Finalists Competing for the Best Player Title

Recently, the CAF announced the nominees for the African Player of the Year award, generating significant discussion due to some notable absences. Among the nominees were Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, Serhou Guirassy, Iliman Ndiaye, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Pape Matar Sarr, Denis Bouanga, Fiston Mayele, and Oussama Lamlioui. However, the Cameroonian Bryan Mbeumo and Congolese Yoane Wissa, who excelled with Brentford last season, along with Omar Marmoush, who started the season strong with Frankfurt before moving to Manchester City, Ademola Lookman, the defending champion, and Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth were not included.

This Sunday, the CAF revealed the three finalists for the African Ballon d’Or. The frontrunner this year, Achraf Hakimi, is joined by Egypt’s Mohamed Salah. Completing the list is Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who will be competing this evening for a spot in the final qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup.