Dembele and Bonmati Triumph at Ballon d’Or Ceremony

Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmati were celebrated at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, with both athletes taking home top honors in their respective categories. Dembele, a forward for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), was awarded the 2023 Ballon d’Or, marking a significant milestone in his career after a remarkable season that saw PSG clinch their first Champions League title. This victory makes him the sixth French player to receive the award, following in the footsteps of Karim Benzema, who won it in 2022.

In a ceremony held in Paris, Dembele expressed his gratitude, stating, “What I have just experienced is exceptional… to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend of football, is exceptional.” He acknowledged the support of his teammates, many of whom were absent due to a Ligue 1 match in Marseille, where PSG faced a 1-0 defeat against Olympique de Marseille. Dembele praised PSG as an “incredible family,” thanking club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and coach Luis Enrique for their guidance.

Dembele’s emotional speech included heartfelt thanks to his mother and recognition of his beginnings at Stade Rennais. He also expressed aspirations for future success, particularly with the national team, as they aim to defend their World Cup title under coach Didier Deschamps next year. Deschamps highlighted Dembele’s resilience, noting his difficult career marked by injuries but underscoring his perseverance and perspective.

PSG’s Celebrated Season

Dembele’s accolade is part of a broader recognition for PSG, which enjoyed a successful season, winning the treble of the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the French Cup. The club was also awarded Team of the Season, with Enrique being named Best Coach. Former goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who transferred to Manchester City during the offseason, received the prestigious Yashin Trophy for top goalkeeper. Al-Khelaifi emphasized the collective effort behind these achievements, stating, “It’s the result of hard work, by everyone at the club.”

In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmati of Spain won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third consecutive year, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in women’s football. Bonmati, who was instrumental in Barcelona’s journey to the Champions League final, remarked, “I’m amazed and proud because it’s a lot of hard work. I’m here for the third time in a row because of the teams I’ve been playing with.” Despite Barcelona’s loss to Arsenal in the final, she reflected on the journey, emphasizing that football is not solely defined by victories.

English manager Sarina Wiegman was recognized as Women’s Coach of the Year after leading her team to victory in the European Championship. She has gained acclaim for her strategic prowess and ability to inspire her players.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the growing prominence of football on both the men’s and women’s sides. The recognition of athletes like Dembele and Bonmati underscores the evolution of the sport and the increasing importance of collective success alongside personal accolades.