Dembele, Bonmati crowned Ballon d’Or winners in glittering Paris ceremony

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati claimed football’s highest individual honours on a memorable night in Paris, winning the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards respectively. Dembele, 28, became the sixth French player to win the award, and the first since Karim Benzema in 2022, after inspiring PSG to their maiden UEFA Champions League triumph under coach Luis Enrique. He edged out Spain’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, while teammate Vitinha finished third. “This is exceptional, I have no words for it. Winning this trophy, and receiving it from Ronaldinho, a legend, makes it even more special,” Dembele said. The ceremony was a sweeping success for PSG, who were also named Team of the Season. Luis Enrique collected the Best Coach award, while Gianluigi Donnarumma, now at Manchester City, lifted the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper. On the women’s side, Spain’s Aitana Bonmati continued her dominance, winning the Ballon d’Or for the third consecutive year. The Barcelona midfielder, Champions League Player of the Season, credited her teammates: “I’m amazed and proud. It’s a lot of hard work, and I’m here because of the teams I’ve played with.” England’s Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman was named Women’s Coach of the Year after guiding her side to the European Championship title.