The season is not yet over, but the time to take stock is approaching. While Brest, Monaco, Lille and Nice are fighting for a place in the Champions League, PSG has already been crowned champion of France following the last day of Ligue 1. There are still many hot spots to resolve, European places in the fight to maintain, but like every year, the union of professional footballers playing in France (UNFP) offers a little breath of fresh air in the final sprint.
This Tuesday, the list of nominees for the title of best player in Ligue 1 for the 2023-2024 season was revealed. And unsurprisingly, we find Kylian Mbappé, the Paris Saint-Germain striker, who once again takes first place in the scorers’ ranking with 26 goals. He is already the big favorite for this individual title, which he has won in the last 4 editions! Before leaving PSG for Real Madrid, he has a good chance of winning this award for the last time.
The Lees-Melou and Zhegrova surprises
To support him, we find one of his partners, namely Ousmane Dembélé, who currently occupies first place in the ranking of L1 passers. The two Parisians appear to be the favorites for the final victory. But their competitors have arguments. We think of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s 14 goals with OM in L1. The Gabonese striker has established himself as the Olympians’ best offensive asset this season.
The two relative surprises come from Brest and Lille, who currently occupy qualifying places for the Champions League. Pierre Lees-Melou, aged 30, is rewarded for his wonderful season with this nomination. Even more surprising was the presence of Edon Zhegrova, the Kosovar winger for LOSC, who performed well, but sometimes showed irregularity. Note the absences of players from AS Monaco, currently 2nd in Ligue 1, Alexandre Lacazette, who carries OL on his shoulders, or even Jonathan David, second top scorer in L1.
