REVEALED: Ousmane Dembele beat Lamine Yamal with 321 votes to win 2025 Ballon d’Or award

French forward of Malian descent, Ousmane Dembélé, won the 2025 Ballon d’Or after edging Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal by 321 votes, Africasoccer has learned.

According to the official results released by France Football, Dembélé amassed 1,380 votes, finishing just ahead of Yamal, who secured 1,059. The tight margin, which is less than a quarter of Dembélé’s tally, highlighted how fiercely competitive this year’s race was.

The PSG star’s decisive goals and assists proved crucial in his side’s historic treble triumph, which included Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and a maiden UEFA Champions League crown. His heroics on Europe’s biggest stage gave him the edge over Yamal, whose dazzling performances in La Liga made him the standout at club level.

France Football’s editor-in-chief Vincent Garcia noted that the outcome reflected Dembélé’s “global impact.” Meanwhile, Yamal, just 18, was recognised with the prestigious Kopa Trophy for best young player, underlining his meteoric rise.

PSG midfielder Vitinha finished third in the voting with 703 votes, while Mohamed Salah (657) and Raphinha (620) completed the top five.