The 34th edition of the UNFP French football awards ceremony has been rescheduled and will now be broadcast free-to-air on the Ligue 1+ platform, accessible via L'Equipe. Initially set for May 10, the event was moved to May 11 to accommodate the rescheduling of Ligue 1 multiplex matches, which now air on Sunday evenings.
The ceremony, a staple of the French football calendar, will once again honor the best players across the country's top divisions. This year, the event returns to the historic Palais Brongniart in the heart of Paris's 2nd arrondissement, a venue synonymous with prestige and tradition.
The evening kicks off at 19:45 CET with the traditional red carpet, where players, coaches, and officials will arrive before the main proceedings. The trophy presentation begins at 20:45 CET, featuring awards for the best players in Ligue 1 McDonald's, Ligue 2 BKT, and the Arkema Première Ligue (women's top flight).
The decision to move the date stems from the scheduling shift of Ligue 1's multiplex broadcasts to Sunday nights, which forced the UNFP to adjust its original plan. The change ensures the ceremony does not conflict with the league's programming, allowing maximum visibility for the awards.
For fans, the free-to-air broadcast on L'Equipe via Ligue 1+ is a significant boon. Previously, the ceremony was often behind paywalls or limited to specific channels. This move broadens access, enabling a wider audience to celebrate French football's finest.
The UNFP awards have been a benchmark for player recognition since their inception, and this 34th edition continues the tradition of spotlighting both established stars and emerging talents. The Ligue 1 winner will likely come from the league's top contenders, while Ligue 2 and Arkema Première Ligue winners will highlight depth across French football.
Palais Brongniart, a former stock exchange building, provides a fittingly grand backdrop. Its neoclassical architecture and central location in Paris underscore the ceremony's stature within French sport.
The event also serves as a networking hub for the football community, with club executives, agents, and media in attendance. This year's timing—postponed by one day—may affect attendance logistics but is unlikely to dampen spirits.
For players, winning a UNFP trophy is a career highlight, often signaling a season of exceptional performance. The awards carry weight in contract negotiations and national team considerations, making them highly coveted.
Broadcast details remain straightforward: tune into L'Equipe's digital platform or Ligue 1+ on May 11 starting at 19:45 CET. The free stream ensures no subscription is required, a move praised by fans who previously missed out.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.