Ballon d'Or 2025: How Much Prize Money Did the Winner Ousmane Dembele Receive?
- After years of Messi-Ronaldo dominance, a new star has risen to claim football’s ultimate individual honour
- A historic season filled with silverware, including European glory, has propelled PSG’s talisman to the summit of world football
- Detailed insights have been provided on the Ballon d’Or prize money and the financial rewards Ousmane Dembele may have earned
The Ballon d’Or stands as one of the most prestigious trophies in global sport, and every year, it crowns the player deemed the best across the previous season, and winning it places an athlete among the game’s immortals.
Ousmane Dembele was officially crowned as the Ballon d’Or 2025 winner after a phenomenal season with Paris Saint-Germain last season, beating off competition from top contenders such as Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Source: Getty Images
The French side, under the guidance of Spaniard Luis Enrique, enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 campaign, sweeping to a historic quadruple that included the long-awaited Champions League crown.
PSG have already carried that momentum into the new season by securing the UEFA Super Cup against Mohammed Kudus' Tottenham Hotspur, with Ousmane Dembele playing a decisive role throughout these triumphs.
For over a decade, the Ballon d'Or's story was dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose unparalleled rivalry turned the Ballon d’Or into their personal battleground.
Now, with both legends in the twilight of their careers - the Argentine at Inter Miami and the Portuguese at Al-Nassr, the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, were the main players competing.
Source: Getty Images
Is there prize money for winning Ballon d’Or?
Contrary to what some might assume, the Ballon d’Or itself does not come with direct prize money, as featured by AS.
The award, organised by France Football, is seen as prestigious enough on its own, making a cash incentive unnecessary.
The golden trophy is the reward — and its value lies in what it represents. This means 2025 champion Ousmane Dembele received no financial award for his historic coronation on September 22 in Paris.
That said, the story doesn’t end there. Many top players have performance-based clauses in their contracts.
These can range from bonuses for goals and appearances to major accolades. In several cases, winning the Ballon d’Or is included on that list.
Even making the 30-man shortlist could trigger a payout, depending on the player’s deal. So, the past Dortmund and Barcelona attacker might see his Ballon d’Or triumph translate into extra cash, provided his PSG contract allows for it.
Fans salute Dembele for winning Ballon d'Or
Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele's crowning moment has set social media ablaze, with fans across the globe taking to X to celebrate his rise to the top, hailing him as a true comeback story and showering him with praise.
@AmoiuyUri said:
''Dembele Ballon d’Or. From glass ankles to world’s best. What a story.''
@Yusu commented:
“Finally!! Dembele proves all the doubters wrong. #BallondOr”
@ernen2001 also reacted:
“Dembouz, the pride of PSG and France.”
@EasyTargett wrote:
“Things we love to see. Against the odds. From Dortmund to Barcelona to Paris. the journey ends with a Golden Ball.''
Why Dembele is a deserved Ballon d'Or winner
In an earlier feature, YEN.com.gh broke down the compelling factors that placed Ousmane Dembele ahead of his rivals in the Ballon d’Or race.
The report highlighted his decisive performances for PSG, his consistency across competitions, and the historic quadruple that strengthened his case.
Source: YEN.com.gh
