Moroccan Trio Lead African Player of Year Shortlist as Salah Misses Out

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its 10-man shortlist for the African Footballer of the Year award, highlighting a strong Moroccan presence. Achraf Hakimi, the reigning champion, aims to defend his title on December 2, leading a group that includes teammates Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari. While many followers of the Moroccan African Cup journey expected to see Egyptian star Mohamed Salah among the nominees, the former winner was notably absent from the list.

The Moroccan trio played a pivotal role in their nation's controversial AFCON title win in January. Although Senegal initially won the final 1-0, the title was awarded to Morocco after Senegal walked off the pitch following a disputed penalty. A final decision regarding Senegal's appeal is expected by the end of November. Beyond the continental tournament, the players contributed to Morocco's run to the World Cup quarterfinals, where Saibari emerged as the team's top scorer.

Moroccan African Cup Contenders

At the club level, the nominees have seen significant success. Saibari secured a major transfer to Bayern Munich for 50 million euros, while Diaz has been a consistent performer for Real Madrid. Hakimi, meanwhile, helped Paris Saint-Germain claim their second consecutive Champions League title. The remaining nominees include Amad Diallo, Yoane Wissa, Antoine Semenyo, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye, Sadio Mane, and Teboho Mokoena.

Achraf Hakimi leads a trio of Moroccan players on the African Footballer of the Year shortlist.

The absence of Mohamed Salah has drawn attention, given his status as a generational talent who claimed the award in 2017 and 2018. The selection process also extends to other categories, including coaching and youth performance. Moroccan coaches Mohamed Ouahbi and Walid Regragui received nominations following the team's tournament success, while young talents like Ayoub Bouaddi, who recently signed with Manchester City, were recognized for their breakout performances.

Why it matters

The dominance of WAFCON winners Cameroon across all women's award categories marks a significant shift in the landscape of African women's football. Players like Monique Ngock and Michaely Bihina have set new standards, reflecting the growing competitiveness of the tournament.

For global audiences, these nominations highlight the rising influence of North African footballing talent on the international stage. The recognition of these athletes and coaches reshapes the narrative of continental dominance, impacting how players are valued in the European transfer market and setting the tone for future international competitions.