According to a Post by Fabrizio Romano on his X account on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the 10 nominees for the 2026 African Player of the Year award, with reigning winner Achraf Hakimi, former winner Sadio Mané and Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo among the leading contenders.

The shortlist, unveiled on Wednesday, November 4, features some of the continent's most outstanding footballers, following their performances for their respective clubs and national teams over the past year.

Morocco and Senegal dominate the nominations, with three players each, while Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and South Africa have one representative apiece.

Hakimi, who won the prestigious award in 2025, has been nominated again after another impressive campaign with Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team. The defender will be hoping to retain his crown against a competitive group of African stars.

Senegal's representation includes former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané, Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace and Pape Gueye of Villarreal.

Mané, who has previously won the award, remains one of Africa's most recognisable footballers and will be seeking another individual honour after continuing to play an influential role for Senegal and Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

Morocco's other nominees are Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz and midfielder Ismael Saibari, who joins Hakimi in representing the North African country.

Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo also earned a place on the shortlist following his impressive performances in English football and his contributions to the Black Stars.

Côte d'Ivoire's Amad Diallo, who plays for Manchester United, is another nominee. The attacking midfielder has continued to establish himself as an important player at club and international levels.

DR Congo striker Yoane Wissa, currently representing Newcastle United, and South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena of Mamelodi Sundowns complete the 10-man list.

Full List of 2026 CAF African Player of the Year Nominees:

• Amad Diallo – Côte d'Ivoire (Manchester United)

• Yoane Wissa – DR Congo (Newcastle United)

• Antoine Semenyo – Ghana (Manchester City)

• Ismael Saibari – Morocco (Bayern Munich)

• Achraf Hakimi – Morocco (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Brahim Diaz – Morocco (Real Madrid)

• Ismaila Sarr – Senegal (Crystal Palace)

• Pape Gueye – Senegal (Villarreal)

• Sadio Mané – Senegal (Al-Nassr)

. Teboho Mokoena – South Africa (Mamelodi Sundowns)

One of the biggest talking points following the announcement is the absence of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah from the 10-man shortlist.

Osimhen, who won the African Player of the Year award in 2023, failed to secure a nomination despite his contributions to Galatasaray's success in Turkish football.

His omission means Nigeria will not have a representative in the men's category this year, a development that is likely to generate discussions among football supporters in the country.

Salah's absence is also significant, as the Egyptian forward had been a regular presence among the nominees since 2016. The two-time African Player of the Year winner has therefore missed out on the shortlist for the first time in several years.

The nominations have generated considerable interest across the continent, particularly with Hakimi seeking to defend his title against established stars and emerging talents.

The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, December 7.

The event will bring together leading footballers, coaches, administrators and other personalities to celebrate outstanding achievements in African football.

Apart from the Men's Player of the Year category, CAF has also unveiled nominees for other individual and team awards, including Goalkeeper of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, National Team of the Year and Club of the Year.