## Unveiling the Big Forgotten Ones of the UNFP 2026 Trophies
Individual awards in sports often spark debate and disappointment, and the upcoming UNFP Trophies for 2026 are no exception. The recent announcements have spotlighted some prominent nominees, but notable absences have also been felt across various categories, particularly in Ligue 1.
### Best Prospect: Noteworthy Absences
In the highly competitive category of Best Prospect, some new talents have emerged, yet certain players have slipped through the cracks. Afonso Moreira, who dazzled observers after joining OL last summer, is curiously absent from the nominations. This is surprising given his impressive debut, which raised expectations.
Similarly, contenders like Ismaëlo Ganiou and Rayan Fofana from Lens, and Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes (who struggled with injuries during the second half of the season), seem to have been overlooked. In contrast, the nominees include notable names such as Désiré Doué, Ayyoub Bouaddi, João Neves, Valentin Barco, and Warren Zaire-Emery—all of whom have certainly made their mark.
### Best Coach: Competition and Controversy
Luis Enrique, the reigning champion, leads the nominations for Best Coach alongside Pierre Sage, Olivier Pantaloni, Bruno Genesio, and Paulo Fonseca. However, the absence of Franck Haise raises eyebrows. Despite a rocky start at Nice, his previous success with Rennes arguably warranted further consideration. Moreover, Alexandre Dujeux, who has been instrumental in reviving Angers, could have easily been included in the discussion.
### Goalkeeper Anxieties
The category for Best Goalkeeper presents another layer of intrigue. Notably, there are no nominees from Paris. Matvey Safonov’s lack of eligibility due to insufficient appearances (not reaching the 15-match mark) is understandable but disappointing. The nominations are led by Robin Risser (Lens) and Brice Samba (Rennes), with other noteworthy goalkeepers like Hervé Koffi, Mike Penders, and Dominik Greif making the cut.
Additional debates come from the exclusions of Kevin Trapp, who played a pivotal role for Paris FC this season, and Berke Özer, who notably holds the record for clean sheets in Ligue 1. The choices have surely left fans pondering what criteria were used for selection.
### The Best Player: A Mixed Bag
Turning to the Best Player category, three Parisian players have garnered nominations: Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha, and Nuno Mendes. While Dembélé’s selection is controversial, given his limited play this season, the inclusion of Florian Thauvin, elected Player of the Month three times, is a welcome acknowledgment of consistency.
Yet, some prominent figures are conspicuously absent. Corentin Tolisso, a standout performer with OL, alongside teammates such as Pavel Sulc, and top scorers Estéban Lepaul and Joaquin Panichelli, deserved more recognition.
### International Scene: Controversial Exclusions
Finally, the international category raises eyebrows with the absence of Antoine Griezmann, among others. The competition features Kylian Mbappé as a defending champion facing off against emerging talents like Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki. Missing out are notable French players abroad including Mike Maignan and Aurélien Tchouameni, stirring debate over the selection process.
### Conclusion
The UNFP 2026 Trophies nominations have certainly illuminated the intricate and often contentious nature of individual awards. With certain talents shining through while others are readily forgotten, fans are left reflecting on what truly constitutes merit and recognition in the world of football. As the awards ceremony approaches, discussions are sure to intensify, bringing both praise and criticism to the forefront.