The Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris buzzed with anticipation on the night of September 22, 2025, as the Ballon d’Or unveiled its winners for the 2024/25 season. Paris Saint-Germain, with its dominant campaign, secured the best club award, outshining giants like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona. This triumph followed a string of victories, including the club’s first-ever Champions League title, won in Munich against Inter Milan.
The ceremony highlighted the collective impact of the French team, led by Luis Enrique, who turned the Parc des Princes into a trophy fortress. Ousmane Dembélé, with 35 goals across all competitions, emerged as a frontrunner for the men’s individual award, though the spotlight fell on the squad as a whole. Nine PSG players were among the 30 nominees, a record reflecting the team’s depth.
- Continental treble: Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League.
- Unbeaten start in 2025: 14 wins and one draw in the first 15 matches.
- Club World Cup dominance: Secured a final spot after a 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid.
The Parisian fanbase flooded the streets around the theater, celebrating what many call a golden era. Players like Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and João Neves, all Portuguese, earned honorable mentions, while Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed the Yashin Trophy as the best goalkeeper. These individual accolades paved the way for the collective recognition, elevating PSG to an unprecedented level.
Dominant Champions League run propels PSG to the top
PSG’s journey in the 2024/25 Champions League began with a commanding group stage, averaging 67.6% possession and 17.7 shots per game. They advanced to the round of 16 with a campaign that included thrashings of Manchester City and Stuttgart, bolstered by a defense that conceded just 13 goals in 15 matches in 2025.
In the quarterfinals, the clash against Aston Villa tested Parisian resilience. With Donnarumma saving crucial penalties, a 5-4 aggregate secured their spot. The semifinal against Arsenal ended in a 3-1 aggregate victory, with Dembélé scoring in both legs. The Munich final was the pinnacle: a 5-0 rout of Inter, with goals from Achraf Hakimi, Désiré Doué (two), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu.
Luis Enrique fine-tuned a fluid 4-3-3, prioritizing swift transitions. The team scored 78 goals in 25 matches in 2025, with an 89.3% win rate. This offensive efficiency, paired with a solid defense, delivered the club’s first European title, breaking years of early eliminations.
The impact extended to the Club World Cup, where PSG crushed Real Madrid 4-0 in the semifinal, scoring three goals in the first 24 minutes. Though the final against Chelsea ended in a 3-0 defeat, the overall campaign exceeded expectations. Supercomputer projections gave PSG an 18.5% chance of the title pre-tournament, but their performance silenced doubters.
Emerging stars define PSG’s new era
Ousmane Dembélé spearheaded the offensive revolution, with 45 goal involvements in the season. His speed and vision dismantled defenses, earning him a Ballon d’Or nomination. Despite a thigh injury, he attended the ceremony, cheered by fans.
Désiré Doué, at 19, exploded with two goals in the Champions League final, winning the Golden Boy award. João Neves, signed from Benfica, anchored the midfield with 12 assists, while Nuno Mendes solidified the left flank. These youngsters, alongside veterans like Marquinhos and Beraldo, formed a balanced squad.
- Individual standouts: Dembélé (35 goals), Doué (15 goals, 10 assists), Neves (8 goals, 12 assists).
- Defensive contributions: Donnarumma (88% save rate), Marquinhos (captain with on-field leadership).
- Tactical integration: Enrique’s rotations kept the team fresh for knockout stages.
Kylian Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid in early 2025 could have shaken the squad but instead fueled their collective drive. The focus on possession and high pressing flourished. In 16 matches in 2025, PSG scored 54 goals and conceded only 14, setting Ligue 1 records.
Vitinha, another Portuguese star, shone in the Nations League but was pivotal in PSG’s UEFA Super Cup win in August against Tottenham. These accumulated triumphs positioned the club as a global benchmark, drawing attention from scouts and sponsors.
Investments and structure elevate PSG to global elite
Qatari ownership transformed PSG into a financial powerhouse since 2011, but 2025 marked its maturity. The transfer budget exceeded 200 million euros, targeting under-23 talents. Signings like Kvaratskhelia from Napoli added attacking flair, with the Georgian contributing 10 goals.
The Camp des Loges training center received upgrades, including AI-driven data analysis to optimize performance. Luis Enrique, leveraging his Barcelona experience, implemented holistic training with nutrition and recovery focus, resulting in zero major injuries during the Champions League.
Globally, PSG expanded its fanbase to 500 million, boosted by streaming platforms. Partnerships with Nike and Qatar Airways generated record revenues of 800 million euros. The organized fanbase, despite past tensions, rallied in massive support during the European final.
- Financial growth: Revenue doubled since 2020, emphasizing sustainability.
- Youth development: Academy produced 15 players for the first team.
- Global reach: Tours in Asia and the Americas filled stadiums at 90% capacity.
These pillars underpinned PSG’s dominance, enabling participation in December 2025’s Intercontinental Cup against the Libertadores champion. The Club World Cup loss did not dim their shine but offered defensive lessons.
Fierce rivalries test PSG’s European supremacy
The Marseille derby, played on the ceremony day, ended in a 1-0 PSG win, with Mayulu scoring. This victory kept PSG unbeaten in derbies, with eight consecutive triumphs. The match showcased their high press, with 70% possession.
In the Premier League, Chelsea, Club World Cup runners-up, remain a recurring threat. Cole Palmer scored twice in the final, but PSG responded with friendly wins. Real Madrid, humbled in the Club World Cup, plans reinforcements to challenge in the next Champions League.
Barcelona, with Lamine Yamal as their star, took second in the Ballon d’Or club rankings. The young Spaniard, winning the Kopa Trophy for the second year, embodies emerging competition. PSG, however, beat the Catalans 3-1 in the group stage.
These battles forged the team’s character, with Enrique rotating the squad to preserve energy. In September 2025, PSG led Ligue 1 comfortably after a 2-0 win over Lens. Consistency across multiple fronts defines this version of the club.
- Key matchups: 4-0 vs Real Madrid (Club World Cup), 5-0 vs Inter (Champions League final).
- Direct rivals: Chelsea (Club World Cup final loss), Barcelona (group stage win).
- Future preparation: Liverpool friendlies test tactics for 2026.
The Parc des Princes echoed with fan chants, reflecting renewed pride. Icons like Javier Pastore attended the ceremony, bridging past and present.
Promising future with secured global tournament spots
PSG earned spots in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup and 2029 Club World Cup, plus this year’s Intercontinental Cup. These berths, secured by the Champions League, open doors to clashes with South American sides like potential Palmeiras.
In the market, rumors link PSG to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak for attacking depth. Enrique plans to retain the young core, with Doué and Neves extended until 2030. The academy prioritizes talent export, generating profits.
In 2025, PSG played 40 matches, winning 35, averaging 2.5 goals per game. Sofascore stats rank PSG atop Europe in shots and chances created. This efficiency fuels their narrative of total dominance.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony closed with applause for the club, as Dembélé raised his individual trophy. The moment captured the essence: a collective team exceeding expectations, poised for more conquests.
