French media heap praise on Burak Yılmaz after Lille title

The French media heaped praise on newly crowned champion Lille's Turkish forward Burak Yılmaz for playing a key role in his side's first title win in a decade.

Following Lille's comfortable win in the final fixture, sports daily L'Equipe reported how goals from Jonathan David and Yılmaz helped clinch the side a fourth title in its history, at the end of what has been an incredible season.

It added that Yılmaz, his teammates and compatriots Yusuf Yazıcı and Zeki Çelik proudly waved the Turkish flag during the post-match celebrations.

"Lille lifted the title with courage, a (successful) game plan on the pitch and a talented forward line," it said.

Broadcaster RMC Sport called Yılmaz, coach Christophe Galtier and former sportive director Luis Campos the architects behind Lille's success.

Another French daily, Le Figaro, used the headline, "Burak Yılmaz leads Lille to the title," and dubbed him a "savior" for the club.

Yılmaz and attacking midfielder Yazıcı spearheaded Lille's attack this season, with 32 goals between them in all competitions, while Çelik has played an important role at right back with 34 appearances and four goals.

The 35-year-old Yılmaz has flourished since joining Lille in August and has been its top scorer with 17 goals in all competitions.

He was named the club's player of the month for April and has also been nominated for the Ligue 1 player of the year award.

"He's calm and determined. He's like an eagle, ready to strike," former Lille player Francois Brisson said of Yılmaz. "He makes me think of (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic. Those guys, as long as they play, will be leaders."

Lille won its first Ligue 1 title since 2011 on Sunday, beating Angers 2-1 in an away game on the final day of the 2020-2021 season.

With 83 points, the French football club ended the season one point ahead of second-placed Paris Saint-Germain.