France 24 and RFI revealed, on Thursday, the names of the 11 players finalist for the Marc-Vivien Foé 2026 prize, which rewards the best African footballer who played in Ligue 1 during the 2025-2026 season.

Published on: 04/09/2026 - 6:09 p.m. Modified on: 04/10/2026 - 8:18 a.m.

Who will be crowned best African player in Ligue 1 this year? Response begins Thursday April 9 with the announcement by RFI and France 24 of the 11 finalists for the Marc-Vivien Foé prize, 2026 edition.

As a reminder, the Marc-Vivien Foé prize has rewarded, since 2009, the best African player playing in Ligue 1. It is named in honor of the Cameroonian international, who died in France of a heart attack during a match in 2003.

The list is presented in alphabetical order

To be eligible, a player must:

The 11 finalists for the Marc-Vivien Foé prize

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, striker (Gabon, Olympique de Marseille)

Already crowned in 2013 then in 2024, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continues his incredible longevity at the highest level. At 36, the Gabonese is still in good shape: scorer and passer, he remains essential on the front of the Olympian attack. In the race for an unprecedented hat-trick, he has improved over the years and remains the offensive leader of OM, through his experience, his sense of goal and his influence in the locker room.

Lamine Camara, midfielder (Senegal, Monaco)

Lamine Camara has taken on an additional dimension this season within the rich Monegasque squad. More regular, finally spared from injuries, the 22-year-old Senegalese international has become an essential pawn in the ASM midfield. His name is already circulating in the small papers of several large English teams. On the pitch, he is often responsible for set pieces, a symbol of the confidence placed in him by his club.

Bamba Dieng, striker (Senegal, Lorient)

Full of confidence, the Senegalese striker confirms his importance in the offensive animation of FC Lorient since the start of the season. At 26, the native of Pikine, in the suburbs of Dakar, has regained the fullness of his means and his sense of purpose after a complicated 2024-2025 financial year. After doubts and injuries, Bamba Dieng moved forward.

Guela Doué, defender (Ivory Coast, RC Strasbourg)

At 23, Guela Doué is already one of the executives of the Strasbourg team. An indisputable starter, he has established himself as one of the best right-backs in Ligue 1 this season. His former teammate Habib Diarra confided last year that the Ivorian was the “hardest worker on the team”. Older brother of Parisian Désiré Doué, Guela stands out for his seriousness, his volume of play and his consistency at the highest level.

Martial Godo, winger (Ivory Coast, Strasbourg)

Born in London, Martial Godo discovered Ligue 1 this season after starting his career with the English club Margate Town in 2021. The Ivorian international quickly established himself as a starter in the Strasbourg squad. Arriving discreetly last summer from Fulham, he quickly adapted to RCS's attacking style, showing himself to be impactful in his left lane and decisive in front of goal. At 22 years old, his technique and explosiveness have often hurt opposing defenses.

Ilan Kebbal, midfielder (Algeria, Paris FC)

Ilan Kebbal is one of the main players in Paris FC's historic rise to Ligue 1. And the attacking midfielder from the capital club is electrifying Ligue 1 this season. The one who was considered too small and too frail found his place in the elite of French football. Driving force of the promoted this season, Ilan Kebbal was even elected player of the month in August 2025. At 27 years old, the native of Marseille is revealing himself to the general public.

Hervé Koffi, goalkeeper (Burkina Faso, Angers)

Since the coronation of the Nigerian Vincent Enyeama in 2014, the Marc-Vivien Foé prize has no longer fallen into the hands of a goalkeeper. Will Burkinabè Hervé Koffi achieve this feat? After a lackluster season in Lens, the Stallion regained momentum in Angers where he established himself as the last defense. Valuable on his line, author of big matches, already an executive within the Angevin squad, Koffi stands out for his character, his leadership and his ability to hold the team in tough times.

Arsène Kouassi, defender (Burkina Faso, Lorient)

At 21, Arsène Kouassi is establishing himself as one of the great defensive promises of Ligue 1. Born in Ivory Coast, the Stallion is flourishing in his role as a left piston in Lorient. Several times a decisive passer, he discovered Ligue 1 at the speed of his strides in his lane. His great races and his incessant activity have had a lot to do with his club's season.

Aïssa Mandi, defender (Algeria, Lille)

Revealed in Ligue 1, crowned with Algeria at CAN 2019, Aïssa Mandi is one of Lille's executives. At 34, the Fennec, who discovered the French championship in 2009 with Reims, has already been part of the list of contenders for the Marc-Vivien Foé prize. Despite the years that pass, Aïssa Mandi continues to enjoy the field. His performances are often considered serious in the Lille ranks.

Moussa Niakhaté, defender (Senegal, Lyon)

Moussa Niakhaté is the boss of the Lyon defense. A starter in the center of the Senegal Lions and one of the most used players at OL, this 30-year-old left-hander is experiencing the best period of his career for both club and national team. Trained in the North, in Lille then in Valenciennes, he established himself through his solidity: sovereign in duels, valuable in restarts, he brings serenity and stability to the Lyon rearguard.

Mamadou Sangaré, midfielder (Mali, Lens)

Mamadou Sangaré is the big revelation of the season in Ligue 1. In the ranks of RC Lens, the Malian midfielder impresses for his first season in the elite. A native of Bamako, the 23-year-old international is part of the great lineage of Malian circles, like Mahamadou “Djila” Diarra, Seydou Keita or Momo Sissoko. Trained at Yeelen Olympique, then transferred to RB Salzburg in 2020, he established himself as a key element in the Lens environment. His objective is clear: to become the first Malian to register his name on the Marc-Vivien Foé prize list.

The winners of previous editions:

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