Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has been voted the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, capping off a dominant season in which the Parisian club claimed multiple accolades and stand on the brink of a historic treble.
Dembele Steps Into the Spotlight
Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele was crowned Ligue 1 Player of the Year at the UNFP (National Union of Professional Footballers) Awards gala on Sunday night, a fitting reward for a stellar season. The French winger led PSG to their record-extending 13th Ligue 1 title and played a pivotal role in the club’s march to the UEFA Champions League final.
Dembele finished the domestic campaign as Ligue 1’s top scorer with 21 goals and contributed significantly across all competitions. He has scored 33 goals in 46 appearances this season, including eight goals in Europe. His form has filled the void left by former PSG talisman Kylian Mbappe, who won the Player of the Year award five times consecutively before his high-profile move to Real Madrid last summer.
The 27-year-old’s resurgence under manager Luis Enrique has not only revitalized his career but also helped PSG maintain their dominance in French football. His creativity, pace, and clinical finishing have made him the focal point of PSG’s attack, with fans and pundits alike hailing his evolution into a complete forward.
PSG’s Season of Domination Recognized
The UNFP gala was a showcase of PSG’s supremacy, with several key figures at the club being recognized for their contributions. Head coach Luis Enrique received the prestigious Coach of the Year award, marking his first full season in charge of the Parisian giants. The Spanish tactician has implemented a high-tempo, attacking style that has brought renewed energy to the team.
Enrique’s tactical ingenuity has been instrumental in PSG reclaiming their league title and progressing to the Champions League final, where they will face Italian giants Inter Milan on May 31. Under his leadership, the club has not only dominated domestically but also looked more cohesive and resilient on the continental stage.
Another rising PSG talent, 18-year-old Desire Doue, was named Best Young Player in Ligue 1. The midfielder, who joined PSG from Rennes last summer, has impressed with his vision, technique, and composure beyond his years. His emergence as a regular starter signals PSG’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent alongside their galaxy of stars.
Chevalier Breaks PSG’s Clean Sweep
While PSG almost completed a clean sweep of the individual honors, Lille’s Lucas Chevalier ensured there was a notable exception. The 22-year-old goalkeeper was awarded the Best Goalkeeper of the Year, beating PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma to the accolade.
Chevalier’s performances between the posts were key to Lille’s strong campaign, as they secured European qualification. The young shot-stopper made a series of critical saves throughout the season and showcased his leadership from the back, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike.
His triumph serves as a reminder of the emerging talent within Ligue 1 and adds a competitive edge to the awards, which were otherwise dominated by PSG. Donnarumma, though solid throughout the season, was edged out by Chevalier’s consistency and standout moments in crucial fixtures.
Road to a Historic Treble
With two trophies already secured—the Ligue 1 title and the UNFP recognition haul—PSG now have their sights firmly set on a historic treble. They face Stade de Reims in the French Cup final on May 24 before their highly anticipated Champions League final clash with Inter Milan in Istanbul on May 31.
Victory in both matches would mark the greatest season in PSG’s history and finally deliver the club’s long-sought European crown. For Dembele, Enrique, and the rest of the squad, the final stretch of the campaign offers the chance to etch their names into footballing history.
This season has not only reaffirmed PSG’s domestic dominance but also signaled their arrival as serious contenders on the European stage. With a balanced mix of youth and experience, and under the tactical guidance of Luis Enrique, the club appears more equipped than ever to reach football’s highest pinnacle.
Looking Ahead: A New Era Post-Mbappe
The 2024–25 season marked a transitional period for PSG following Kylian Mbappe’s departure, but it also ushered in a new era led by Ousmane Dembele. With the spotlight now firmly on him, Dembele has seized the opportunity to become PSG’s new figurehead.
Luis Enrique’s system, which emphasizes fluidity and pressing, seems tailor-made for Dembele’s skill set. His chemistry with teammates and maturity on the field have elevated his status from talented winger to bona fide leader. As PSG look ahead, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose and a squad capable of continuing their reign.
The accolades from the UNFP awards ceremony are not just personal triumphs—they are collective validation of a team in harmony, primed to conquer not only France but Europe. All eyes will now turn to Istanbul, where PSG’s season could reach its crowning glory.
