Best of the Half-Season: Forward
As we prepare for the return of Ligue 1 McDonald's this weekend, our team of writers have selected some of their favourites of the season's first half. Hear from Eric, George & Luke as they talk about their best moments before the season resumes, continuing with our picks for the best forward.
Eric: Florian Thauvin, RC Lens
Despite having been a top player in France's top flight, particularly in his spell at Marseille, Florian Thauvin had become something of a forgotten man. A disappointing spell in Mexico was followed by something of a resurgence with Italian side Udinese, but his arrival in Lens this summer was hardly heralded as a momentous occasion. Rising to the challenge impeccably, Thauvin has been a one-man team at times, leading Lens' press to great effect and combining creativity, workrate and the odd moment of the spectacular on a regular basis. While he doesn't get sole credit for Lens' place atop the table, his contributions far outweigh those of any other attacker in the division.
Florian Thauvin. Pure talent. 😍🙌 pic.twitter.com/tJ4WcwSP7e
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 6, 2025
George: Mason Greenwood, Marseille
The Englishman has become Marseille’s most decisive attacking reference under Roberto De Zerbi this season. Across 21 matches, he has already registered 14 goals and four assists, entering the Christmas break as Ligue 1 McDonald’s top scorer. If there was any doubt over the Englishman's ability over the previous winter, those have been washed away by Greenwood's form this season. Against Le Havre, he became the first Marseille player to net four goals in a single match since Jean-Pierre Papin in 1993, and has now become the most prolific British player in the division since Glenn Hoddle between 1997 and 1998.
Luke: Joaquín Panichelli, Strasbourg
Emanuel Emegha will leave to join Chelsea at the end of season, but he has been replaced ahead of time. Coming from the Spanish second tier, he hit the ground running in Ligue 1. Only Marseille’s Mason Greenwood has more goals than the RCSA forward, who recently earned his first minutes in an Argentina shirt.
The Argentine has been a revelation, even though his output has dropped in recent weeks. That has come since Emegha's return from injury, and it does pose a headache for RCSA manager Liam Rosenior going forward. Panichelli certainly looks more potent as a lone striker, but that, of course, would be a decision that holds consequences for Emegha, who is also crucial and club captain, lest we forget. Panichelli, nonetheless, will look to keep banging in the goals in this crucial World Cup year.
