Writers' Picks: Young Player of the Season
The Ligue 1 McDonald's editorial team -- George Boxall, Eric Devin and Eduardo Razo -- have picked their favorites for the 2024/25 season in seven categories. Learn who the experts have picked in our latest series, starting with Young Player of the Season.
Eduardo Razo: Désiré Doué, Paris Saint-Germain
Désiré Doué left Stade Rennais last summer and went to Paris Saint-Germain. He showed that he wasn't intimidated by the bright lights of the French capital and the expectations that come with playing for the reigning Ligue 1 McDonald's champions. After a slow start to the season, Doué ended the campaign strong. Since February, the PSG standout has recorded ten goal involvements in league play.
Désiré Doué. Baller 🤩🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/xrEYbNL6LX
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 2, 2025
George Boxall: Andrey Santos, RC Strasbourg
The Brazilian moved to France with big expectations, but Andrey Santos has now evolved into one of Strasbourg’s most influential players. A relentless force out of possession, he currently leads Ligue 1 McDonald's in tackles made, and ranks third across Europe’s top five leagues. But he has also been potent with the ball this season. Chipping in with ten goals this season for RCSA - his status off the pitch has seen him grown into a leader. Under Liam Rosenior, the Brazilian has really started to show his true colours, and his true potential at Stade de la Meinau this season.
Cherki is an artist 🇫🇷🔝 pic.twitter.com/QqJwS39LgV
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 13, 2025
Eric Devin: Rayan Cherki, Olympique Lyonnais
It's seemingly been a lifetime since Rayan Cherki made his debut for his hometown club, Olympique Lyonnais, at the tender age of 16, but after several uneven seasons, he's finally made good on his potential. Leading the league in assists with eleven, he built on the strong form he showed last season in the current campaign, playing across the front line to great success under both Pierre Sage and Paulo Fonseca. While he is expected to leave Les Gones this summer, it's difficult to forget his level of talent.
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