Safonov could not be nominated for the UNFP awards, here's why

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·1 Mei 2026

Safonov could not be nominated for the UNFP awards, here's why

This Thursday evening, the nominees for the UNFP Trophies were announced for the ceremony on Monday, May 11. There are many Paris Saint-Germain representatives, but not Matvey Safonov. Some were surprised about the 27-year-old goalkeeper, except that a rule point recalled by RMC Sport simply prevented him from being nominated among the best in his position.

“The Russian is the victim of a rule point. To be among the nominees, a player had to have played 15 Ligue 1 matches by April 24, after Matchday 30. On that date, Safonov had only played 12 matches and was therefore not eligible. Unlike Lucas Chevalier, who had played 17 matches. And was therefore not left out by his peers.”

The explanation is therefore quite simple and clear: Safonov took the starting spot “too late” to be eligible for these UNFP Trophies. It’s a shame, but not dramatic. We do not even know whether he would have been selected given the very strong competition. In any case, the PSG goalkeeper is certainly above all delighted to have become the starter and to be playing, especially in the Champions League.