Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembélé has been named Ligue 1 Player of the Year for the second consecutive season at the 34th UNFP Trophies ceremony, held at the Palais Brongniart. The 28-year-old winger beat out Marseille's Florian Thauvin and Mason Greenwood to claim the trophy, extending PSG's stranglehold on the award to 10 straight wins.
What makes this feat remarkable is the context: Dembélé's playing time has dwindled significantly. Over the season, he made only 20 appearances and started just nine matches in Ligue 1. Yet his per-minute output remained elite: 10 goals and 6 assists, a rate that silenced critics who doubted his ability to replicate his extraordinary 2024-2025 campaign.
"The looks have changed because I'm the current Ballon d'Or winner," Dembélé said with a smile. "I had a lot of physical problems, but every time I was on the pitch, I tried to be present. I don't know if it counts double, but it's nice that the players voted for me."
The award marks a milestone in Dembélé's transformation from a mercurial talent into a consistent match-winner. His 2023-2024 season saw him win the Ballon d'Or after a stunning campaign, but many wondered if he could sustain that level. This back-to-back recognition proves that he has, even with reduced minutes.
Perhaps the most telling sign of his growth came off the pitch. France national team coach Didier Deschamps addressed Dembélé directly during the ceremony. "You are a great inspiration for young players," Deschamps said. "You had very difficult moments. They are far away now, but they helped build you into the player you are today. The credit belongs to you."
Dembélé also added the award for the season's best goal, a magnificent chip against Lille that capped a stunning solo run. Other contenders included brilliant strikes against Marseille and Toulouse, underscoring his knack for decisive moments.
"I'm spending exceptional years at PSG," Dembélé continued. "Even though I've won all possible trophies, I still have that hunger. In August, everything resets, and we want to win trophies every time."
PSG's dominance was reflected across the evening. Désiré Doué repeated as Best Young Player, and five Parisians—Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and Dembélé—made the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. The club's Luis Enrique, however, missed out on the Coach of the Year award.
The 20-year-old Doué, who captured his second straight Espoir trophy, echoed Dembélé's ambition. "We have an exciting end to the season," Doué said. "We're all enjoying playing together, attacking together, defending together. The goal is to bring the Champions League back."
Dembélé's achievement raises broader questions about Ligue 1's competitive balance—PSG has now won the Player of the Year award for 10 consecutive years—but it also highlights the individual excellence of a player who has reinvented his game. His pressing, attitude, and ability to produce magic in limited time have made him one of football's most decisive attackers.
Looking ahead, Dembélé's hunger suggests he is far from satisfied. With PSG chasing Champions League glory, his role will be crucial, even if his minutes remain managed. For a player once criticized for inconsistency, his legacy is now built on doubles—double awards, double digits, and a double dose of resilience.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.