Habib Diarra has been shortlisted as one of the final three contenders for the 2025 Marc-Vivien Foé Trophy, a prestigious award recognising the top African footballer in France’s Ligue 1.
At just 21 years of age, Diarra has enjoyed a breakout campaign with Racing Club de Strasbourg, where he wears the captain’s armband and has emerged as a central figure in a youthful squad.
His nomination, announced by France 24 and RFI, places him alongside Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain and Ivorian forward Evann Guessand of OGC Nice in the final trio of candidates.
Diarra, a Senegalese international, has shown exceptional leadership and maturity this season, guiding Strasbourg through a transitional phase under a new-look squad.
In 28 Ligue 1 appearances, he has delivered four goals and four assists while consistently anchoring the midfield with poise and authority.
His all-round contributions—ranging from ball recovery and distribution to driving forward into attacking phases—have not gone unnoticed by fans or pundits.
A product of the youth systems at Mulhouse and later Strasbourg, Diarra’s development has been both steady and impressive.
This season marks a clear turning point in his career, as he has embraced the responsibility of captaincy and demonstrated a level of consistency that belies his age.
Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has frequently praised his young captain’s tactical awareness and work ethic, highlighting his influence on and off the pitch.
Diarra’s candidacy for the Foé Trophy, named in honour of the late Cameroonian international Marc-Vivien Foé, places him in esteemed company.
The competition for the accolade is fierce, with Hakimi and Guessand also enjoying standout seasons.
Guessand has been a revelation at Nice, tallying 11 goals and six assists across 31 matches. At just 23, the Ivorian striker has cemented his place in the club’s starting lineup and remains instrumental in Nice’s push for a Champions League berth.
His pace, movement, and finishing have made him one of Ligue 1’s most effective forwards this term.
Meanwhile, Hakimi, a regular fixture in PSG’s title-challenging squad, continues to reinforce his reputation as one of Europe’s premier right-backs.
The 26-year-old Moroccan has registered four goals and six assists this season, offering both defensive stability and attacking flair down the flank.
Having narrowly missed out on the trophy last year to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hakimi is again among the favourites as the countdown to the award announcement continues.
The winner of the 2025 Marc-Vivien Foé Trophy will be revealed on 12 May during a ceremony hosted by RFI and France 24, which annually honour the finest African talent in Ligue 1. Diarra’s inclusion in the final shortlist reflects not only his personal rise but also the growing influence of young African footballers in top-flight European leagues.
As the anticipation builds ahead of the official verdict, Diarra’s nomination alone serves as a testament to his remarkable growth, leadership, and the increasingly vital role he plays for both club and country.
