The city of Paris sparkled on Monday night as football royalty gathered for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, and it was a night to remember. 

Arsenal’s new signing Viktor Gyökeres, Spain coach Luis Enrique, and Paris Saint-Germain were among the biggest winners in an evening that celebrated individual brilliance and team dominance across world football.

Gyökeres, who took the Portuguese league by storm with his sensational goal-scoring form for Sporting Lisbon last season, walked away with the Gerd Müller Trophy, awarded to the best striker in the world. 

His summer switch to Arsenal seems to have made him even more of a household name, with the Swedish forward beating several elite strikers across Europe to claim the honour.

Spain’s Luis Enrique had his moment in the spotlight as well, taking home the Johan Cruyff Trophy for Best Coach of the Year after masterminding Spain’s triumph at Euro 2025. The win cemented his reputation as one of the best tacticians in international football. On the women’s side, England’s Sarina Wiegman scooped the same award after leading the Lionesses to a successful season and further strengthening their dominance in women’s football.

In goalkeeping, Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed the Yashin Trophy for the best male goalkeeper, while Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton made history by winning the first-ever Women’s Yashin Trophy, proving her place among the world’s top shot-stoppers.

The youngsters also had their share of glory. Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was named Kopa Trophy winner for best young male player, while his teammate Vicky López clinched the women’s Kopa Trophy, solidifying Barça’s place as the hub of the next generation of football superstars.

The Club of the Year awards highlighted team excellence, with Paris Saint-Germain crowned the best men’s club and Arsenal Women recognised as the best women’s club for their incredible performances at home and in Europe.

The Paris gala was a reminder that football is truly a global sport, with talent shining from Spain to England, Portugal to France. For Arsenal fans, PSG supporters, and Barcelona faithful, it was a night to celebrate — and a sign that their teams are right at the heart of world football’s brightest stage.