Yamal wins second Kopa trophy for best U-21 player of the year
France and Paris Saint Germain forward has won the 2025 prestigious Ballon d'Or Award.
Ousmane Dembélé, was named as the winner on Monday night at a well attended ceremony in the French capital - Paris. He beat Spain and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, with his PSG teammate Vitinha taking third place.
"What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it, what happened with PSG. I feel a bit of stress, it's not easy to win this trophy, and to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend of football, is exceptional," Dembele said on stage at a Paris ceremony where he was supported by several teammates, the others being in Marseille for the Ligue 1 clash against OM which they lost 1-0.
Ousmane Dembélé broke down in tears after winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or, a player once written off at Barcelona followimg his poor form and injuries.
The 28-year-old France forward Dembele, who needed time and the guidance of PSG coach Luis Enrique to fulfill his potential as he inspired the capital club to their first Champions League title last season, became the sixth French player to lift the award and the first since Karim Benzema in 2022.
"What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it, what happened with PSG. I feel a bit of stress, it's not easy to win this trophy, and to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend of football, is exceptional," Dembele said on stage at a Paris ceremony where he was supported by several teammates, the others being in Marseille for the Ligue 1 clash against OM which they lost 1-0.
He also mentioned his first club Stade Rennais and the national team, vowing to win another World Cup next year with coach Didier Deschamps after their 2018 victory.
Meanwhile, Barcelona and Spain teenager Lamine Yamal was awarded the Kopa trophy for the world's best U-21 player of the year for the second time in a row on Monday.
The 18-year-old was instrumental for club and country as Barca won LaLiga and Spain reached the Nations League final.
Dembele's prize was one of several for PSG, who won the treble of Champions League, Ligue 1 and the French Cup last season as well as the UEFA Super Cup this year.
The French champions were named the team of the season, Luis Enrique was voted best coach and Gianluigi Donnarumma, who left for Manchester City in the close season, was recognised as top goalkeeper with the Yashin trophy.
"It's the result of hard work, by everyone at the club," PSG President Al-Khelaifi said. "We've got young players, and stars who work for the team. It's a collective achievement."
Spain's Bonmati, the Champions League player of the season, won the women's Ballon d'Or for the third time in a row, while England's Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman was honoured as women's coach of the year after leading her side to the European title.
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