There is only one name on everyone’s lips after the 2026 UNFP Trophy ceremony: Ousmane Dembélé. The Senegalese Paris Saint-Germain forward pulled off a stunning hat-trick on Monday evening at the Palais Brongniart — Ligue 1 Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, Goal of the Season, and a place in the Team of the Year. An unforgettable night of recognition for one of African football’s brightest stars in Europe.
An Undisputed Reign Over Ligue 1
Voted by his fellow professional players, Ousmane Dembélé has confirmed what everyone has been watching on the pitch for months: he is simply the best player in French football. Winning back-to-back Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards is an incredibly rare feat, reserved only for the elite of the elite. But Dembélé didn’t stop there — he also claimed the prestigious Prix Just Fontaine for the season’s most beautiful goal, a symbolic accolade that celebrates his technical brilliance and flair for the spectacular. Completing his place in the Team of the Year, Dembélé achieved a trophy treble that few players can claim in the history of this ceremony. At 28, the Senegalese international is at the absolute peak of his powers — and he proves it week after week in the PSG shirt.
Africa at the Summit of French Football
Dembélé’s hat-trick is about far more than individual brilliance: it embodies the growing dominance of African players at the top of French football. Raised in France but deeply proud of his Senegalese roots, Dembélé has become the symbol of a golden generation putting the African continent on the map across Europe’s biggest stages. With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, this recognition arrives at the perfect moment to fuel his confidence and elevate his international standing. For PSG, having the best player in Ligue 1 for two years running sends a powerful message to the rest of Europe. For Africa, Dembélé is far more than a superstar — he is a source of immense pride.