PSG Dominate Ligue 1 Awards as Zlatan Ibrahimovic Reigns Supreme Again
With just one round of fixtures remaining in the Ligue 1 season, France’s top footballing talents were honoured this weekend at the annual UNFP Awards. Unsurprisingly, Paris Saint-Germain — already crowned league champions — swept the ceremony, with the capital club claiming four of the most prestigious individual accolades.
Leading the charge was superstar forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was named Best Player in Ligue 1 for the second year running. The towering Swede, who has netted 25 goals this season to top the scoring charts, also took home the Best Goal of the Year award, further cementing his dominance in French football. His combination of flair, physicality, and technical brilliance has made him a constant menace for defenders and a fan favourite at the Parc des Princes.
Joining Ibrahimovic in the PSG honours list was Marco Verratti, who was voted Best Young Player (Best Hope). The Italian playmaker has been instrumental in PSG’s midfield, showcasing maturity well beyond his years with his vision, composure, and sharp distribution. Another Italian at the Parisian club, Salvatore Sirigu, was recognised as Best Goalkeeper in Ligue 1, an award he earned thanks to a string of consistent and commanding performances between the posts.
The accolades for Paris Saint-Germain extended beyond the individual awards, with their players heavily represented in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season. Alongside Sirigu and Verratti, Thiago Silva, Edinson Cavani, and Ibrahimovic were all named in the best XI, joined by standout talents such as Serge Aurier (Toulouse), Layvin Kurzawa (Monaco), Maxime Gonalons, James Rodriguez, and Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon).
Outside of PSG’s dominance, Lille’s René Girard was honoured as Best Coach in Ligue 1, having guided his side to a strong campaign built on defensive solidity and discipline. Meanwhile, Mickaël Landreau, the long-serving goalkeeper who holds the record for most Ligue 1 appearances (617), received an Honorary Trophy as he retires from professional football.
In Ligue 2, young goalkeeper Alphonse Aréola, on loan at RC Lens from PSG, was named Best Goalkeeper, while Diafra Sakho of Metz claimed the Best Player prize after a prolific season. Albert Cartier, who led Metz to promotion, was awarded Best Coach in Ligue 2.
The Ligue 2 Team of the Season included rising talents like Aréola and Sakho, as well as veteran midfielder Benjamin Nivet, a mainstay in the French lower divisions.
The awards also celebrated contributions beyond the pitch. The Football Foundation Trophy was awarded to the “Rêves” Association, sponsored by Sylvain Armand, while the Special LFP Trophy went to “Peace & Sport”, highlighting football’s role in social change.
Full List of Major Winners:
Best Ligue 1 Player: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG)
Best Goal: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG)
Best Young Player: Marco Verratti (PSG)
Best Ligue 1 Goalkeeper: Salvatore Sirigu (PSG)
Best Ligue 2 Player: Diafra Sakho (Metz)
Best Ligue 2 Goalkeeper: Alphonse Aréola (Lens)
Best Ligue 1 Coach: René Girard (Lille)
Best Ligue 2 Coach: Albert Cartier (Metz)
Honorary Trophy: Mickaël Landreau (Bastia)
Best Female Player: Gaëtane Thiney (Juvisy)
Best Referees: Ruddy Buquet, Frédéric Cano, Stéphanie Frappart
As the season draws to a close, PSG’s domestic dominance is underlined once again — and with a squad full of award winners, their grip on French football looks set to continue.
