Awards nominees listed

The top player award will be contested by Swedish revelation Johan Elmander (Toulouse), France international Florent Malouda, who has helped Lyon win a sixth consecutive title, Ivorian Kader Keita, who has impressed at Lille and Lens captain and Mali international Seydou Keita.

The award for best goalkeeper will go to either Ulrich Rame ( Bordeaux), Gregory Coupet (Lyon), Mickael Landreau (PSG) or Teddy Richert (Sochaux).

The Young Player of the Year nominees are Rennes striker Jimmy Briand, Lyon forward Karim Benzema and Dimitri Payet, the only shining light in a dismal season for relegated Nantes.

Lyon coach Gerard Houiller has best chance to win the best coach award although Toulouse boss Elie Baup is an outside tip after potentially taking them into the Champions League. Ricardo (Bordeaux ) and Alain Perrin (Sochaux) are the other nominees.

The 16th UNFP ceremony will take place on Sunday the 20th of May in Paris.