Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene took centre stage at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday evening, presenting the prestigious Sócrates Award to the Xana Foundation…
Created by L’Équipe Group and Peace and Sport, the award honours initiatives that use football’s influence to drive education, inclusion and humanitarian projects. In her address, Princess Charlene hailed the Xana Foundation as “a model of hope and action,” underscoring her long-standing commitment to youth and social development through sport.
The ceremony then unfolded into its traditional showcase of footballing excellence. Ousmane Dembélé captured the men’s Ballon d’Or while Aitana Bonmatí took the women’s crown, consolidating her status as one of the world’s leading midfielders. Lamine Yamal and Vicky López received the Kopa Trophies for top young players, with the Yashin Trophies going to Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hannah Hampton as the year’s best goalkeepers.
Coaching brilliance was also recognised: Luis Enrique and Sarina Wiegman claimed the Johan Cruyff Awards for managerial achievement. Viktor Gyökeres and C earned the Gerd Müller top-scorer honours, while Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal were named Clubs of the Year.
By placing the Sócrates Award and Princess Charlene’s role at the heart of the evening, the Ballon d’Or reaffirmed that football’s global stage can celebrate more than goals and trophies. It can also spotlight those who harness the game’s power to improve lives far beyond the pitch.
Image: Prince’s palace IG
