The African football federation, CAF has announced 10 nominees for the Men’s Player of the Year award at the 2026 Awards which takes place in Nigeria.
The shortlist features some of Africa’s biggest football stars, including players who have impressed with their performances for their clubs and national teams.
Morocco leads the list with three representatives from their national team. Ismael Saibari, Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz all made the nominations list.
Senegal also has three nominees, with Ismaïla Sarr, Pape Gueye and former African Player of the Year Sadio Mané making the shortlist.
Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo, DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa and Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo are also in contention for the prestigious award.
South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena completes the 10-player shortlist following his performances for club and country.

Here is the full list of CAF Men’s Player of the Year nominees for 2026:
Amad Diallo – Ivory Coast
Yoane Wissa – DR Congo
Antoine Semenyo – Ghana
Ismael Saibari – Morocco
Achraf Hakimi – Morocco
Brahim Díaz – Morocco
Ismaïla Sarr – Senegal
Pape Gueye – Senegal
Sadio Mané – Senegal
Teboho Mokoena – South Africa
The winner will be announced at the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7.
Football fans will be waiting to see who takes home one of African football’s biggest individual honours for the year 2026.



