The Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionnels (UNFP) has officially revealed the shortlists for its 2025-2026 season awards, setting the stage for a hotly contested ceremony next month. Fans and pundits alike now have their first glimpse of which Ligue 1 stars could walk away with the top individual honors.
The nominees were presented Thursday evening via Ligue 1's YouTube and Twitch channels during the popular "le SAV" program. The announcement immediately sparked debate across social media, with supporters of various clubs quick to celebrate their representatives—or lament those they felt were unjustly overlooked.
This 34th edition of the UNFP Trophies will take place on May 11 at the historic Palais Brogniart in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement. The awards recognize excellence across four key categories: best player, best hope (young player), best goalkeeper, and best coach, reflecting the full spectrum of performance in French football’s top flight.
Last year’s best player trophy went to Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ousmane Dembélé, who delivered a stellar campaign with 21 goals and 6 assists in just 28 league appearances. His dynamic displays made him a clear choice, but the forward now faces the difficult task of defending his crown against a new generation of contenders.
The question of who will succeed Dembélé is already fueling discussion. The UNFP awards are a tradition that reliably produces both celebration and controversy, as each club’s fanbase analyzes the nominations through its own lens. Some standout performers inevitably miss the cut, prompting supporters to voice their displeasure online.
While the full list of nominees is now public, the eventual winners will be decided by votes from fellow players, coaches, and other stakeholders within the French game. The process underscores the peer recognition that makes these trophies particularly meaningful.
As the countdown to May 11 begins, all eyes will be on whether Dembélé can become a back-to-back winner or if a new star emerges. The ceremony at Palais Brogniart promises to answer that central question, capping another thrilling Ligue 1 campaign.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.
