The list of nominees for the UNFP Trophies, rewarding the best players and coaches of the different French football leagues, has finally been revealed. The UNFP unveiled the complete list of nominees on the evening of Thursday, April 30, just a few days before the end of the leagues. The awards ceremony is scheduled for May 11th.
As the current holder of the best player in Ligue 1 title, Ousmane Dembélé is logically among the contenders for his successor. The PSG forward will, however, face tough competition, including from his teammates Vitinha and Nuno Mendes, as well as Mason Greenwood (OM) and Florian Thauvin (RC Lens).
In the category of best young players, Désirée Doué (PSG), last year’s laureate, faces stiff competition from Joao Neves (PSG), Warren Zaïere-Emery (PSG), Barco (Strasbourg), and Ayyoub Bouaddi (Losc).
The goalkeepers in Ligue 1 highlighted include Brice Samba (Rennes), Dominik Greif (OL), Mike Penders (Strasbourg), Hervé Koffi (Angers), and Robin Risser (Lens). The absence of Safonov is due to insufficient playing time, as the regulations require a minimum of 15 games played.
In terms of coaches, Luis Enrique is in the running to retain his trophy. He is joined by Bruno Genesio (LOSC), Olivier Pantaloni (Lorient), Paulo Fonseca (OL), and Pierre Sage (RC Lens), with the latter benefiting from the dynamic of a remarkable season for the club.
Among the French players abroad, Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) is competing with Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), and Michael Olise (Bayern Munich).
The Ligue 2 is also represented, with the nominations including Gauthier Larsonneur (Saint-Etienne), Hillel Konaté (Troyes), Gaetan Poussin (Red Star), Ewen Jaouen (Reims), and Quentin Braat (Rodez) for the best goalkeeper award. The nominees for best players and coaches are also announced.
The female categories complete the list, with nominees for best goalkeeper and best young player in D1.
