Thauvin Wins Ligue 1 Player of the Month, Monaco Responds with Social Media Jab
Lille winger Florian Thauvin has been named the Ligue 1 Player of the Month for March, an award that has drawn a pointed response from one of the Frenchman's recent opponents. The 31-year-old, who scored twice and provided two assists last month, saw off competition from AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche and Folarin Balogun for the award, which is voted for by players and coaches.
Thauvin's form was a bright spot for Lille in a month where they took seven points from a possible nine. The former Marseille and France international has been a key figure since returning to French football last summer. However, the decision has not been met with universal approval. On Sunday, Thauvin's former club, Monaco, posted a pointed message on social media, implying their own players were more deserving.
AS Monaco's official account on the platform X, formerly Twitter, posted a congratulatory message to Thauvin that carried a heavy dose of sarcasm. The club wrote, "Félicitations. On a dû louper quelques épisodes," which translates to "Congratulations. We must have missed a few episodes." The post was accompanied by a 30-second video montage highlighting the performances of Maghnes Akliouche and Folarin Balogun, Monaco's two nominees, during March. The video was captioned with a simple, knowing ellipsis.
The social media post, which has since been widely shared, highlights the competitive nature of the Ligue 1 awards and the fierce rivalry between clubs. Monaco's Akliouche, in particular, has been in scintillating form, contributing significantly to the club's push for a Champions League spot. The 22-year-old has been a revelation this season and, along with Balogun, was a strong contender for the monthly accolade.
Thauvin's award is his third of the season, having previously won the accolade in September and November, underlining his consistent impact for Lille. The 31-year-old has revived his career in the north of France, contributing 9 goals and 8 assists in all competitions this season. His performances have been crucial for a Lille side that remains in the hunt for a European qualification spot.
The playful yet pointed jab from Monaco adds a layer of intrigue to the Ligue 1 narrative, especially with the two clubs potentially competing for similar objectives as the season reaches its climax. The public nature of the comment from an official club account is a rare and candid glimpse into the competitive spirit that defines the league's top-of-the-table battles. The award, voted on by players and coaches, is a prestigious individual honor, but Monaco's social media activity suggests not everyone in the principality agrees with the March selection.
