Fiction. On Monday, September 22, 2025, the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony took place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, gathering the greatest talents of world football for the 69th edition of this iconic award. In a highly anticipated showdown, it was the Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi who won the men’s trophy, notably ahead of the French forward Ousmane Dembélé, who was favored by many experts and supporters.
Thanks to his outstanding performances with Paris Saint-Germain and his consistency on the field, Achraf Hakimi convinced an African football specialist to award him this distinction. His offensive impact as a right-back, his decisive contributions in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, as well as his key role in PSG’s collective successes were decisive in his triumph. Despite less playing time than some competitors, Hakimi demonstrated major efficiency and influence, fully justifying this individual reward.
On the other hand, Ousmane Dembélé, who had an impressive season in terms of goals (35) and assists (16) across all competitions, was praised for his decisive role as a forward in the Parisian team. His crucial contribution in the Champions League final and his technical talent sparked intense debates, but the criteria of consistency and a slightly less versatile tactical position worked in Hakimi’s favor this year.
The ceremony, jointly organized by UEFA and the Amaury group, also highlighted several new categories dedicated to women’s football, emphasizing the evolving and growing inclusivity of this award. The Ballon d’Or 2025 thus confirms its status as a global reference, rewarding players capable of influencing the game at the highest level, in a prestigious setting in the heart of Paris, with an increasingly rich and diverse list of laureates.