Best of the half-season: Young Player
As we prepare for the return of Ligue 1 McDonald's this weekend, our team of writers have selected some of their favorites of the season's first half, starting with goals. Hear from Eric, George & Luke as they talk about their best moments before the season resumes, continuing with our picks for the best young player.
Eric: Valentín Barco, RC Strasbourg
Young attacking players bursting onto the scene have had a strong recent tradition in Ligue 1 -- see my colleagues' picks as well as the emergence of the likes of Bradley Barcola, Kylian Mbappé and Rayan Cherki in the last decade. However, my argument in selecting Argentina and Strasbourg's Barco is that -- especially in a young side where maturity is at a premium -- to play well as an all-action midfielder is even more compelling. Comfortable centrally as well as on the left wing, Barco's composure and versatility (to say nothing of his skill on the ball) have made him integral to Racing's push for Europe and their place atop the Conference League table.
Ladies and gentlemen: El Colo Barco 🇦🇷🌪️ pic.twitter.com/pkpo0OAy5Z
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) November 27, 2025
George: Robinio Vaz, Marseille
After only making his debut with Les Olympiens last season, the 18 year-old has taken the next step this season. With four goals this season, Robinio Vaz has become OM's super-sub so far in the current campaign, helped for gametime with the injury of Amine Gouiri. With four goals and two assists in less than 400 minutes, he's been a model of efficacy as Marseille have handled competing on multiple fronts with aplomb.
Luke: Sidiki Chérif, Angers
As always, there are so many contenders for this award in Ligue 1. Sidiki Chérif nicks it for me. His four goals, coupled with his general play, have helped Angers move on from Esteban Lepaul. Chérif is an unpolished diamond but he has everything to be a top-level striker: strength, pace, and excellent finishing. His goal against Monaco was the perfect snapshot of that. His potential is sky-high and he has shown that in the opening months of this season.
Read more:
>> Best of the half-season: Goal
