new heights in 2025. After a period of transition following Spain’s golden era in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Enrique instilled a renewed sense of purpose in La Roja. His team played with flair, discipline, and a relentless pressing game, overpowering opponents en route to lifting the European Championship trophy. Key players such as Pedri, Gavi, and Álvaro Morata thrived under his guidance, blending youthful exuberance with veteran experience.
The Johan Cruyff Trophy, named after the Dutch footballing icon who revolutionized the game as both a player and a coach, is a fitting tribute to Enrique’s achievements. His ability to adapt his high-pressing, possession-based style to the international stage, where preparation time is limited, was a masterclass in coaching. In his acceptance speech, Enrique paid tribute to his players and staff, saying, “This is a collective award. My job is to create the conditions for these incredible players to shine, and they did that at Euro 2025. I’m so proud of what we achieved together.”
Enrique’s success at Euro 2025 also marked a personal triumph. Having faced criticism earlier in his tenure for Spain’s inconsistent performances, he silenced doubters with a tournament run that included victories over some of Europe’s footballing powerhouses. His ability to balance tactical discipline with creative freedom has made him a role model for aspiring coaches, and his 2025 Ballon d’Or recognition cements his place among the game’s managerial elite.
Sarina Wiegman: Leading England’s Lionesses to Glory
On the women’s side, England manager Sarina Wiegman was honored with the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy for Best Coach of the Year, a richly deserved accolade for her transformative impact on the Lionesses. Wiegman, who previously led the Netherlands to the 2017 UEFA Women’s Euro title, has been a driving force behind England’s rise as a global powerhouse in women’s football. Her leadership culminated in another successful campaign in 2025, with England continuing to dominate international competitions.
Wiegman’s coaching philosophy, characterized by a blend of tactical pragmatism and player empowerment, has resonated deeply with her squad. Players like Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo have thrived under her guidance, showcasing a brand of football that is both entertaining and effective. Her ability to foster a winning mentality while maintaining a supportive team environment has made her a beloved figure in English football.
In accepting her award, Wiegman emphasized the importance of growing women’s football globally. “This is a special moment for me, but it’s also a moment to reflect on how far women’s football has come and how much more we can achieve,” she said. “I’m grateful to my players, my staff, and the fans who continue to push us forward.” Wiegman’s recognition at the 2025 Ballon d’Or underscores her status as one of the most influential figures in the women’s game, and her work continues to inspire the next generation of players and coaches.
Goalkeeping Excellence: Donnarumma and Hampton Shine
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony also celebrated the often underappreciated art of goalkeeping, with Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and England’s Hannah Hampton claiming the Men’s and Women’s Yashin Trophies, respectively. Named after the legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, these awards honor the world’s best shot-stoppers, and both Donnarumma and Hampton were worthy recipients.
Donnarumma, now plying his trade at Manchester City after a successful stint with Paris Saint-Germain, has established himself as one of the premier goalkeepers of his generation. His performances at Euro 2025, where he was instrumental in Italy’s deep run, combined with his consistent excellence in the Premier League, made him a standout choice for the Men’s Yashin Trophy. At just 26 years old, Donnarumma’s blend of agility, composure, and leadership between the posts has drawn comparisons to his compatriot Gianluigi Buffon, and his 2025 award is a testament to his growing legacy.
Hannah Hampton, meanwhile, made history as the inaugural winner of the Women’s Yashin Trophy. The Chelsea goalkeeper, who has been a cornerstone of England’s success under Wiegman, showcased her shot-stopping prowess and distribution skills throughout the 2024-25 season. Her ability to command her penalty area and contribute to Chelsea’s domestic dominance earned her widespread praise. In her acceptance speech, Hampton dedicated the award to her family and teammates, saying, “Goalkeeping is about trust—trust in your team and trust in yourself. I’m honored to be recognized and will keep working to be the best I can be.”
The introduction of the Women’s Yashin Trophy in 2025 reflects the Ballon d’Or’s commitment to gender parity and the growing prominence of women’s football. Hampton’s win, alongside Wiegman’s coaching award, highlights the increasing visibility of female players and coaches on the global stage.
Young Stars Shine: Barcelona’s Yamal and López Win Kopa Trophies
The future of football was also on display at the 2025 Ballon d’Or, with Barcelona’s young talents Lamine Yamal and Vicky López sweeping the Kopa Trophies for the best young male and female players, respectively. Named after Raymond Kopa, the French footballing legend, these awards recognize players under the age of 21 who have demonstrated exceptional potential.
Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old winger, has taken La Liga and the Champions League by storm with his electrifying pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Yamal has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi for his creativity and flair. His performances for both club and country, including a standout role at Euro 2025, made him a clear choice for the men’s Kopa Trophy. “This is just the beginning,” Yamal said in his acceptance speech. “I want to keep learning, keep growing, and help Barcelona and Spain achieve great things.”
Vicky López, also a product of La Masia, claimed the women’s Kopa Trophy after a breakout season with Barcelona’s women’s team. The 18-year-old midfielder’s vision, technical ability, and composure have marked her as a future star of the women’s game. Her contributions to Barcelona’s domestic and European success, combined with her performances for Spain’s youth national teams, earned her the prestigious award. “I’m so proud to represent Barcelona and to be part of this incredible moment for women’s football,” López said.
The dominance of Barcelona’s youth system in both the men’s and women’s categories underscores the club’s enduring commitment to nurturing talent. La Masia continues to produce players who not only excel at the club level but also make significant impacts on the international stage.
Club of the Year: PSG and Arsenal Women Take Top Honors
The 2025 Ballon d’Or also recognized excellence at the club level, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal Women named Men’s and Women’s Club of the Year, respectively. These awards reflect the dominance of both teams in their respective competitions during the 2024-25 season.
PSG’s men’s team, under the guidance of their coaching staff and bolstered by stars like Kylian Mbappé, continued to dominate Ligue 1 while making significant strides in the UEFA Champions League. Their attacking prowess, tactical discipline, and depth of talent made them a deserving recipient of the Men’s Club of the Year award. The award caps a remarkable season for the Parisian club, which has long sought to translate domestic success into European glory.
Arsenal Women, meanwhile, were recognized for their outstanding performances in the Women’s Super League and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Led by manager Jonas Eidevall and featuring stars like Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, Arsenal Women have set the standard for excellence in English women’s football. Their Club of the Year award is a testament to their consistency, ambition, and growing influence in the global game.
A Global Celebration of Football Excellence
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony was more than just an awards show; it was a celebration of football’s universal appeal and its ability to unite people across cultures, continents, and generations. The event highlighted the sport’s evolution, from the rise of women’s football to the emergence of young talents like Yamal and López, who represent the future of the game. The recognition of coaches like Luis Enrique and Sarina Wiegman underscores the importance of tactical innovation and leadership, while the goalkeeping awards for Donnarumma and Hampton highlight the critical role of shot-stoppers in modern football.
As the ceremony concluded, the Théâtre du Châtelet buzzed with excitement and anticipation for the future. The 2025 Ballon d’Or not only honored the achievements of the past season but also set the stage for the next chapter in football’s ongoing story. With Arsenal, Barcelona, PSG, and Spain’s national teams among the night’s biggest winners, the global spread of footballing excellence was on full display, reminding fans why the beautiful game continues to captivate hearts and minds around the world.
