CAF names 2026 Africa-based Player of the Year contenders as Arab stars dominate race

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for its 2026 Africa-based Player of the Year award, with a strong Arab presence among the leading contenders.

The list includes Egyptian duo Mohamed Shehata, the Zamalek midfielder, and Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, who previously played for Al Ahly and now represents Saudi club Al-Riyadh.

Morocco has three representatives: Mohamed Rabie Harimat, formerly of AS FAR and now with Qatari club Al-Shamal; Mounir Chouiar of RS Berkane; and Sufyan Al-Moudane of Olympique Safi.

Algeria’s nominees are Abdelnour Belhocini of CR Belouizdad and Ahmed Khaldi of USM Alger. The Arab contingent is completed by Abdelaouf Yaakoubi, who plays for Sudanese club Al-Hilal.

CAF’s announcement described the field as featuring seven players from Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Sudan, while the nominees named include three Moroccans, two Egyptians, two Algerians and one Sudanese player.

The award contest features 10 players regarded as among the continent’s leading stars. The only non-Arab player listed is South Africa international Khuliso Mudau, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.