Fiston Mayele misses out as CAF announces Interclub Player of the Year nominees

Defending champion Fiston Mayele has been left out of the 10-man shortlist for the 2026 CAF Interclub Player of the Year award after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the nominees for this year’s prestigious individual honour.

The DR Congo international will therefore be unable to defend the title he won in the previous edition, with CAF selecting a fresh group of contenders following their performances in African interclub competitions.

Egyptian international Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet and South African duo Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau are among the prominent names included in the shortlist.

Morocco is also represented by Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, who will be hoping to make a strong case for the award after earning recognition for his performances.

The 10-man list further features Abdennour Belhocini, Ahmed Khaldi, Mohamed Shehata, Mounir Chouiar, Sofian El Moudane and Abdel Raouf, completing a competitive group of nominees from across the continent.

Mayele’s absence is one of the major talking points following the announcement, particularly after his impressive campaign earned him the Interclub Player of the Year accolade in the previous edition.

His omission means the forward will relinquish his crown, with the 10 shortlisted players now competing for the opportunity to be recognised as the outstanding performer in African club football.

Trezeguet’s inclusion provides a strong Egyptian presence on the shortlist, while Mokoena and Mudau will be representing South African football in the race for the individual accolade.

Hrimat, meanwhile, adds to Morocco’s representation as the North African country continues to produce players making their mark in continental competitions.

The winner will be announced at the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony scheduled for Monday, December 7, in Lagos, Nigeria, where the continent’s outstanding footballers, coaches and other personalities will be honoured.