What would an edition of the Ballon d'Or without controversy be? From the 30th place of Michael Olise to the 8th of Cole Palmer, to the presence of Vinicius before Robert Lewandowski, or to the absence of Achraf Hakimi in the Top 5, there are things to be complained, and everyone will have their opinion on the subject, in any case those who are interested in this very media individual distinction.
On the other hand, there is not a grand-world to question the victory of Ousmane Dembélé. While we were waiting for a duel with Lamine Yamal, the success of the PSG striker is quite clear, and ultimately obeys a certain logic. When you are placed 73 times in mind in the votes of the 100 jurors, you are a legitimate winner.
It is the third Ballon d'Or immediately for Aitana Bonmati.
To tell the truth, it is no longer the identity of the female golden ball that lends discussion. Aitana Bonmati was crowned for the third consecutive year. And that is not suitable for everyone.
Golden ball, did Aitana Bonmati deserve it?
The debate is notably launched by The Athletic. With a very important point to recall: Aitana Bonmati is most certainly the best player in the world at present. But it was not she who had the best 2024-2025 season. Some militated for Mariona Caldentey, elected best player in the Premier League, victorious of the Champions League with Arsenal, the only Spanish rider in the Euro final (lost against England).
The detail of the votes shows a very tight ballot, and thus confirms doubts about the legitimacy of the winner. Very clean player on the technical level, capable of shines like this goal of genius against Germany in the semi-finals of the Euro (of which she elected best player), Aitana Bonmati is a great showcase for women's football. But no doubt it owes this Ballon d'Or to its status and its reputation more than its overall performance of the past season.
