A Night of Legends

What does it take to be the best FIFA player in the world? On September 22, the football world got an answer. A ceremony is held every year at the end of the season for both men’s and women’s professional football, determining who will win the major awards like the Ballon d’Or, Kopa Trophy, Yashin Trophy, and Club of the Year. 

I spoke with some student-athletes at Franklin High School to get their take on the Ballon d’Or. 

 “How do you think the Ballon d’Or influences a player’s career or motivation?” Student-athlete Lilly Tux Xol, Grade 10, said, “It gives them more confidence in themselves to play better and be better.“

“Who do you think deserves to win the Ballon D’or this year, and why?” Student-athlete Sebastian Miranda, Grade 11, said, “Obviously Dembélé, he saved football.”

The Ballon d’Or is the main winning award for the best player of the season. For this 2025 season, Ousmane Dembélé won it for the first time ever, leaving a remarkable mark on his career. For the women’s side, the winner was Aitana Bonmati, now making it her 3rd time in a row, leaving a significant legacy in her career.

The Kopa Trophy is for the best youngest football player, won by Lamine Yamal at just 18 years old, making it his 2nd time in a row as he won it in 2024 at 17 years old. Vicky López won the Kopa Trophy for women’s football at just 19 years old for the first time, preparing her for a promising future. 

Now, for football, you score the goals, but who’s stopping them? Who’s in the box? Who’s the best goalkeeper in 2025? That’s answered by the Yashin trophy, which is awarded to the best goalkeeper of the season, having the best record for the season and the most points. 

Gianluigi Donnarumma won the Yashin Trophy for men’s football, making it his 2nd time since 2021. For the woman’s side, Hannah Hampton won the award, making it her first time ever. 

The Men’s Club of the Year was awarded to Paris Saint-Germain F.C., which had previously won the UEFA Champions League for the first time in history. The women’s club of the year was awarded to Arsenal, which had also won the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time in 18 years.

 The 2025 Ballon d’Or shows us that success comes from discipline, passion, and never giving up on or off the pitch. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a rising entrepreneur, or a dreamer, greatness starts within you and believing in yourself. If the world’s best can rise through hard work, so can you.