Franco-Algerian midfielder Ilan Kebbal earns UNFP Player of the Month nomination

Ilan Kebbal’s sparkling start to the Ligue 1 season has been rewarded with a nomination for the UNFP Player of the Month award for August.

The Paris FC winger, fresh from claiming the Goal of the Month prize for his stunning strike at the Vélodrome, now finds himself among the top three candidates for one of French football’s most coveted individual honours.

The shortlist, unveiled on Sunday by the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP), features three midfielders: João Neves of Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique Lyonnais’ Tyler Morton, and Kebbal himself. Public voting to determine the winner remains open until 19 September.

Kebbal has quickly established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most exciting new figures.

In just four appearances, the Marseille-born Algerian has scored three goals and provided an assist, playing a decisive role in Paris FC’s early-season form.

His flair, ability to take on defenders, and knack for producing moments of brilliance have marked him out as a revelation in France’s top flight.

Observers note that his nomination feels inevitable given the impact he has already had.

Kebbal’s spectacular goal against Marseille not only earned national acclaim but also reinforced his reputation as a player capable of changing the course of a match on his own.

For a footballer experiencing his first Ligue 1 campaign, the recognition reflects both his rapid adaptation and growing importance to his club.

This nomination is particularly special, analysts suggest, because it signals that Kebbal is no longer just a promising talent—he is now seen as one of the standout performers in the league.

Yet the Paris FC man faces formidable rivals.

PSG’s João Neves, the 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder, turned heads with a hat-trick against Toulouse and has been hailed as one of the most promising youngsters in Europe.

Meanwhile, Lyon’s Tyler Morton, a summer recruit, has already become integral to his side’s midfield structure, impressing supporters and pundits with his composure and vision.

Kebbal’s presence on the shortlist alongside such high-profile names underscores the scale of his breakthrough.

For Paris FC, who are navigating their maiden season in Ligue 1, his performances have provided not only goals but also belief that the team can compete at the highest level.

As the public vote continues, attention will focus on whether Kebbal’s early-season brilliance can be matched by recognition at national level.

Win or lose, his nomination represents a milestone in a career that appears firmly on the rise.

ILAN KEBBA𝐗𝐗𝐋

Un retour taille patron en @Ligue1 pour le numéro 10 du @ParisFC 💙🤍@IlanKebbal est nommé pour le Trophée UNFP du Joueur du Mois d’août 🏆

Votez pour lui sur : https://t.co/7j58y5mI7N 🗳️#TropheesUNFP pic.twitter.com/GBQqB6p2oQ

— UNFP (@UNFP) September 14, 2025