Chelsea’s star midfielder N’Golo Kante has rounded off a sensational year by being named French Football of the Year for 2017.
The 26-year-old defeated Kylian Mbappe by just five votes in the poll, organised by the prestigious France Football magazine, whose results were published earlier today. The honour completes a sensational year for the France international, who also lifted the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Year awards earlier in 2017, as well as being shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or – the internationally recognised award for world’s best footballer, which is also awarded by France `Football.
The Blues’ number 7, who was instrumental in Leicester City’s shock Premier League title win in 2015-16 prior to his transfer to Stamford Bridge, was voted as Chelsea’s player of the year in their title-winning campaign last term. Despite his side failing to reach the same lofty heights as last season as of yet, Kante has continued to showcase exceptional talent week in, week out, and it is hard to argue against him being awarded this latest accolade.
Indeed, the former Boulogne youth star has been a mainstay in the centre of Chelsea’s midfield ever since his £32 million arrival at the Bridge in July 2016, and has missed only three games this season through injury. Kante will be keen to propel Chelsea back into title contention in the new year, as they currently sit third behind Manchester United and runaway leaders Manchester City.
The Parisian, who has been hailed for his modesty and groundedness despite his superstardom, took to social media earlier today following the announcement of the award – but typically, Kante made Chelsea’s victory over Brighton the focus of his pride rather than celebrating his personal accolades.
#BoxingDay objective 1/3 achieved!
See you on saturday.
Come on @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/rkK4npnjAq— N'Golo Kanté (@nglkante) December 26, 2017
Header image by @cfcunofficial (Chelsea Debs) (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
