Paris Saint-Germain forward Désiré Doué has done it again. The 20-year-old French international was named the UNFP Best Young Player of Ligue 1 for the second straight season at Monday night's Trophées UNFP ceremony, cementing his status as one of the brightest talents in French football.
Doué's award-winning campaign saw him rack up 7 goals and 3 assists in 22 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG, numbers that proved sufficient to convince his fellow professionals to vote him top of the class. His consistency and impact on the pitch have been central to PSG's domestic dominance this season.
The Parisian beat out a strong field of nominees, including teammates Warren Zaïre-Emery and Joao Neves, as well as Strasbourg's Valentin Barco and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi. The selection underscores PSG's continued stranglehold on the award—every winner since 2022 has come from the club, following William Saliba's triumph with Marseille.
By winning back-to-back, Doué joins an exclusive group of multiple recipients. Only Eden Hazard (2009 and 2010) and Kylian Mbappé (2017, 2018, and 2019) had previously won the award more than once. For a player still just 20, the feat places him in elite company and signals a trajectory that could see him become a cornerstone of both club and country.
Doué's development has been closely monitored since his move from Rennes to PSG. This season, he has elevated his game, showing improved decision-making in the final third and greater defensive contribution. His peers have taken notice, with many pointing to his work rate and technical ability as reasons for his repeat honor.
“It's not easy to win once, let alone twice,” noted an analyst close to the UNFP selection process. “Doué has proven he is not a one-season wonder. He adapts, he grows, and he delivers when it matters.”
For PSG, the award reinforces the club's reputation as a breeding ground for young talent. With Zaïre-Emery also a former winner (2024) and Neves pushing hard, the pipeline appears robust. The club's ability to attract and develop high-potential players bodes well for its long-term competitiveness in Ligue 1 and Europe.
Looking ahead, Doué's ambitions likely extend beyond domestic accolades. With PSG chasing Champions League glory and France building toward future tournaments, his continued progression will be vital. If this season is any guide, the young attacker is more than ready for the challenge.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.