Achraf Hakimi is among the leading contenders to retain the African Ballon d’Or after being named on a 10-player shortlist that includes three Morocco internationals and three from Senegal.
Hakimi, who won the award in 2025, is seeking to become the first Moroccan to claim the honour twice. The Paris Saint-Germain full-back’s case is supported by his performances at club level and his contribution to the Morocco national team.
He is joined on the shortlist by two compatriots. Brahim Diaz has been recognised for his displays with Real Madrid and for his performance at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, while Ismael Saibari makes the list after an impressive season in the Netherlands before his move to Bayern Munich.
Morocco share the strongest representation with Senegal, who have three players in contention.
Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Pape Gueye will represent the Lions of Teranga. Mane remains one of the most prominent figures in African football, while Sarr stood out for Crystal Palace. Gueye also enjoyed a successful campaign for both club and country.
The remaining nominees are drawn from four other nations. Ivory Coast are represented by Amad Diallo, who plays for Manchester United, while Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa is the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s candidate.
Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo, now with Manchester City, and South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena, of Mamelodi Sundowns, complete the shortlist.
The choices have prompted some debate, particularly because Ibrahim Maza and Yan Diomande were not included among the 10 contenders despite their notable performances.
Maza, an Algeria international at Bayer Leverkusen, and Ivory Coast striker Diomande, who plays for RB Leipzig, have instead been nominated in the African young player of the year category.
The absence of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has also been questioned. He played a part in his nation’s historic run, but the shortlist contains no goalkeeper.
The competition will continue with the selection of the final three nominees. The winner will then be announced at the CAF Awards ceremony, which is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on 7 December.
Hakimi will therefore face strong competition as he attempts to keep the crown he won in 2025.
