If there was any doubt, Dan Ndoye has definitely entered the big leagues. The 24-year-old Vaud winger is one of three nominees for the Swiss team player of the year award. He faces competition from captains Granit Xhaka (32 years old), awarded in 2023, and Manuel Akanji (29 years old). Just that. An all the greater honor at the end of a vintage marked by an epic Euro (elimination in the quarter-finals by England, on penalties).
A starter in Bologna, where he contributed to qualification for the Champions League last spring, Dan Ndoye has also established himself in the selection, where his versatility constitutes a significant quality in the eyes of Murat Yakin. The winner will be revealed next Monday, January 13, during Swiss Football Night, a gala evening organized at the Casino de Berne by the Swiss Football Association (ASF) and the Swiss Football League (SFL).
The two organizations also revealed the nominees in the other categories. On a cloud with Servette, Geneva winger Derek Kutesa (26 years old) is applying for the title of best Super League player, with Renato Steffen (33 years old, Lugano) and Filip Ugrinic (25 years old, Young Boys).
Making full progress at La Gantoise, in the Belgian championship, Neuchâtel winger Franck Surdez (22 years old) is selected for the prize for best male prospect, alongside Ardon Jashari (22 years old, Lucerne then Club Bruges) and Daniel Dos Santos (21 years old, Thun then Lugano).
Furthermore, the Valaisanne Naomi Luyet (18 years old) – author of a splendid goal against France a month ago – is in the running to be elected female hope of the year. She is also a candidate to be elected best player of the championship. The Frenchwoman from Servette, Maéva Clémaron (32 years old) is among the two other nominees.
For each category, the final result will be determined by a vote of fans, selected journalists and a jury of experts.
