Soccer News of Monday, 29 May 2023

Source: www.sportsbrief.com

Kylian Mbappe beats Lionel Messi to win Ligue 1 Player of the Year Award

A photo collage of Mbappe and Lionel Messi A photo collage of Mbappe and Lionel Messi

Kylian Mbappe was named Ligue 1 Pl

ayer of the Season for the fourth time in a row on Sunday night.

The 24-year-old has scored 28 goals in the league this term and is on course to finish as the Ligue 1's top scorer for the fifth season running.

The Frenchman was crowned in a ceremony in Paris ahead of teammate Lionel Messi, Loïs Openda and Séko Fofana of Lens, and Lille striker Jonathan David.

The 2018 World Cup winner is the only player to win the award four times, surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who won the accolade on three occasions with PSG.

“I want to thank all the players. Winning the league is a great honour for us," Mbappe said on receiving his award, via PSG Chief.

The French star also thanked Messi for his help during the season, plus PSG staff, management, and others working behind the scenes.

Mbappe, scorer of 40 goals this campaign, snubbed Real Madrid at the end of last season and signed a new three-year contract to stay with PSG.

His contract will run out next year unless he exercises an option to stay until 2025, as per transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano.

Asked about his future at the awards ceremony, Mbappe replied:

“There's no more links about my future? I'm very happy here at PSG and with my choice to be part of this project. I will be here at PSG next season.”

PSG wrapped up the title with one game to spare after a 1-1 draw at Racing Strasbourg on Saturday.