Kylian Mbappe was honored as France’s player of the year on Monday during an awards ceremony held in Paris, marking the culmination of his seven-season tenure with Paris Saint-Germain.
At the UNFP (French players’ union) Trophies gala, the 25-year-old Mbappe clinched the title of the top player in Ligue 1 for the fifth consecutive time, following a remarkable season where he netted 44 goals across all competitions for PSG.
Recently, the French captain confirmed his departure from PSG at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract, with Real Madrid anticipated to be his next destination.
Expressing his sentiments, Mbappe remarked, “It is a new chapter unfolding, a phase of my life drawing to a close. Ligue 1 will forever hold a significant spot in my journey, being the sole league I have been part of throughout my career thus far.”
He continued, “I have always endeavored to represent this league with dignity. Undoubtedly, I will miss it. It marks the conclusion of a significant era in my life. The future holds exciting prospects, but it signifies a fresh beginning.”
In his final appearance at home for PSG on Sunday, Mbappe found the net as the champions endured an unexpected 3-1 loss to Toulouse. This goal elevated his season tally in Ligue 1 to 27, surpassing the next leading scorer, Jonathan David of Lille, by eight goals.
While the season is ongoing, Mbappe’s PSG is scheduled to compete in two more Ligue 1 matches this week before facing Lyon in the French Cup final on May 25.
Mbappe emerged victorious over other contenders for the accolade, as voted by his peers and presented by Marie-Jose Perec, the former French Olympic champion in the 200m and 400m events.
Additionally, PSG’s dominance in domestic competitions was evident in other award categories, with Warren Zaire-Emery, the teenage midfielder, recognized as the young player of the season, and Gianluigi Donnarumma acclaimed as the best goalkeeper.
Eric Roy of Brest was honored as the coach of the year for guiding the modest Brittany club to European qualification for the first time in their history. With one match remaining, they are assured of finishing at least fifth, securing a Europa League berth at worst.
