The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Wednesday the shortlist of ten players competing for the 2026 CAF Player of the Year award. Among the nominees are three Senegalese footballers: Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, and Pape Gueye. The list includes some of Africa’s most prominent players, with Mané leading the race as a key contender.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Cairo, Egypt, where CAF highlighted the continent’s top talents across various positions. Sadio Mané, currently playing for Liverpool in the English Premier League, is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in world football. Ismaïla Sarr, who plays for Senegal’s national team and the English club Brighton & Hove Albion, has been in excellent form this season. Pape Gueye, a defensive midfielder for the same team, has also been a consistent performer.
This year’s shortlist reflects the strong presence of Senegalese footballers on the international stage. The CAF Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious honors in African football, recognizing outstanding individual performance across the continent. The final winner will be announced in early 2027, following a series of voting rounds by CAF officials and media representatives.
