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UNFP: Désiré Doué captures Young Player of the Year Award!
After a strong debut season with Paris Saint-Germain, Désiré Doué was named the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year. With 13 goals and eight assists in all competitions, he's been vital for Luis Enrique's team, helping the capital side win the Ligue 1 McDonald's title, as well as place in the Team of the Year. Read on for more on his strong season and a closer look at the other four nominees.
An impressive first season in the capital
While not immediately a starter following his €50M transfer last summer, Doué eventually showed his ability and has been one of his side's key players in the run-in, helping them not only to the Ligue 1 title, but also the finals of the Coupe de France (where he's scored four goals) and Champions League. He's also become a full France international, having been called up for the senior squad in the last international break. Speaking after winning the award to his club, he averred that the possibility of a treble was a key motivation, and that there was more to come, saying,
"This is the culmination of a great season, although it isn't over yet because we know that the Coupe de France final and the Champions League final are still to come and that they'll be two very important games for the club. I'm very happy, and I'd like to thank my partners, my teammates, the backroom staff, the coach and also the Paris Saint-Germain president for trusting me.
Désiré Doué - Young Player Of The Season 🏆🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/eyMzc7b24Z
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 11, 2025
Worthy competitors
While Doué was a deserved winner, the talent of the other nominees is such that any of them could have been worthy recipients of the trophy, such were their exploits. Leading the charge was his club teammate (and fellow Team of the Year honoree) João Neves. Playing alongside Fabián Ruiz and countryman Vitinha, the Portuguese provided eight assist and added balance and solidity to the midfield, while leading the team in tackles.
Indeed, midfielders were given place of pride among the nominees as a whole, with Andrey Santos of RC Strasbourg also being included. A born leader and a consistent goal threat, the Brazilian was an all-action presence in the heart of the Alsatians' system, showing great maturity and poise to help lead a young team. He was joined on the shortlist by LOSC Lille's Ayoubb Bouaddi, a 17-year-old whose workrate and positional versatility were vital in helping Les Dogues finish in the top eight in the Champions League. The final nominee, AS Monaco's Eliesse Ben Seghir, was also key to a strong season, helping his side qualify for the Champions League by providing six goals and three assist while also thriving for Morocco.
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