The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for its 2026 Men's Player of the Year award, and three Moroccan internationals, Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, and Ismael Saibari, are in the running. The trio are among ten players competing for the prestigious honor. Hakimi is seeking a second consecutive title after winning it last year in Rabat, becoming the first Moroccan to receive the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
Achraf Hakimi has maintained his position among Africa's top footballers after a successful campaign with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The team secured a second consecutive UEFA Champions League title in May by defeating Arsenal on penalties in Budapest. Hakimi also impressed during Morocco's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, which ended in the quarter-finals against France. He recently finished 13th in the 2026 Ballon d'Or rankings, earning 65 points.
Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid earned his nomination after making a name for himself as one of Morocco's most influential attacking players during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He finished the competition with five goals, claiming the Golden Boot, and scored in five consecutive matches during Morocco's run to the final. His performances were central to the Atlas Lions' attacking efforts throughout the tournament.
Ismael Saibari completes Morocco's representation on the shortlist after an impressive year at club and international level. The midfielder scored three goals during Morocco's World Cup campaign, finding the net against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. His performance secured him a signature with Bayern Munich in July, coming from PSV Eindhoven. Saibari recorded 19 goals and nine assists across all competitions during his final campaign with PSV.
The Moroccan trio faces competition from Senegal's Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, and Pape Gueye, Côte d'Ivoire's Amad Diallo, Ghana's Antoine Semenyo, DR Congo's Yoane Wissa, and South Africa's Teboho Mokoena. Morocco and Senegal have the strongest representation on the shortlist, with three nominees each. The CAF award ceremony will determine the winner of the prestigious honor.
Hakimi, Diaz, and Saibari's nominations are a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport. The three players have demonstrated exceptional skill and talent, making them worthy contenders for the award. The winner will be announced at a later date, and the competition is expected to be fierce.
The 2026 CAF Men's Player of the Year award is a significant recognition of African football talent. The award ceremony will bring together the best players from across the continent, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the sport. The nominations of Hakimi, Diaz, and Saibari have generated excitement and pride among Moroccan football fans.
Key points
- Three Moroccan footballers, Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, and Ismael Saibari, have been shortlisted for the 2026 CAF Men's Player of the Year award.
- The trio faces competition from seven other players, including Senegal's Sadio Mane and Côte d'Ivoire's Amad Diallo.
- The winner of the award will be announced at a later date, and the competition is expected to be fierce.
