Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has been crowned Ligue 1 Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season after an exceptional campaign that saw him lead the French giants to yet another domestic title and a place in the UEFA Champions League final. The award was presented during the prestigious UNFP (French National Professional Footballers Union) trophy ceremony held in Paris on May 11.
Dembele has been in scintillating form throughout the season, finishing as Ligue 1’s top scorer with 21 goals. His impact extended beyond domestic competition, with a total of 33 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions. Notably, the French winger netted eight goals in the Champions League, playing a pivotal role in PSG’s journey to the final where they will meet Inter Milan on May 31.
This latest accolade ends Kylian Mbappe’s five-year streak as the league’s best player. Mbappe, who departed PSG for Real Madrid last summer, had dominated the award in recent years, but Dembele’s consistent brilliance this season made him a worthy successor.
PSG’s dominance on the pitch this season was reflected in the awards, with head coach Luis Enrique being named Coach of the Year. Enrique has overseen an impressive campaign that could yet end in a treble, with PSG already crowned Ligue 1 champions and set to contest the French Cup final against Reims a week before the Champions League showdown.
Another rising star, Desire Doue, was named Ligue 1’s Best Young Player. The Rennes midfielder has been a standout performer, earning recognition for his creativity and maturity on the ball despite his young age. His performances have drawn attention both domestically and abroad, and his future looks extremely promising.
The only major award not claimed by a PSG player went to Lille’s Lucas Chevalier, who was named Goalkeeper of the Year. Chevalier edged out PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma for the honour, capping off an excellent personal season. His consistent displays between the posts were instrumental in helping Lille secure European qualification and underscored his growing reputation as one of France’s top goalkeepers.
PSG’s league title this season is their 11th in the past 13 years, underscoring their continued dominance of French football. Dembele, who joined the club last summer, has rapidly become a central figure in their attack. His pace, dribbling, and newfound consistency in front of goal have made him one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe.
As the season nears its conclusion, all eyes are now on PSG’s two remaining fixtures. First, they face Reims in the French Cup final, where they are favourites to lift another domestic trophy. Then comes the biggest stage of all: the Champions League final against Italian giants Inter Milan. A victory there would not only cap a remarkable treble-winning season for PSG but also confirm Dembele’s status as one of the most influential players in world football today.
With form, momentum, and individual brilliance on their side, PSG and Dembele will be eager to write a new chapter in the club’s history books in the weeks to come.
