🇨🇮 Amad Diallo – Manchester United / Ivory CoastAmad continued to feature prominently in Manchester United’s attack, making 33 appearances in the 2025/26 campaign, scoring twice and providing four assists across competitions. His dribbling and creativity added another dimension to United’s attack. For Ivory Coast, he remained part of the attacking setup.
🇨🇩 Yoane Wissa – Newcastle United / DR CongoWissa experienced a challenging period as he adjusted to life at Newcastle following his move from Brentford. Despite limited availability, he contributed goals in different competitions. Internationally, he remained an important attacking option for DR Congo.
🇬🇭 Antoine Semenyo – Manchester City / GhanaSemenyo enjoyed a remarkable season following his January 2026 move from Bournemouth to Manchester City. He made an immediate impact, contributing goals and assists while helping City compete for major honours. He also remained an important attacking figure for Ghana.
🇲🇦 Ismael Saibari – PSV Eindhoven / MoroccoSaibari enjoyed an outstanding campaign with PSV Eindhoven, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 27 Eredivisie appearances. He helped PSV secure the Dutch league title and earned individual recognition for his performances. For Morocco, he remained part of the national team’s plans.
🇲🇦 Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain / MoroccoThe reigning African Player of the Year continued to demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the world’s finest attacking full-backs. Hakimi helped PSG enjoy another successful campaign, contributing goals and assists while maintaining his defensive responsibilities. He also featured prominently for Morocco.
🇲🇦 Brahim Díaz – Real Madrid / MoroccoBrahim continued to provide creativity and attacking quality for Real Madrid, contributing goals and assists across competitions. His international performances also strengthened his credentials, particularly during Morocco’s AFCON and World Cup campaigns.
🇸🇳 Ismaïla Sarr – Crystal Palace / SenegalSarr produced an impressive attacking campaign, scoring nine goals in the UEFA Conference League and finishing as the competition’s top scorer. He also helped Crystal Palace lift their first European trophy and was named Conference League Player of the Season.
🇸🇳 Pape Gueye – Villarreal / SenegalGueye enjoyed an impressive season in Spain, making 30 La Liga appearances, scoring five goals and providing two assists as Villarreal finished third. He was also recognised as one of the standout African players in the competition. Internationally, he played a significant role in Senegal’s AFCON success, scoring in the final.
🇸🇳 Sadio Mané – Al-Nassr / SenegalMané had another memorable year, helping Al-Nassr win the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League title. His biggest international achievement came at AFCON 2025, where he captained Senegal to the continental title and was named Player of the Tournament.
. 🇿🇦 Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns / South AfricaMokoena was instrumental in Mamelodi Sundowns’ successful CAF Champions League campaign. His performances in midfield and his contribution in the final against AS FAR helped Sundowns secure their second Champions League title. He also remained an important figure for Bafana Bafana.
The big debate!This year’s shortlist brings together European success, continental glory, individual brilliance and outstanding national-team contributions.Who deserves to be crowned the 2026 African Player of the Year?
