The 34th edition of the UNFP Trophies, organized this Monday, May 11th at the Palais Brongniart in Paris, rewarded the great figures of the season in French Ligue 1. But beyond the distinctions awarded, several choices of the voters provoked a lively controversy on social networks and within some clubs.

As every year, the trophies were awarded following votes from players, coaches, and executives in French professional football. Robin Risser (Lens) was voted best goalkeeper in Ligue 1, Désiré Doué (PSG) best young player, while Pierre Sage (Lens) won the best coach award. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) was named best French player playing abroad. Finally, Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) retained his title of best Ligue 1 player for the second consecutive season.

However, it was the team of the season that drew the most criticism. Dominated by PSG players, this eleven included Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes in defense, Vitinha in midfield, and Ousmane Dembélé in attack. This lineup surprised many observers, particularly due to the absence of Esteban Lepaul, the league's top scorer with 20 goals in 33 appearances.

Stade Rennais made no secret of their incomprehension. The Breton club took to social media to mock the absence of their star striker from the Team of the Year selection, posting a LeBron James meme to highlight the exclusion of their star forward. Many also found the inclusion of Mason Greenwood, whose season was considered inconsistent and often controversial, paradoxical, especially given that he was the league's top scorer. The omission of Moussa Niakhaté from the Team of the Year also drew criticism. A solid performer for Lyon throughout the season, the Senegalese defender was considered by many fans and pundits to be one of the best players in his position this year.

Another point of contention: the best goalkeeper award. Robin Risser's victory sparked incomprehension at SCO Angers, who felt Hervé Koffi deserved the distinction more. The Angers club quickly responded on social media, highlighting their goalkeeper's statistics: "Most saves, best save percentage, highest goal prevention rate, and ten clean sheets… For us, you're the best goalkeeper in Ligue 1, Hervé."

In the same vein, Dominik Greif, who has 15 clean sheets this season, can also have regrets.