The city of Paris buzzed with anticipation as football's brightest stars gathered for the 2025 Ballon d'Or awards, a night that would etch new chapters into the sport's history books. While the spotlight often shines on the game's most prolific scorers and dazzling playmakers, this year's ceremony belonged just as much to those who orchestrate from the sidelines and stand tall between the posts. England's Lionesses, fresh from their historic Euro 2025 triumph, took center stage with honors that reflected both their collective grit and individual brilliance.
For Sarina Wiegman, the accolades keep coming. On September 23, 2025, the England manager was awarded the Johan Cruyff trophy at the Ballon d'Or gala, officially recognized as the world's best women's coach for the season. Wiegman's leadership steered the Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory in Switzerland this summer, marking the first time a senior England team has ever hoisted a major trophy on foreign soil. Standing on stage in Paris, she was quick to share the limelight. "What an honour to get this award after an insane summer," Wiegman said, her voice tinged with emotion. "I would like to thank the players, the staff, the FA and my family for the hard work, trust and unconditional support I got from them. Without you I would not be standing here." Her gratitude extended to the tournament hosts as well: "The women's game has grown so far, we have broken records. I would also like to thank Switzerland for organising the Euros because it was absolutely insane."
But Wiegman wasn't the only Lioness making headlines. Chelsea and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton claimed the first-ever Women's Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best female goalkeeper in the world. Hampton's journey to the top was anything but straightforward. Thrust into the starting role after the shock international retirement of Mary Earps just five weeks before the Euros, Hampton faced immense pressure. Yet she rose to the occasion spectacularly, saving two Spanish penalties in the shootout that sealed England's 3-1 victory after a tense 1-1 draw through extra time.
The moment Hampton took the stage to accept her award was tinged with drama. The trophy was presented by none other than Earps herself, the Lionesses' former stalwart between the sticks and a World Cup Golden Glove winner. Their brief, somewhat awkward hug and Earps' decision to stand apart from the group did not go unnoticed. Earps, now playing club football for Paris Saint Germain, had been a mainstay for England since 2017. Her abrupt retirement reportedly surprised teammates and left Wiegman disappointed. Publicly, Wiegman admitted she was "disappointed" by Earps' decision, while Earps later shared on a podcast that she felt "villainised" by the reaction to her exit. "I think I was villainised in a way, it was a bit hard to see and read things," Earps confessed, reflecting on the impact the controversy had on her family and friends.
Hampton, ever gracious, paid tribute to her predecessor and the legacy she leaves behind. "First of all, we have to respect her decision," Hampton said. "I think there's been quite a bit of scrutiny that she probably doesn't deserve, with everything that she's achieved in the game, as well as putting women's goalkeeping on the map for the younger generation. Goalkeeping was never really a thing, and Mary's changed that." Hampton also acknowledged the support she received: "I'd like to thank my family, my brother—who is here tonight—for the sacrifices you made when I was growing up, driving me around everywhere so that I could fulfil my dream and be here tonight. To all the coaches, there's so many. To Sarina for having the faith in me over the summer, with the success we've had. To the fans—your support does not go unnoticed and it truly means a lot."
Hampton's acceptance speech included a heartfelt tribute to the late Matt Beard, the former Chelsea, Liverpool, West Ham, and Bristol City manager who passed away just days before the ceremony. "The women's game sadly on Saturday lost a real trailblazer, Matt Beard," Hampton said. "Matt was someone who cared an awful lot for the women's game when no-one else did. He lit up the room whenever he was in it. And this is just a message to show that not everyone should have to go through these dark moments alone. Sometimes the brightest smiles in the room hide the heaviest pain. He'll be greatly missed."
Elsewhere in Paris, Spanish and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati made history of her own. At just 27, Bonmati became the first player ever to win the women's Ballon d'Or three years in a row, adding the 2025 trophy to her 2023 and 2024 triumphs. Her season was nothing short of remarkable—overcoming viral meningitis days before Euro 2025, she returned to score the decisive goal in Spain's semi-final win against Germany. Though Spain fell to England in the final, Bonmati's resilience and class shone through. "My third time in a row here, and I still can't believe it. Incredible. Thank you to France Football for this, for the third time—it really could have gone to anyone," she said on stage, receiving the award from her idol, Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta.
Bonmati's club season was equally impressive. She was named UEFA Champions League player of the season, recording nine goal contributions in 11 appearances as Barcelona finished eight points ahead of Real Madrid domestically and reached the Champions League final, only to lose to Arsenal. Her list of accolades now includes three Ballon d'Ors, three Champions League player of the season awards, seven league titles, three European crowns, and a host of other trophies. "I owe Barcelona everything—this is the club of my life. I hope to represent this badge for many more years," Bonmati declared, her pride unmistakable.
The Ballon d'Or ceremony also highlighted the strength of English football, with five Lionesses featuring in the women's top 10: Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, and Leah Williamson among them. Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey placed second, while Chelsea's Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton rounded out the elite list. The men's awards saw Paris Saint Germain's Ousmane Dembele recognized as the world's best male footballer after a stellar season that saw him net 35 goals and provide 14 assists in 53 matches, helping his club to a treble of Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup triumphs. Manchester City's Gianluigi Donnarumma collected the men's best goalkeeper prize after his final season with PSG, capping a night of recognition for football's finest.
As the lights dimmed on Paris, the stories of resilience, rivalry, and redemption lingered. The Lionesses' summer of glory, Bonmati's comeback, and the changing of the guard in England's goalkeeping ranks all underscored the ever-evolving narrative of the women's game. The Ballon d'Or awards once again proved to be more than just a celebration of talent—they were a testament to the spirit, unity, and relentless drive that defines football at its very best.
