The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the list of players, coaches, national teams, and clubs nominated for the 2026 CAF Awards. The event, set to take place on December 7, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria, aims to recognize achievements in club and national team competitions. Moroccan player Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 winner, is among the top contenders for the Men's Player of the Year award, competing against nine other stars.
The Men's Player of the Year category features top African players, including Sadio Mané of Senegal, Antoine Semenyo of Ghana, Brahim Diaz of Morocco, and Amad Diallo of Ivory Coast. A total of 70 nominees are spread across seven categories for men. Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa have the highest representation in various categories. The CAF Awards 2026 will celebrate the best in African football.
The goalkeeper category includes ten nominees who have excelled in international and club competitions. Notable goalkeepers vying for the award include Oussama Benbot of Algeria, Vozinha of Cape Verde, and Yahia Fofana of Ivory Coast. The Men's Interclub Player of the Year category features players from top-performing clubs in African competitions.
Mamelodi Sundowns has two players, Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau, nominated in the Men's Interclub Player of the Year category following their success in the 2025/2026 African Champions League. The Coach of the Year category includes ten nominees who have contributed significantly to their clubs' and national teams' success.
The Young Player of the Year category recognizes talented young players who have shown exceptional skills in African and international competitions. Nominees include Ibrahim Maza of Algeria, Christian Kofane of Cameroon, and Ayoub Bouaddi of Morocco. The National Team of the Year category features ten countries that have performed well in international competitions.
The list of nominees for the Club of the Year award includes Mamelodi Sundowns, which won the 2025/2026 African Champions League title. Other contenders are CR Belouizdad of Algeria, USM Alger of Algeria, and Zamalek of Egypt. The CAF Awards 2026 will honor the best African football has to offer.
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony will take place on December 7 in Lagos, Nigeria, where winners in each category will be announced and recognized for their contributions to African football. The event celebrates the achievements of players, coaches, and teams in various competitions.
Key points
- Achraf Hakimi leads the list of nominees for the 2026 CAF Men's Player of the Year award.
- A total of 70 nominees are competing in seven categories for the 2026 CAF Awards.
- The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony will be held on December 7, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
