The night at Théâtre du Châtelet
The glittering Hall of the Théâtre du Châtelet is packed with journalists, former legends and a sea of fans glued to their screens. The ceremony kicked off at 21:00 local time, and the buzz was palpable – this year’s lineup is entirely fresh, meaning a new face will walk away with football’s most coveted individual prize.
Before the main award, Barcelona’s 18‑year‑old winger Ballon d'Or 2025 fever hit a high note when Lamine Yamal lifted the Kopa Trophy for the second year running. No one has ever claimed back‑to‑back Kopa Trophies at such a tender age, and the Spanish youngster’s smile said it all: he’s not just a rising star, he’s a headline‑maker.
The Kopa win does more than pad Yamal’s résumé; it fuels the debate about whether the teenage winger can outrun the seasoned French attacker Ousmane Dembélé for the men’s prize. Both have carved out compelling narratives over the past twelve months, and tonight the world will decide who gets the golden ball.
The race between Dembélé and Yamal
Paris Saint‑Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé arrived in the French capital with a hefty transfer fee and a reputation for explosive pace. Over the season he delivered on that promise, combining speed, dribbling and a keen eye for goal. His contributions helped PSG capture domestic silverware and push deep into the Champions League, earning him regular shout‑outs from pundits and fans alike.
Across the Pyrenees, Lamine Yamal has turned Barcelona’s famed La Masia into a launchpad for senior stardom. He’s not only been a regular starter for his club but also a key figure for the Spanish national side, scoring decisive goals in crucial qualifiers. What sets Yamal apart is his composure; he makes split‑second decisions that belie his age, and his technical flair has already drawn comparisons to the greats.
What makes this duel fascinating is the contrast in their journeys. Dembélé’s path is marked by moves to elite clubs, learning under different managers, and proving himself in multiple leagues. Yamal, by contrast, has risen almost entirely within the Barcelona system, benefitting from a clear developmental philosophy that has accelerated his growth.
Adding another layer to the drama is the surprising omission of Barcelona’s Pedri from the top‑ten shortlist. Pedri’s performances for both club and country have been praised throughout the year, and his exclusion underscores how tight the competition is this season.
The women’s Ballon d’Or, too, promises a thrilling showdown. Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí, along with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, are all in the mix. Their achievements this year – from league titles to standout European campaigns – spotlight the rising profile of women’s football on the global stage.
- Alessia Russo – key goal‑scorer for Arsenal’s title chase
- Alexia Putellas – Barcelona midfielder, multiple Champions League winner
- Aitana Bonmatí – versatile playmaker, instrumental in Spain’s recent successes
- Hannah Hampton – defensive stalwart for Chelsea, noted for her consistency
As the ceremony unfolds, viewers worldwide are glued to the live broadcast, waiting to see which name will be etched in history. Whether Dembélé’s seasoned brilliance or Yamal’s youthful dynamism takes the award, the night will mark a turning point – a clean slate, a new era, and the promise of fresh stories for the beautiful game.
