Angers defend Burkinabe goalkeeper Hervé Koffi after UNFP awards disappointment

Hervé Koffi was left without the Ligue 1 best goalkeeper award at the UNFP ceremony on Monday, a result that prompted a strong reaction from Angers SCO.

The Burkinabe goalkeeper had been widely viewed as one of the leading contenders after an impressive campaign with Angers, where his performances played a major role in the club’s battle for survival in the French top flight.

Despite his strong season, the award ultimately went to Robin Risser of Lens ahead of Koffi and other nominees including Dominik Greif, Brice Samba and Mike Penders.

The decision was met with frustration from Angers, who publicly defended their goalkeeper shortly after the announcement through a message shared on social media.

“Most saves. Highest goal prevention rate. Highest save percentage. Ten clean sheets. Not enough for this trophy, apparently. For us, you are the Best Goalkeeper in Ligue 1, Hervé,” the club announced.

The statement reflected the disappointment felt within the club after a season in which Koffi established himself as one of the standout goalkeepers in Ligue 1.

The Burkina Faso international produced a series of decisive performances throughout the campaign and was frequently credited with helping Angers remain competitive during difficult periods of the season.

His statistics also strengthened his case for individual recognition, with the goalkeeper recording impressive numbers across several key defensive categories.

Koffi’s consistency between the posts earned praise from supporters and observers alike, particularly because of the number of important saves he produced during high-pressure matches.

However, despite those performances, the UNFP awards panel opted to recognise another goalkeeper, a decision that has continued to generate debate among Angers supporters and followers of French football.

The reaction from Angers highlighted how highly the club values the contribution made by the Burkinabe goalkeeper during the campaign.

While the official award may have gone elsewhere, the Ligue 1 side made it clear that Koffi’s performances throughout the season had already secured his importance within the club and among its supporters.