Four African players make Ligue 1’s top 12 after seven games

Four players from Africa have featured among the 12 highest-rated performers in Ligue 1 after the opening seven matches of the 2026/27 season, according to ratings published by French newspaper L’Equipe.

Lassine Sinayoko leads the group with an average score of 6.43, followed by Lamine Camara on 6.29, Adil Bourabaa on 6.20 and Montassar Talbi on 6.00.

The quartet have made their mark in different areas of the pitch, underlining the broad influence of African players in the French top flight.

Sinayoko inspires Paris FC victory

Lassine Sinayoko produced the standout individual display among the four during the seventh round of fixtures.

The Mali forward was directly involved in all four of Paris FC’s goals in their 4-3 win against Rennes on 18 October. He set up Maxime Lopez twice before scoring an acrobatic effort and converting the decisive penalty in stoppage time.

That performance further demonstrated Sinayoko’s importance to the Paris FC attack and helped him claim the highest average rating among the African players in the ranking.

Camara’s influence at Monaco

Lamine Camara has established himself as a key figure in the AS Monaco midfield, having played every minute of the club’s first seven league matches.

The Senegal international has contributed through his work in possession, intensity in challenges and ability to help his side recover the ball. He also provided an assist against Strasbourg on the fourth matchday.

Although AS Monaco were beaten 1-0 by Lorient on 18 October, Camara was again one of his team’s most notable performers and maintained his place among Ligue 1’s leading players by rating.

Bourabaa makes early impact

Adil Bourabaa has been one of the early-season discoveries at Le Mans. The 21-year-old midfielder scored three goals and supplied two assists in his first five Ligue 1 appearances.

He found the net against Nice before producing a goal and an assist against Lens. He then scored again against Lorient, a run of performances that earned him a place in the Algeria squad in September.

Bourabaa was not included among the players available for the seventh round, but his strong start was enough to leave him with an average rating of 6.20.

Talbi anchors Lorient defence

Montassar Talbi’s contribution has come at the other end of the pitch. The Tunisia defender has provided consistency and experience in the Lorient back line, while adding strength in duels and security through the centre of defence.

He started Lorient’s 1-0 victory over AS Monaco on 18 October. Noah Cadiou scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 61st minute, with Talbi helping his side withstand Monaco’s attacking pressure and protect their lead.

Together, the four players reflect the range of African influence in Ligue 1: Sinayoko’s attacking efficiency, Camara’s control in midfield, Bourabaa’s goals and creativity, and Talbi’s defensive reliability.