The French striker, who announced his departure from Paris Saint-Germain – probably for Real Madrid -, was the center of all attention this Monday evening, during the UNFP 2024 Trophies ceremony.
Screams arise. Paris Saint-Germain jerseys are waved. There is no longer any doubt. Kylian Mbappé, the attraction of the evening, has just arrived at the entrance to the Pavillon d’Armenonville, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, for the presentation of the UNFP 2024 Trophies. Before walking the red carpet – on which succeeded (almost) all the nominees, from Ligue 1, Ligue 2 and D1 Arkema, in very classy outfits, ceremony required -, “KM7”, accompanied by his father Wilfried and his brother – and future ex-teammate? – Ethan, take the time to respond to a few requests from the supporters who came to see him…perhaps one last time, before his departure, probably to Real Madrid. The 2018 world champion, white shirt and dark jacket, respected the “protocol”, posing – with a smile on his face – with his family in front of the “photocall”. He didn’t linger there, much to the chagrin of photographers and journalists who were looking for any means to attract his attention.
Kylian Mbappé once again crowned
We found the “crack of Bondy” at the end of the evening, during the presentation of the most anticipated trophies. Because without the slightest surprise, the Blues striker was (again) rewarded for his exceptional season, both on an individual level (27 goals and 7 assists in 29 games) and collectively (Paris SG was crowned champion of France with a good lead). He was named, of course, in the standard team of the season…And was elected, for the fifth time in a row, best player in Ligue 1, to the applause of his peers, coaches and everyone present. in the room of the Pavillon d’Armenonville.
Read alsoUNFP Trophies: Kylian Mbappé wins a fifth consecutive title as best player of the season
The ex-Monegasque thus had the opportunity to speak, among other things to bid farewell to Ligue 1: “It’s difficult, much more so than it might seem. This is a chapter of my life that will close. Ligue 1 still has an important place in my life. I leave with my head held high […] My father wanted me to make championship history before leaving. Thank you all. It’s been a long road and I’m very happy», he announced, not without a touch of emotion. The 25-year-old player also took advantage of this “platform” to thank, once again, Paris Saint-Germain, without forgetting to quote, this time, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi: “I thank all the people at the club, whether it is the coach who has always trusted me, the staff, the medical staff, all the people at the club, the sports management and the president. The shareholder who trusted me, his highness, the Emir, who came for me at 18 and bet on me”did he declare.
Also read “Good luck to all and good luck”: Mbappé’s final goodbyes to Ligue 1
Parisians widely honored
Kylian Mbappé was not the only Parisian to be in the spotlight this Monday evening. From the outset, Warren Zaire-Emery, author of an admirable first part of the season, logically received the trophy for best prospect in Ligue 1, ahead of Leny Yoro (LOSC), Désiré Doué (Stade Rennais) and Rayan Cherki (Olympique). Lyonnais). “I am very happy, very proud to have won this trophy. It’s the fruit of hard work every day, in training. I will continue to work», indicated the Parisian gem. His teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma won the best goalkeeper trophy – as in 2022 – succeeding Lensois Brice Samba. “It’s the merit of everyone, the team, the coach who placed his trust in me and the supporters. I hope we will win the Coupe de France against Olympique Lyonnais. Individual trophies are good but collective trophies are more important», insisted the Italian doorman.
Read alsoUNFP Trophies: Donnarumma voted best goalkeeper of the season in Ligue 1 for the second time
“WZE” and “Gigi” Donnarumma also appear in the typical team of the season, like five other of their partners: Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi, Vitinha, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé. Seven Parisian players in the typical “eleven” is an overwhelming domination, which reflects (somewhat) the supremacy of Paris SG in Ligue 1 this season. Note also that Parisian Tabitha Chawinga (18 goals) was elected best player of the 2023-2024 financial year in D1 Arkema.
Read alsoUNFP Trophies: Parisian Tabitha Chawinga best player of the season
Brestois also rewarded
The other team which was largely rewarded this Monday evening was Stade Brestois, author of an exceptional season, the best in its history. Coach Éric Roy was first named – almost without surprise – best elite coach, ahead of great names such as Luis Enrique (PSG), Paulo Fonseca (LOSC) and Franck Haise (RC Lens). A great reward for this man who does not particularly appreciate light. He also wanted to share his (individual) prize with the people around him on a daily basis: “It’s a trophy which rewards a club, it rewards a staff, it rewards a group of players. It’s a lot of pride to have taken them to this level. It’s always gratifying to receive an award from Didier Deschamps. I want to share it with my staff“, he confided.
Read alsoUNFP Trophies: Éric Roy (Brest) elected best coach of the season in Ligue 1
A little later, Kamory Doumbia won the Just Fontaine trophy for the best goal of the season thanks to his masterful volley scored against FC Lorient (4-0), a match during which the Malian achieved neither more nor less than a quadruple. “I watch the video every day. Even today I can’t explain it», he laughed while receiving his prize. Furthermore, two Bretons appear in the typical Ligue 1 team: Bradley Locko, on the left side of the defense, and Pierre Lees-Melou, in midfield. A ceremony that the Finistère team will not soon forget. Just like Kylian Mbappé…
