Fakayejo Paul
History was made at the Trophées UNFP ceremony in Paris on Monday, May 11, 2026, as Paris Saint-Germain sensation Désiré Doué took home the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award for the second year in a row.
The 20-year-old midfielder has become the first player to win the award in back-to-back seasons since Kylian Mbappé achieved the feat between 2017 and 2019, further cementing his status as one of the premier talents in world football.
A Season of Pure Dominance
Doué’s victory follows a 2025/26 campaign where he has been a central pillar in Hansi Flick’s league-winning side:
- The Stats: Across 22 Ligue 1 appearances this season, Doué recorded 7 goals and 8 assists, while maintaining an elite pass completion rate of over 88%.
- The Performance: He beat out stiff competition from fellow nominees, including teammate Warren Zaïre-Emery (the 2024 winner) and Lille’s breakout star Ayyoub Bouaddi.
- European Pedigree: This domestic honor comes just days after Doué was also named the UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season, having scored a decisive brace in the final to lead PSG to their second European title.
The “Neymar Heir” Labels
Following his €50m move from Rennes in 2024, Doué has embraced the pressure of the Parc des Princes. French media and PSG manager Luis Enrique have frequently compared his flair, technical agility, and ball-carrying ability to that of Neymar Jr., a comparison Doué lived up to this season by leading the league in successful take-ons.
UNFP Awards 2026: Key Winners
While Doué stole the headlines for the youth category, PSG dominated the night’s other major honors:
- Ligue 1 Player of the Year: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
- Coach of the Year: Luis Enrique (PSG)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Dominik Greif (Olympique Lyonnais)
- Goal of the Season: Marcus Rashford (FC Barcelona — for his El Clásico strike)
With back-to-back Young Player awards and a Champions League trophy already in his cabinet at just 20, do you think Doué is now the undisputed favorite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, or will he have to lead France to World Cup glory this summer to truly secure that crown?