Ousmane Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or is a human victory amid the toxic theatre of football | Barney Ronay

Paris Saint-Germain had a night to remember at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, with Luis Enrique being named the best manager, Ousmane Dembélé the best player, and the team itself recognized as the best in the world. However, this celebration was overshadowed by their unexpected defeat to Marseille in Ligue 1, marking their first loss at the Vélodrome in over a year. This juxtaposition highlights the unpredictable nature of football, where accolades can coexist with setbacks, reminding fans that success is often accompanied by challenges.

In a thrilling ceremony held in Paris, Ousmane Dembélé of France clinched the men's Ballon d'Or, recognizing his exceptional contributions to Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League victory last season. This prestigious award not only highlights Dembélé's talent but also elevates the profile of French football on the global stage, inspiring young athletes and fans alike.

Ousmane Dembélé has made headlines by winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or, a prestigious accolade that highlights his exceptional talent and contributions to football. This recognition not only elevates Dembélé's career but also brings significant pride to Paris Saint-Germain, which celebrated multiple awards at the event. Such achievements underscore the club's dominance in the sport and its ability to nurture world-class talent.

Ousmane Dembele's emotional victory at the Ballon d'Or, where he outshone Yamal, highlights his incredible contribution to Paris Saint-Germain's historic quadruple last season, including their first Champions League title. This achievement not only cements his status as a top player but also showcases the rising talent in football, making it an exciting time for fans and the sport.

In a dazzling ceremony in Paris, Ousmane Dembélé clinched the men's Ballon d'Or, marking a significant achievement for the Paris Saint-Germain star. Aitana Bonmatí also celebrated her third consecutive win, showcasing her dominance in women's football. The event not only highlighted individual excellence but also recognized the contributions of Sarina Wiegman and Hannah Hampton, further elevating the profile of football in England. This celebration of talent underscores the growing global recognition of football and its stars.

In a surprising turn of events, Paris Saint-Germain faced a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Marseille in the highly anticipated 'Le Classique'. Nayef Aguerd's early header marked a significant moment, as it secured Marseille's first home league win over PSG since 2011. This loss is particularly notable for PSG, as it represents their first league defeat of the season, raising questions about their performance and strategy moving forward. Meanwhile, Antonio Conte's team continues to shine in Serie A, maintaining their perfect record with a 3-2 victory over Pisa, showcasing the competitive nature of European football.

In a thrilling ceremony held in Paris, Ousmane Dembélé of France clinched the men's Ballon d'Or, celebrating his exceptional performance with Paris Saint-Germain, which led them to victory in the Champions League last season. This prestigious award not only highlights Dembélé's individual talent but also underscores the growing prominence of PSG in European football, making it a significant moment for fans and the sport alike.

In an exciting ceremony for the Ballon d'Or 2025, Aitana Bonmatí successfully defended her title as the best female player, while England's Sarina Wiegman took home the manager award and goalkeeper Mary Hampton was recognized for her outstanding performance. This event highlights the growing recognition of women's football and the remarkable achievements of players and coaches, especially following England's impressive showing in the Euro 2025 tournament. Such accolades not only celebrate individual talent but also inspire future generations in the sport.

The highly anticipated Ligue 1 match between Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain has been postponed due to severe weather conditions in Marseille. The game is now rescheduled for Monday at 8pm, coinciding with the prestigious Ballon d'Or ceremony. This postponement is significant as it affects fans and players alike, highlighting the impact of weather on sporting events.

In Venice, a group of 14 children aged 12 to 13 faced fines after playing football in a public square, following a complaint from a local resident. This incident has ignited a debate about the rights of young people to engage in outdoor activities, especially in a country known for its love of football. Many are questioning whether such strict enforcement is necessary and what it means for children's freedom to play.

The match between Villa and Liverpool has been postponed following the tragic death of former Liverpool manager Matt Beard at the age of 47. Fara Williams, a notable figure in women's football, expressed her sorrow, describing Beard as 'one of a kind' with 'the purest of souls.' This news resonates deeply within the football community, highlighting the impact Beard had on the sport and the people around him.

Liverpool's Women's Super League match against Aston Villa has been postponed following the tragic death of former manager Matt Beard. Beard, who had two successful tenures with the club and won two WSL titles, passed away on Saturday. This postponement highlights the impact of his legacy on the team and the community, as they come together to mourn the loss of a significant figure in women's football.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is looking to modernize his military beyond nuclear capabilities, drawing inspiration from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This effort involves upgrading the country's outdated Soviet-era conventional weaponry, a significant challenge that could reshape North Korea's military strategy. The collaboration with Russia may provide the necessary support and technology to achieve these goals, highlighting the evolving dynamics in global military alliances.

Claudia Cardinale, the iconic Tunisian-born actress known for her roles in classic films like The Leopard and Once Upon a Time in the West, has passed away at the age of 87. Her remarkable career spanned decades, during which she collaborated with legendary directors such as Visconti, Fellini, and Leone. Cardinale's contributions to cinema not only defined an era of Italian film but also inspired countless actors and filmmakers around the world. Her death marks the end of an era, reminding us of the rich legacy she leaves behind.

In a surprising turn, President Trump has stated that Ukraine has the potential to reclaim all of its lost territory, marking a significant stance against Russia. This statement comes after months of unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a cease-fire, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region. Trump's comments could bolster Ukraine's morale and signal a shift in U.S. support, which is crucial for the country's efforts to regain control over its territory.

Recent analysis reveals that Labour's tax increases in Britain have not contributed to economic growth or productivity, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such fiscal policies. This matters because it challenges the narrative that higher taxes can lead to better economic outcomes, prompting a reevaluation of tax strategies in the country.

In a bold address at Turtle Bay, Donald Trump candidly expressed his views on the United Nations, highlighting its increasing irrelevance in today's global landscape. This matters because it challenges the status quo and prompts a necessary discussion about the effectiveness of international institutions in addressing contemporary issues.

In a significant diplomatic moment, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to meet with world leaders at the UN, including a planned meeting with US President Trump in October. This comes amid tensions as President Trump criticized Australia and other nations for recognizing Palestine. The appointment of a new police commissioner in New South Wales adds another layer to the day's news, highlighting ongoing changes in leadership and policy in Australia. These developments are crucial as they reflect Australia's position on international issues and its domestic governance.