2026 African Player of the Year nominees: Morocco and Senegal lead the shortlist
Three Moroccan stars headline the nominees for the 2026 African Player of the Year award, setting up a compelling contest among some of the continent’s most prominent footballers. Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz and Bayern Munich forward Ismael Saibari are all included on the 10-player shortlist announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The nominations also bring a major surprise: Mohamed Salah is absent. The Egypt captain, a two-time winner of the award and one of Africa’s most celebrated players, did not make the final list, prompting questions about the criteria and performances that shaped this year’s selection.
CAF will present the awards on Monday, 7 December, in Lagos, Nigeria. The ceremony is expected to bring together leading players, coaches, club officials and representatives from football federations across the continent.
Full list of African Player of the Year nominees
- Achraf Hakimi — Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain
- Brahim Diaz — Morocco, Real Madrid
- Ismael Saibari — Morocco, Bayern Munich
- Amad Diallo — Ivory Coast, Manchester United
- Yoane Wissa — Democratic Republic of the Congo, Newcastle United
- Antoine Semenyo — Ghana, Manchester City
- Thabo Mokoena — South Africa, Sundowns
- Ismaila Sarr — Senegal, Crystal Palace
- Pape Gueye — Senegal, Villarreal
- Sadio Mane — Senegal, Al-Nassr
Morocco and Senegal set the pace
Morocco and Senegal are the most strongly represented nations, with three nominees apiece. Their presence reflects the growing influence of both countries in African football, where international success, strong player development and high-profile performances at leading clubs have helped raise expectations.
Morocco’s trio offers a mix of experience and attacking flair. Hakimi has established himself as one of the world’s most accomplished attacking full-backs, while Diaz brings creativity and goal threat from wide areas. Saibari’s nomination adds another dimension, recognising the growing profile of Moroccan talent in European club football.
Senegal’s candidates bring their own credentials. Mane remains one of the continent’s most recognisable forwards, with extensive experience at the highest level. Sarr offers pace and directness, while Gueye’s midfield work can influence a match through defensive discipline, ball progression and timely contributions in attack.
Hakimi enters the conversation as a leading contender
Hakimi appears among the strongest contenders after another trophy-filled campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. His contribution to the club’s success has reinforced his reputation as a player capable of changing games at both ends of the pitch. His speed, overlapping runs and ability to deliver in decisive moments make him a natural focal point in any football prediction about the award.
His recent history gives him an additional advantage. Hakimi was named African Player of the Year in 2025 at a ceremony in Rabat on 19 November, following a remarkable season with PSG. The club won the UEFA Champions League, French league title, French Cup and UEFA Super Cup, and reached the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
That collection of honours strengthens his case, although the award is not simply a measure of team trophies. Individual performances, consistency, influence in important matches and contributions to national teams can all shape the final decision. The competition from teammates and fellow nominees means Hakimi will still need to make a persuasive case to retain the continental prize.
Diaz and Saibari could challenge the favourites
Diaz’s nomination highlights the value of creativity and versatility. The Real Madrid winger can operate across the forward line, combine quickly in tight spaces and create opportunities for teammates. A strong season at one of Europe’s most closely followed clubs could help his profile, particularly if his performances include decisive goals or assists in major competitions.
Saibari, meanwhile, will look to turn his Bayern Munich platform into award momentum. The forward’s inclusion underlines Morocco’s depth beyond its most established international names. For emerging contenders, a place on the shortlist can itself be significant: it brings greater visibility and acknowledges their impact across a demanding season.
Salah’s omission becomes the headline talking point
The absence of Salah is likely to dominate discussion around the nominations. The Egyptian star has been a regular presence in debates about Africa’s leading footballers and has won the award twice. His omission is especially striking because of his standing in the game, though the shortlist indicates that CAF’s selectors have chosen to recognise a different group of performers this year.
Salah’s exclusion does not diminish his achievements or influence, but it does make the 2026 race less predictable. Without the Egypt captain among the candidates, attention shifts toward the Moroccan and Senegalese contingents, as well as nominees representing Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and South Africa.
A wide-open race ahead of the Lagos ceremony
The final result will depend on how voters weigh individual quality against team success, consistency and performances on the biggest stages. Hakimi’s trophy haul gives him a compelling argument, while Diaz and Saibari can benefit from their roles at elite European clubs. Senegal’s three nominees also ensure the country will have a strong presence in the conversation.
With the ceremony scheduled for 7 December in Lagos, the shortlist has already delivered a major talking point and set the stage for a closely watched contest. Morocco and Senegal may lead the numbers, but the award remains open—and the final prediction will depend on which nominee can best combine personal impact with the achievements that matter most to CAF’s voters.
