PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé named Ligue 1 player of the season | OneFootball

Despite starting only nine games in the league this season, Ousmane Dembélé was named Ligue 1 Player of the Season during Monday night’s UNFP Awards in Paris.

Dembélé, who currently holds the Ballon d’Or trophy, has made 20 appearances in total in Ligue 1 this season, including nine starts. In that time, he has scored 10 goals and registered five assists. Speaking after receiving the award, the France international admitted that his Ballon d’Or win back in September may have changed perceptions.

“Views have changed because I am the current holder of the Ballon d’Or. I have had quite a few niggles [this season], but any time that I am on the pitch, I have tried to turn up. I don’t know if that counts for double, but it is great that players voted for me,” said Dembélé. 

Lepaul a glaring omission from UNFP awards

He notably beat Paris Saint-Germain teammate Vitinha to the prestigious award. The Portugal international was one of the favourites, with Ligue 1’s top scorer, Stade Rennais’ Esteban Lepaul, not even nominated for the trophy. 

Dembélé and PSG will look to wrap up the Ligue 1 title when they face RC Lens on Wednesday. A draw would suffice. Les Parisiens’ focus will then turn towards retaining their UEFA Champions League crown, against Arsenal, later this month.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle