The 2026 Marc-Vivien Foé Award shortlist has been officially unveiled, notably excluding defending champion Achraf Hakimi as eleven of Africa’s top performers in France compete for the prestigious honor.
The race for the 2026 Marc-Vivien Foé Award has officially ignited with the announcement of an elite eleven-man shortlist.
Defending champion Achraf Hakimi was conspicuously absent from the selection following a controversial season.
Leading the nominations is Gabonese veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who aims for a record-breaking third title.
The list reflects a dominant season for African talent across France’s top-flight division and various continental representatives.
A strong Senegalese contingent headlines the finalists, featuring midfield sensation Lamine Camara alongside Moussa Niakhaté and Bamba Dieng.
They face stiff competition from Ivory Coast’s rising stars Guela Doué and Martial Godo. Algerian playmaker Ilan Kebbal and experienced defender Aïssa Mandi also make the cut.
The diverse group of nominees represents the highest level of consistency and technical excellence seen throughout the 2025–2026 Ligue 1 campaign.
Rounding out the star-studded list are Burkina Faso’s Hervé Koffi and Arsène Kouassi, alongside Malian talent Mamadou Sangaré.
Each nominee has played a pivotal role for their respective clubs, contributing to one of the most competitive editions of the award to date.
With the ceremony approaching, these finalists represent the peak of African footballing influence in Europe, showcasing defensive resilience, creative mastery, and clinical finishing.