Trezeguet and Mohamed Shehata nominated for CAF Best Player in Africa award

Mahamoud Hassan “Trezeguet” and Mohamed Shehata have been named among the nominees for the 2026 CAF Best Player in Africa award.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the shortlist, which includes Trezeguet after the former Al Ahly player moved to Al Riyadh in Saudi Arabia at the start of this season.

Shehata is also nominated following his role in helping Zamalek reach the African Confederation Cup final last season.

The shortlist also features USM Alger forward Ahmed Khaldi, who helped the Algerian club win the Confederation Cup.

The nominees for the Best Player in Africa award are:

– Mohamed Shehata – Zamalek – Trezeguet – Al Ahly (Al Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – Abdenour Belhocini – CR Belouizdad, Algeria – Ahmed Khaldi – USM Alger, Algeria – Mohamed Rabie Hrimat – FAR Rabat, Morocco – Mounir Chouiar – RS Berkane, Morocco – Sofiane El Moudane – Olympique Safi, Morocco – Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa – Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa – Abdelraouf Yaakoubi – Al Hilal, Sudan

Zamalek are also in contention for the African Club of the Year award, while Egypt striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who plays for Barcelona, has been nominated for the Young Player of the Year prize.

Egypt are among the candidates for the National Team of the Year award, with their progress at the 2026 World Cup forming part of their case. Under head coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt reached the last 16 of the tournament.

Hassan is also included among the nominees for the Coach of the Year award. Zamalek manager Moataz Gamal is another candidate.

Zamalek reached the final of the African Confederation Cup last season, where they were beaten by USM Alger on penalties. That result followed their run to the final, led by Shehata, and the Algerian side’s success also secured Khaldi’s place among the individual nominees.