CAF Awards 2019: Mané, Salah, Mahrez, Aubameyang, here is the list of nominees for the ‘African Player of the Year’ trophy

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially published the nominees for the 2019 African Player of the Year award, following the announcement of the coaches’ shortlist. This prestigious award recognizes the best-performing African footballers over the year, both at the club and international level.

Several high-profile players are featured, particularly those shining in Europe’s top leagues. Among the most notable are Sadio Mané (Liverpool), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal), and Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), all of whom have had exceptional seasons in England. Their performances in the Premier League, Champions League, and on the international stage have made them standout candidates for the award.

Algeria is also well represented, with Baghdad Bounedjah and Ismaël Bennacer earning nominations. Bennacer, in particular, made headlines by being voted best player of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, while Bounedjah has been a key figure for his club, contributing consistently with goals and assists.

Here is the full list of nominees for African Player of the Year 2019:

1. Sadio Mané – Senegal / Liverpool

2. Mohamed Salah – Egypt / Liverpool

3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Gabon / Arsenal

4. Riyad Mahrez – Algeria / Manchester City

5. Ismaël Bennacer – Algeria / AC Milan

6. Baghdad Bounedjah – Algeria / Al Sadd

7. Wilfred Ndidi – Nigeria / Leicester City

8. Thomas Partey – Ghana / Atlético Madrid

9. Victor Osimhen – Nigeria / Lille

10. Hakim Ziyech – Morocco / Ajax

These nominations highlight both the impact of African stars in Europe’s elite leagues and the talent showcased in continental competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations. Players such as Bennacer and Bounedjah underscore the importance of performances for national teams in securing individual recognition.

The winner of the African Player of the Year 2019 will be revealed during the CAF Awards ceremony in January, alongside categories such as Young Player of the Year, Club Coach of the Year, and National Team Coach of the Year. This gala is a moment to celebrate the very best of African football and reward players whose performances have left a mark on the international stage.

CAF’s nominations reflect both consistency and brilliance across domestic and international competitions, and this year’s shortlist promises a competitive race, particularly among the Premier League stars who have dominated headlines in 2019.