Girondins de Bordeaux’s Yoann Gourcuff has been named the best player in France for April, seeing off the challenge of Olympique de Marseille pair Mamadou Niang and Brandao. He won the award, which is voted for on the UNFP (Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionnels), by claiming 48 per cent of the vote.

Gourcuff played five times for les Girondins during April, helping them remain in contention for the Ligue 1 title by winning all four of their league games. His role was pivotal, especially in a dramatic 3-2 win over Stade Rennais at the Stade de la Route de Lorient. Bordeaux, who were reduced to ten men early on, trailed 2-1 late in the game. Gourcuff struck two superb goals in the closing 20 minutes to turn the game around.

In addition, the 22-year-old Breton found the net in the Coupe de la Ligue final against Ligue 2 outfit Vannes, a match that les Girondins utterly dominated and won with ease.

The early signs are that the Ligue 1 Player of the Year nominee will continue such form until the end of the season. He has struck in both of Bordeaux’s league matches in May, keeping his side at the very pinnacle of the league.

Gourcuff has, however, yet to officially decide if his future lies with the Aquitaine outfit, although reports today suggest he could well go back to parent club Milan.

Brandao, who scored three times in four games for les Phoceens, came second with 29 per cent of the vote while team-mate Niang, also a scorer of three April goals, claimed the remaining 23 per cent.