The LFFP awards ceremony at the Pavillon Gabriel in Paris on Monday evening crowned Melchie Dumornay as the Première Ligue's best player for the 2024-25 season, just one week after she claimed the same honor from the players' union UNFP. The Haitian international, who has dazzled for Olympique Lyonnais, was not physically present to collect her trophy—she and her teammates were back in Lyon, preparing for a crucial training session on Tuesday morning ahead of the Champions League final and the domestic championship decider. Speaking via a video link, a composed Dumornay attributed her success to relentless hard work and an exceptional squad: "I pushed myself to work hard. I don't set goals to win trophies. This is a team effort, an incredible group and staff. Without them, I wouldn't perform. Many of my teammates could have won this."
Dumornay's double individual recognition cements her status as the leading light in French women's football and strengthens her candidacy for the Ballon d'Or. Her technical brilliance, vision, and consistency have been pivotal for Lyon's dominance. Should she guide Lyon to a Champions League triumph, her claim for the most prestigious individual award would become almost undeniable. Her absence from the ceremony, while disappointing for organizers, underscored her professionalism and focus on collective glory—a trait that has earned her respect across the league.
The best coach award went to Nicolas Chabot of FC Nantes, who edged out Jonatan Giraldez (Lyon) and last year's winner Sandrine Soubeyrand (Paris FC). Chabot's Nantes reached the semi-finals of the Première Ligue, though their run ended with an 8-0 thrashing by Lyon. Despite that heavy defeat, the coach's work in transforming Nantes into a competitive force earned him the plaudits. His contract expires in a year, and he is already attracting interest from Olympique de Marseille and several Spanish clubs. This recognition could accelerate his departure, positioning him as a sought-after tactician capable of elevating ambitious projects.
The transfer speculation adds a layer of urgency to Chabot's immediate future. OM, looking to rebuild their women's section, see him as a potential cornerstone, while Spanish clubs offer a different tactical challenge. Chabot's ability to overachieve with limited resources at Nantes makes him an attractive proposition. If he moves, it would leave a significant void at the club he has carefully built over recent seasons.
Justine Rouquet of Montpellier was named revelation of the year, mirroring her UNFP triumph. At just 18, the forward scored nine goals in 19 league appearances, playing a crucial role in Montpellier's fight to avoid relegation. Her clinical finishing and composure beyond her years have sparked talk of a bright future. She beat out Nantes' Lucie Calba and Mélissa Bethi, underscoring her impact. Montpellier will be keen to retain their academy graduate, but bigger clubs will inevitably circle.
Mylène Chavas of Paris FC collected the best goalkeeper award, adding to her UNFP honor. The France international returned to the Première Ligue last summer from Real Madrid and has been a stalwart between the posts. She thanked her understudy, Inès Marques, highlighting the camaraderie in the squad. Chavas dethroned last year's winner Christiane Endler of Lyon, who was again nominated alongside Emily Burns of Nantes. Her consistent performances have been central to Paris FC's resilient defense.
The ceremony, though missing several key figures due to training commitments, reflected the growing professionalism and depth of the French women's top flight. The dual recognition for Dumornay and Chavas by both the union and the league validates their seasons. For Chabot, the award serves as a springboard, whether he stays at Nantes or takes on a new challenge.
As the season reaches its climax, these individual honors set the stage for the grand finales. Dumornay's personal accolades could soon be overshadowed by team triumphs, while the coaching carousel hinted at by Chabot's suitors could reshape the league's tactical landscape. The LFFP awards have once again highlighted the talent and ambition propelling French women's football forward.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.