Dembélé’s recognition followed a remarkable campaign in which he played a central role in Paris Saint-Germain’s first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph. The French club delivered a commanding 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the final, a match that underscored PSG’s long pursuit of European glory and Dembélé’s growing influence on the biggest stage. Across all competitions last season, the forward scored 35 goals, a career-best return that highlighted his consistency, fitness, and attacking sharpness.
His domestic form was equally decisive. Dembélé finished as the top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, driving PSG’s league campaign while establishing himself as one of the most prolific forwards in European football. The combination of individual excellence and team success proved decisive in FIFA’s assessment, placing him ahead of the world’s elite for the prestigious men’s award.
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmatí once again set the standard. The Barcelona and Spain midfielder secured the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year title for the third year in succession, reinforcing her status as a defining figure of the modern game. Her sustained excellence at club and international level has made her a benchmark for midfield play, leadership, and technical intelligence.
The awards ceremony in Doha reflected a broader moment of continuity and change in global football, with established stars reaching new peaks while maintaining the consistency demanded at the highest level. For Dembélé, the honour marks a defining milestone after years of promise, while Bonmatí’s unprecedented streak further cements her place among the sport’s elite.
As FIFA’s top individual prizes for 2025 are handed out, the recognition of Dembélé and Bonmatí underscores how decisive performances in landmark matches and sustained excellence over a full season continue to shape football’s highest honours.
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