AFCON 2025
The 2025 Ballon d’Or gala in Paris was not just about the crowning of the men’s and women’s best players in the world. A host of other awards were handed out on a night that celebrated excellence across every level of the game.
Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal retained the Kopa Trophy, becoming the first player to win the award for best U21 male footballer twice. His Barcelona teammate Vicky López etched her name in history by taking home the inaugural Women’s Kopa Trophy.
The Yashin Trophies for best goalkeepers went to Gianluigi Donnarumma on the men’s side and England’s Hannah Hampton, who became the first winner of the new women’s category.
In front of goal, Viktor Gyökeres collected the Gerd Müller Trophy after finishing as the game’s most prolific scorer last season, while Wolfsburg striker Ewa Pajor claimed the women’s equivalent.
The Johan Cruyff Coaching Awards recognised the masterminds behind the sidelines, with Luis Enrique honoured as best men’s coach and Sarina Wiegman once again acknowledged as the leading figure in the women’s game.
Paris Saint-Germain were named Men’s Club of the Year following their domestic and European exploits, while Arsenal Women’s remarkable Champions League run earned them the women’s honour.
Away from the pitch, the Sócrates Award went to the Xana Foundation for their outstanding humanitarian contributions, underlining football’s wider impact beyond results and trophies.
