William Saliba and N’Golo Kante lead nominations for French football awards

Marc Mayo4 May 2022

Arsenal loanee William Saliba and Chelsea star N’Golo Kante have led the nominations for the annual Trophees UNFP.

The French football awards are dished out by the players’ union, representing Ligue 1 and 2 players as well as managers and referees.

Kante has scooped the gong for the best Frenchman playing abroad twice, in 2017 and 2018, and goes up against defending champion Karim Benzema this time around.

Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele is also nominated along with AC Milan duo Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez.

Saliba meanwhile is hoping to cap a fine year on loan at Marseille by scooping the Ligue 1 Best Young Player award.

Arnaud Kalimuendo of Lens, Lyon defender Castello Lukeba, Paris Saint-Germain starlet Nuno Mendes and Kephren Thuram of Nice are also up for the award.

Saliba recently hinted that he could stay in Marseille next season having yet to make an impact at Arsenal.

“There is always a chance,” he told Le Parisien. “I do not hide that I am very happy in Marseille. I have developed, I have passed a milestone. If I make it into France’s squad it’s thanks to Marseille, because there is a lot of visibility.

“They are a very big club with a lot of pressure, but when you’re good there are a lot of good things that happen to you. We will see in May or June depending on the discussions. Today, my future, I don’t know what it is.”

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