The Democratic Republic of the Congo will have a strong presence at the Caf Awards 2026, with five major nominations. The country's national team, the Léopards, and several Congolese football figures are in the running for the most prestigious awards in African football. This recognition comes after a remarkable year, marked by the DR Congo's historic return to the World Cup. The team's success has earned them a spot in the nominations for the best national team.
Yoane Wissa, a key player for the Léopards, is among the top ten contenders for the African Footballer of the Year award. During the 2026 World Cup, Wissa scored three goals, including the first goal in DR Congo's history in the competition. He also scored a double against Uzbekistan and had three goals in the World Cup qualifiers. His impressive performance has made him a strong contender for the award.
Another Léopards player, Lionel Mpasi, has been nominated for the Best African Goalkeeper of the Year award. Despite being injured after the World Cup, Mpasi has been recognized for his outstanding performance with the national team, particularly during the World Cup. He will face stiff competition from other top goalkeepers, including Morocco's Yassine Bounou, Senegal's Édouard Mendy, and South Africa's Ronwen Williams.
Sébastien Desabre, the French coach of the Léopards, has been nominated for the Best African Coach of the Year award. Desabre is being recognized for leading the team to the 2026 World Cup, marking his second consecutive nomination in this category. He will compete against other top coaches, including Lamine Ndiaye, Walid Regragui, Pape Thiaw, and Hossam Hassan.
The nominations also include Maniema Union, the only Congolese team in the running for the Best African Club award. The team had a remarkable continental run, qualifying for the quarterfinals of the 2025-2026 Confederation Cup. Additionally, the DR Congo national team has been nominated for the Best National Team award, celebrating their historic return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence and their first-ever World Cup victory.
The Caf Awards 2026 ceremony is set to take place on December 7, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. The DR Congo football community is eagerly awaiting the outcome, hoping that these nominations will translate into trophies. The country's football fans are optimistic about the team's chances, given their impressive performance in recent years.
The recognition of Congolese football is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and teams. The nominations demonstrate the country's growing influence in African football, and the Léopards' success has brought pride to the nation. The Caf Awards 2026 will be a celebration of excellence in African football, and the DR Congo will be hoping to make a lasting impression.
Key points
- Yoane Wissa is among the top ten contenders for the African Footballer of the Year award.
- The DR Congo national team has been nominated for the Best National Team award.
- Maniema Union is in the running for the Best African Club award.
