CAF Awards 2026: Ten young African players shortlisted for top youth award

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the 10 nominees for the Young African Player of the Year award at the CAF Awards 2026.

The prize recognises emerging talents who have made a significant impact during the period under consideration, both for their clubs and their national teams.

Players from eight countries feature on the shortlist, which includes a number of highly rated prospects from across the continent.

Ten players in contention

The nominees are Ibrahim Maza of Algeria, Christian Kofane of Cameroon, Christ Ravynel Inao Oulai and Yan Diomande of Cote d’Ivoire, Hamza Abdelkarim of Egypt, Caleb Yirenkyi of Ghana, Ismael Kamissoko of Mali, Abdellah Ouazane and Ayyoub Bouaddi of Morocco, and Ibrahim Mbaye of Senegal.

The selection reflects the range of young talent currently emerging in African football. Several of the nominees are already playing in competitive European leagues, while others are continuing to build their reputations at club and international level.

Cote d’Ivoire and Morocco are the best represented nations, with two players each.

Yan Diomande and Christ Ravynel Inao Oulai make up the Ivorian contingent, while Abdellah Ouazane and Ayyoub Bouaddi are the two Moroccan nominees.

Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza is also included after continuing his development at Bayer Leverkusen and reinforcing his potential. Christian Kofane is the sole representative of Cameroon in the race for the award.

Egypt’s Hamza Abdelkarim, Ghana’s Caleb Yirenkyi, Mali’s Ismael Kamissoko and Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye complete the shortlist.

Winner to be announced in Lagos

The winner will be revealed on 7 December 2026 at the CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria.

The successful player will succeed Morocco international Othmane Maamma, the previous winner, and become the latest young African player to receive the continental award.

The shortlist brings together players already attracting attention from major European clubs and others who are still progressing through the early stages of their careers. With representatives from eight nations competing for the prize, the final decision is expected to be closely contested.