African Ballon d’Or 2026: Hakimi leads nominees as Maza and Diomande miss out

Achraf Hakimi is among the 10 nominees for the 2026 African Player of the Year award, but the omission of Ibrahim Maza and Yan Diomande is likely to dominate the debate around the Confederation of African Football (CAF) shortlist.

The list, announced by CAF on Wednesday, includes three Morocco players, three from Senegal, and no representation for either Maza or Diomande. The remaining nominees are Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari, Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye, Amad Diallo, Yoane Wissa, Antoine Semenyo and Teboho Mokoena.

Hakimi, who won the award in 2025 ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen, has a strong case to retain the prize. His performances for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco’s progress at the World Cup have placed him among the leading contenders once again.

A second successive triumph would make Hakimi the first player to retain the award since Mohamed Salah in 2018. It would also make him the first Moroccan to win the honour twice.

Ismael Saibari, who has enjoyed a particularly accomplished year, is another Moroccan nominee, while Brahim Diaz completes the country’s representation. Morocco’s three candidates could therefore give the reigning champions considerable strength, although the votes may be divided between them.

Senegal face a similar issue with Mane, Sarr and Gueye all included. Mane remains the most high-profile name among the trio, while Sarr played a prominent role in Crystal Palace’s successful campaign in the Conference League and Gueye also contributed to an excellent year for the Lions. Their combined presence could split the Senegalese vote, whereas Hakimi appears to be Morocco’s clearest candidate.

The absence of Maza and Diomande is particularly notable because both are also nominated for the African Young Player of the Year award. Maza has established himself at Bayer Leverkusen and with Algeria, while Diomande has taken another significant step forward at RB Leipzig, Real Madrid and with the Ivory Coast national team.

Diomande also became the most expensive African player in history during the summer transfer window. The two players’ youth does not diminish the quality of their performances, and neither age nor potential should be treated as either an advantage or a restriction. Maza finished ninth in the 2026 Kopa Trophy, with Diomande fifth.

Amad Diallo’s inclusion, despite his ability and increasing importance at Manchester United, may be questioned at Diomande’s expense. The selections of Wissa and particularly Mokoena are also open to debate. Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Mokoena remains a major continental figure, but his individual season appears less outstanding than those of several players left out.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha could also have expected consideration after helping his country to a historic campaign. However, CAF selected only outfield players, leaving Cape Verde without a nominee.

The list will be reduced to three finalists before the CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, on 7 December. The first cut has already produced several notable omissions.