Three African internationals shortlisted for 2026 Kopa Trophy

France Football has named three African internationals among the 10 candidates for the 2026 Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the best young player of the year.

Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande, Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and Algeria forward Ibrahim Maza are all included on the shortlist. The winner will be announced in London on Monday, 26 October, during the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The recognition gives Africa a strong presence among the leading young players in the world, with the three nominees selected after notable performances for both their clubs and their national teams.

Yan Diomande, who is 19, moved from Leipzig to Real Madrid this summer. His performances in Germany helped establish his place among the leading young players in Europe, while his display at the 2026 World Cup further strengthened his case for a place on the Kopa Trophy shortlist.

Bouaddi, aged 18, also changed clubs during the summer. The Morocco international left Lille to join Manchester City after impressing for his country at the World Cup and producing a strong season with LOSC.

His performances for Lille and Morocco have placed him among the young players competing for one of the most prominent individual awards available to footballers in his age group. The midfielder is one of the three African nominees seeking to succeed the previous winners of the award.

Maza completes the African contingent after attracting attention with Algeria during the 2026 World Cup. Although Algeria endured mixed results in the tournament, the forward stood out for his technical ability and made a strong impression in the competition.

The remaining nominees are Kerim Alajbegovic, Pau Cubarsi, Lennart Karl, Eli Junior Kroupi, Lamine Yamal, Johan Manzambi and Warren Zaire-Emery.

The 10 shortlisted players will contest the award against one another at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London. The final decision will be revealed towards the end of October, with the ceremony scheduled for 26 October.

The inclusion of Diomande, Bouaddi and Maza reflects the growing profile of Africa’s emerging generation on the international stage. All three have been recognised for their contributions at senior international level as well as their performances for their clubs.

Diomande’s move to Real Madrid, Bouaddi’s transfer to Manchester City and Maza’s World Cup displays have each contributed to their inclusion on a shortlist featuring 10 of the most highly regarded young players in world football.

The Kopa Trophy is awarded to the best young player of the year, making the 2026 shortlist a significant distinction for the three African internationals. One of them will now have the chance to claim the individual prize in London after competing with seven other highly rated young talents from across the global game.