Eleven African players competing in France’s top flight have been shortlisted for the 2026 Marc-Vivien Foé Prize, an award that recognises the best African footballer in Ligue 1.
The prize, organised by Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24, will be awarded on 11 May following a vote by a panel of journalists.
The award is named after the late Cameroonian international Marc-Vivien Foé and has become one of the most prestigious individual honours for African players in European football.
This year’s shortlist reflects the strong presence of Francophone African talent in Ligue 1, with players from West and Central Africa dominating the nominations
Among the headline names is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the experienced striker currently playing for Olympique de Marseille.
He is joined by a mix of emerging and established talents, including Lamine Camara of AS Monaco and Moussa Niakhaté of Olympique Lyonnais.
Senegal is particularly well represented, with several players on the list, underlining the country’s growing influence in European football.
Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Burkina Faso and Mali also feature prominently, highlighting the diversity and strength of African footballing talent in France.
For Burkina Faso, two players stand out – Hervé Koffi and Arsène Kouassi – both of whom have enjoyed strong seasons.
Koffi, the only goalkeeper nominated, has impressed since joining Angers SCO. The 29-year-old has played 24 matches in Ligue 1, keeping 10 clean sheets, making him a serious contender for the award.
His performances have not only strengthened his club’s defensive record but also enhanced his reputation as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers in Europe.
Meanwhile, Kouassi has established himself as a key figure for FC Lorient. The left-back has been a consistent presence in the starting line-up, boasting an 89% start rate this season.
His reliability and defensive solidity have contributed significantly to his team’s performances.
The selection criteria for the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize go beyond on-field achievements.
Voters are also asked to consider players’ conduct off the pitch, reflecting the award’s emphasis on professionalism and character.
Other nominees include players from clubs such as RC Strasbourg, LOSC Lille and RC Lens, further demonstrating the widespread contribution of African players across Ligue 1.
Full list
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, striker (Gabon, Olympique de Marseille) Lamine Camara, middle (Senegal, Monaco) Bamba Dieng, striker (Senegal, Lorient) Guela Doué, defender (Côte d’Ivoire, RC Strasbourg) Martial Godo, winger (Côte d’Ivoire, Strasbourg) Ilan Kebbal, midfielder (Algeria, Paris FC) Hervé Koffi, goalkeeper (Burkina Faso, Angers) Arsène Kouassi, defender (Burkina Faso, Lorient) Aïssa Mandi, defender (Algeria, Lille) Moussa Niakhaté, defender (Senegal, Lyon) Mamadou Sangaré, middle (Mali, Lens)
The award continues to highlight the importance of Francophone Europe as a platform for African footballers to develop and showcase their abilities at the highest level.
As the announcement date approaches, attention will focus on which player will join the distinguished list of past winners and be crowned the best African footballer in France for the 2025–2026 season.
