The Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris is always a night of high-stakes football and even higher-stakes fashion. As the world’s elite players gathered at the Théâtre du Châtelet to celebrate the best of the 2024/25 season, the red carpet was a spectacle of sartorial excellence, with players trading their jerseys for designer suits and stunning formal wear.
While Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain was the undisputed king of the night, taking home the Men’s Ballon d’Or, the red carpet had its own set of champions. Here’s a look at some of the best-dressed players who made a statement with their style.
Ousmane Dembélé
The man of the hour proved his flair for style is as sharp as his footwork, as he stepped out to be annointed as the best men’s player in the world in a bespoke tuxedo from Zegna. The Ballon d’Or winner cut a super elegant profile, opting to wear the suit with an open collar and no tie. The real showstopper, however, was the less-than-subtle detail on his wrist: a rare Richard Mille RM67-02 ‘Sébastien Ogier’ watch, valued at approx half a million dollars – he would be forgiven for having bought it for himself as a ‘well done’ gift.
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona’s wonderboy lived up to the name taking home the Kopa Trophy for the best young player but on stage, as in anything Lamine Yamal does, he looked anything but his 18-years of age. Wearing an all-black Dolce & Gabbana suit with a wide lapel and black bow tie he looked like someone who was born for the spotlight. As runner-up for the main prize, he was a winner in the style stakes, pairing a sharp suit with a newly-released Patek Philippe Cubitus in 18-carat rose gold. It was a nod to classic elegance, proving that the future of football fashion is in very good hands.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
It’s hard to miss the towering Italian goalkeeper, and winner of the Yashin Trophy for Best Goalkeeper, as he also stood out on the Red Carpet with a sharp and modern take on the classic tuxedo. The Italy captain opting for the fine tailoring of his countrymen with a Dolce & Gabbana tux with a double lapel adding that something extra to the classic penguin look.
The look was clean and sophisticated, and made all the better for the inclusion of niche watchmaker Kross Studio’s MT1: Chronomètre Tourbillon 7 Jours timepiece on his wrist.
Ronaldinho
The Brazilian icon (and former Ballon d’Or winner) Ronaldinho was not their to collect any silverwear (goldwear?), he attended the show to present the main trophy to its winner. Naturally he brought his trademark joyous Samba-drenched spirit, but his choice of opting for a pinstriped double-breasted suit (which he wore open) shows that he hasn’t lost a step when it comes to attracting the limelight.
Luis Figo
Another footballing icon (and Ballon d’Or winner himself from 2000) Luis Figo’s fashion sense has evolved from pitch-side icon to a full-fledged fashion entrepreneur. Attending the ceremony, Figo wore a suit from his own luxury menswear brand, LF Luis Figo. The custom-tailored piece showcased a perfect fusion of classic tailoring and contemporary design, with a unique fabric choice that set him apart from the crowd. His appearance served as a powerful testament to his success both on and off the field.