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UNFP: Chevalier named Goalkeeper of the Year
Lucas Chevalier was named the UNFP Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year. The LOSC Lille 'keeper and recently minted French international impressed in helping his side get back into European competition. Read more about the young netman's accomplishments and learn about his fellow nominees.
A first since Maignan
A native of Calais, Chevalier has been with Les Dogues since the age of 14, progressing through the team's reserves and spending a season on loan at Valenciennes before taking the mantle of first choice following the departure of Mike Maignan in 2021, following LOSC's Ligue 1 McDonald's title. Now, in winning this honor, he follows the AC Milan and France 'keeper in becoming just the second player from the northern club to be so honored.
With eleven clean sheets (a figure bettered only by Brice Samba -- the winner in 2022/23), Chevalier was at the heart of the league's second-best defence, keeping his side in the mix for a return to the Champions League ahead of this weekend's final round of fixtures.
You shall not pass! Chevalier wins the UNFP Best Goalkeeper award! 🧤🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/dd4pbdXdwb
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 11, 2025
A worthy field -- including a previous winner
Chevalier did well to beat out a crowded field -- one which was headlined by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Impressive from start to finish in PSG's strong season, the Italian was at the heart of his side's strong play, and even if he failed to add to wins in 2022 and 2024, he still marshaled the league's best defence, his side conceding just 34 goals this season.
The rest of the field was comprised of a trio of players new to Ligue 1 McDonald's, but all of who have helped their clubs to European finishes. Olympique de Marseille's Geronimo Rulli had spent the 2019/20 season on loan with Montpellier HSC, and has gone from strength to strength on his return, gaining a deserved reputation for his penalty-saving prowess. In Lyon, Lucas Perri has been decisive in helping the club move on from the legendary Anthony Lopes, the Brazilian looking a canny acquisition, while RC Strasbourg's Djordje Petrovic has provided veteran nous for Liam Rosenior's young side as they've made an unlikely charge for the Champions League.
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