The nominees for the 2019 UNFP Awards have been officially announced. On Thursday, the Professional Football League and the players’ union revealed the candidates for France’s traditional end-of-season football honors.
After an impressive campaign, Ivorian forward Nicolas Pépé has been nominated for the Ligue 1 Best Player award. He faces stiff competition from Brazilian Neymar, Argentine Ángel Di María, and French stars Hatem Ben Arfa and Kylian Mbappé. In addition, Pépé is also in the running for the “Young Player of the Year” award, alongside Senegalese talent Ismaïla Sarr, Jonathan Ikoné, Kamara of Olympique de Marseille, and Houssem Aouar.
Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy has been nominated for Goalkeeper of the Season, competing against Alphonse Areola, Benjamin Lecomte, Anthony Lopes, and Mike Maignan. His recognition comes as a testament to his excellent performances throughout the season.
In Ligue 2, Senegalese striker Habib Diallo and Algerian midfielder Farid Boulaya are contenders for Player of the Season, while Malian goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa and Algerian Alexandre Oukidja are nominated in the goalkeeper category.
The awards will also honor the best coaches in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, the top player in Division 1, and the best French player abroad. The winners of this 28th UNFP ceremony will be revealed on May 19th, celebrating the outstanding achievements of players and coaches across French football.
