Could Ousmane Dembele's 2025 Ballon d'Or Win Spell Trouble for Liverpool's Superstar?
Published: 2025-09-22 20:49:27 | Category: Football
This article explores the recent announcement of the Ballon d'Or winners for 2025, highlighting Ousmane Dembélé's historic win and Mohamed Salah's continued quest for football's most prestigious individual accolade. The Ballon d'Or is awarded annually to the best-performing players in men's and women's football, with Dembélé's exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain culminating in his first win.
Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Ballon d'Or Awards
- Ousmane Dembélé wins the men's Ballon d'Or after a stellar season with PSG.
- Mohamed Salah, despite a fantastic season, misses out once again.
- Aitana Bonmatí wins the women's Ballon d'Or, recognising her outstanding contributions.
- PSG achieved a historic treble, winning the Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France.
- Dembélé becomes the sixth French player to win the award, following a legacy of football legends.
The Significance of the Ballon d'Or
The Ballon d'Or is not just a trophy; it represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in football. Awarded by France Football, it celebrates the players who have made the most significant impact over the past season. This award is highly coveted among players, influencing their careers, legacies, and marketability.
Ousmane Dembélé's Winning Season
Ousmane Dembélé's triumph is a testament to his phenomenal performance during the 2024-25 season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). After transferring to PSG from Barcelona, Dembélé found his rhythm and became instrumental in their success. His contribution was crucial as PSG clinched the Champions League for the first time in their history, alongside the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. With eight goals and six assists in 15 Champions League matches, Dembélé's influence on the field was undeniable.
Achievements and Accolades
During the awards ceremony, Dembélé was not only crowned the Ballon d'Or winner but also received the Ligue 1 Player of the Year and Champions League Player of the Season awards. Additionally, he finished as the top scorer in Ligue 1, solidifying his status as one of the premier talents in world football.
Historical Context of the Ballon d'Or
Dembélé's victory is particularly significant as he is the first Frenchman to win the Ballon d'Or since Karim Benzema in 2022. He joins an illustrious group of French football legends, including Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane, and Benzema. This historical context adds weight to Dembélé's achievement, celebrating the rich legacy of French football on the global stage.
Mohamed Salah's Continued Pursuit
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah's journey continues as he once again fell short of winning the Ballon d'Or. Despite being the third favourite for the award, Salah's incredible season with Liverpool, where he netted 29 goals and provided 18 assists in the Premier League, was not enough to secure the coveted prize. Salah expressed earlier this year that he believed the 2025 season was his best opportunity to finally claim the Ballon d'Or.
Salah's Reflection on His Career
In various interviews, Salah has shared his thoughts on the significance of the Ballon d'Or to his career. He stated, "If I win it, it would be great. If I don’t win it, I think my career will also be very good." This perspective highlights his professionalism and commitment to the game, regardless of individual accolades.
Impact of Team Success
For Salah, team success plays a crucial role in earning individual accolades. After Liverpool's Premier League triumph, he remarked, "I would say I never had a season like this and winning big trophies." This statement underscores the intrinsic link between personal achievement and team performance, particularly in a sport as competitive as football.
Aitana Bonmatí's Recognition in Women's Football
In the women's category, Aitana Bonmatí received the Ballon d'Or, recognising her outstanding contributions to the sport. Bonmatí's exceptional skills and performances have made her a key player for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Her win marks an important milestone in women's football, highlighting the growing recognition of female athletes on a global stage.
The Evolution of the Women's Ballon d'Or
The women's Ballon d'Or has evolved significantly since its inception, reflecting the increasing competitiveness and visibility of women's football. As more female players gain recognition, awards like the Ballon d'Or serve to inspire the next generation and elevate women's participation in sports.
The Future of the Ballon d'Or
As we look ahead, the Ballon d'Or will continue to be a focal point of discussion among football fans and analysts. The awards ceremony not only celebrates individual talent but also sets the stage for future narratives in football. With emerging stars and established players vying for the top spot, the competition remains fierce.
What Lies Ahead for Dembélé and Salah
For Dembélé, the challenge will be to maintain his form and continue contributing to PSG's success. With the expectations that come with being a Ballon d'Or winner, all eyes will be on him to see if he can replicate his exceptional performances in the coming seasons. Conversely, Salah will aim to build on his achievements and further strengthen his case for the Ballon d'Or in the future, demonstrating that his pursuit of greatness is far from over.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony has once again highlighted the achievements of the world's best footballers. Ousmane Dembélé's victory marks a significant milestone in his career, while Mohamed Salah's ongoing quest for the award illustrates the relentless pursuit of excellence within the sport. As the football landscape continues to evolve, both players will remain at the forefront of the conversation, inspiring fans and future generations alike.
FAQs
What is the Ballon d'Or?
The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by France Football, recognising the best male and female football players based on their performances over the previous season.
Who won the men's Ballon d'Or in 2025?
Ousmane Dembélé won the men's Ballon d'Or in 2025 following a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he contributed significantly to the team's success.
Why did Mohamed Salah miss out on the Ballon d'Or?
Despite an impressive season with Liverpool, where he scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists, Mohamed Salah finished behind Dembélé and others in the Ballon d'Or rankings.
Who won the women's Ballon d'Or in 2025?
Aitana Bonmatí was awarded the women's Ballon d'Or in 2025, recognising her exceptional performances with FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
How often is the Ballon d'Or awarded?
The Ballon d'Or is awarded annually, with nominees considered based on their performances in domestic and international competitions throughout the season.
What impact does winning the Ballon d'Or have on a player's career?
Winning the Ballon d'Or can significantly enhance a player's reputation, marketability, and legacy in football, often impacting their future opportunities and contracts.
