In a night filled with accolades and recognition, the football community gathered to honor the best players and coaches at the 2025 Ballon d’Or and Yashin Trophy awards ceremony. The spectacle put a spotlight on the amazing skill found in men’s and women’s football equally, with great goals from the last year taking center stage.
Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona third year in a row for women’s Ballon d’Or This unbroken streak is the result of her incredible on-field performances. Bonmati’s achievement represents a historic breakthrough. She is the most recent in a string of Spanish players from Barcelona to win this coveted award, five years in a row now.
Ousmane Dembele, as a player of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the French national team, recent winner of the men’s Ballon d’Or. That accomplishment cements his place in football’s pantheon. His plays on the pitch with PSG have been game-changing, and this award is a reflection of the impact he’s had on the sport.
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton of Chelsea FC and England won the first ever women’s Yashin Trophy. This award is given to the best goalkeeper in women’s football. It’s an award that recognizes the moments where Hampton shined the brightest during her team’s march to the WCC title and beyond.
That’s why Gianluigi Donnarumma, the PSG and Italy goalkeeper, was crowned the seventh winner of the Yashin Trophy. On the men’s side, he showed incredible craft and fight. It’s this top-level performance that has cemented Donnarumma as an irreplaceable figure for club and country.
The night did not simply mark personal accolades, as coaching excellence was brought to light as well. Sarina Wiegman, head coach of the England women’s national football team, the Lionesses, given FIFA’s World Women’s Football Coach accolade. Her leadership has proven essential to steering her team to big wins.
Luis Enrique collected the first men’s Johan Cruyff award, recognizing his tactical genius and successful handling of elite players as Spain went on to a world championship. His all around contributions on both ends of the floor have been crucial to his team’s success as well as their growth.
The awards recognized excellence in club accomplishments. Arsenal were awarded women’s club of the year, with PSG winning men’s club of the year. Both teams showed immense talent and teamwork all season long, ultimately earning this honor that cannot be celebrated enough.
One of the most memorable individual stand-outs was Ewa Pajor, who netted over 48 goals this season. Pajor’s prolific scoring ability has drawn attention and contributed significantly to her team’s success.
Viktor Gyokeres taking home the men’s Gerd Muller Trophy That’s 63 goals and counting, in all competitions for Sporting and Sweden! His extraordinary goal-scoring ability has made him one of the best forwards in modern soccer.
Aitana Bonmati shared her personal story and how teamwork was a key component to finding success.
“It’s incredible this feeling. I never thought when I was a kid that I could achieve this because I didn’t think women’s football can exist,” – Aitana Bonmati
She wanted to stress the team work that got her to the individual honor.
“But all of these trophies are because of collective work. We had a difficult season because we won some trophies, but we also lost some to amazing footballers,” – Aitana Bonmati
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