The French Professional Footballers’ Union (UNFP) has officially announced the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season award winners. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward Ousmane Dembélé was named Player of the Year. His manager, Luis Enrique, was also honoured as Coach of the Year in a ceremony highlighting PSG’s dominance this season.
Dembélé Hits Career Peak with Explosive Season
At 27, Dembélé has finally delivered on his immense potential, shaking off past criticisms of inconsistency and injuries. This season, he’s produced the best numbers of his career: 33 goals and 13 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, including 21 goals in Ligue 1. For the first time, he broke the 20-goal mark in a single season and quickly surpassed 30, cementing his place among Europe’s top scorers, ranking 9th overall.
Known for his blistering pace and dribbling, Dembélé had long been seen as a player of promise, but often lacked end product. That narrative has changed dramatically. He’s been prolific this season and emerged as a leader on the pitch.
Luis Enrique Unlocks Dembélé’s Full Potential
At the awards ceremony, Dembélé credited his transformation to head coach Luis Enrique’s tactical approach.
“Last year, I went home empty-handed. Kylian Mbappé won everything again,” Dembélé said with a smile. “But this season, things changed. I’m grateful to my teammates and coach, who gave me the freedom to thrive.”
He continued: “I used to be stuck on the right wing, tasked mainly with dribbling and creating. But now, under Luis Enrique, I’ve been positioned more centrally. I’m closer to the goal and more involved, making scoring more natural. It’s a change that has boosted my confidence.”
PSG on the Brink of Quadruple Glory
With Dembélé leading the charge, PSG has secured the Ligue 1 title and the Trophée des Champions. They are now preparing for two more finals against Reims in the Coupe de France and Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League, giving them a real shot at an unprecedented quadruple.
Luis Enrique’s influence extends far beyond Dembélé’s revival. His adaptable and attacking style has revitalised the team, earning him deserved recognition as Ligue 1 Coach of the Year. PSG’s investment in youth also paid off, with teenage sensation Désiré Doué being named Young Player of the Year.
Despite PSG’s stronghold on the night, not all major trophies went to Paris. Lille’s standout goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier, edged out PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma to win Goalkeeper of the Year, a well-earned nod for his consistency and heroics between the posts.
A Season of Redemption
This night belonged to PSG, but most of all, it belonged to a reborn Dembélé. After seasons of setbacks, injuries, and doubt, he has rewritten his story with performances that speak louder than any critique ever could.
As PSG prepares for their final two challenges of the season, all eyes will be on Dembélé to lead the charge and complete what could be one of the greatest seasons in the club’s history.
