Ousmane Dembélé named Ligue 1’s best again despite limited minutes and wins goal of the season | OneFootball

Ousmane Dembélé was named Ligue 1’s player of the season for a second year running, despite limited minutes, and also took the goal of the season prize. According to L'Équipe, the accolades were handed out at the 34th UNFP awards at the Palais Brongniart on Monday.

He saw off Florian Thauvin and Mason Greenwood to retain the crown, the 10th in a row won by a PSG player. Twelve months ago the award capped an outstanding campaign and preceded his Ballon d'Or.

This time the PSG forward had reduced game time, with 20 appearances and only nine starts, yet he delivered 10 goals and six assists. The repeat award underlines how decisive he has become.

Dembélé said scrutiny has shifted because he is the reigning Ballon d'Or. He admitted to several fitness setbacks but felt he answered the call whenever he played, and he was pleased that fellow players voted for him.

His deft lob against Lille, finished after a superb sequence, won goal of the season. Other strikes, notably against Marseille and Toulouse, were also contenders.

Didier Deschamps, present in the room, praised Dembélé’s journey, calling him an inspiration for young players and noting that past difficulties helped shape his career.

Dembélé added that his coach urges him to set the standard for younger team-mates on and off the pitch. He joked about turning 29 soon, said he is enjoying exceptional years at PSG and remains hungry, with every season resetting in August.

Source: L'Équipe