The race for the 2026 CAF young player of the year award could come down to Ayyoub Bouaddi, Yan Diomande and Ibrahim Maza after the three were included in a 10-man shortlist.

The trio were named among the leading contenders by CAF one week after also featuring in the Kopa Trophy rankings. Bouaddi may hold a narrow advantage after making a strong impression during Morocco’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

The Manchester City midfielder, who previously played for Lille, was only 18 and had limited international experience before the tournament. However, he was particularly impressive against Brazil and retained his place in Mohamed Ouahbi’s midfield for the remainder of Morocco’s campaign.

Bouaddi finished the World Cup with five appearances and 384 minutes played. His composure, defensive work-rate and ability to cope with pressure helped raise his profile significantly.

That tournament could prove decisive when the CAF vote is held. Bouaddi also finished sixth in the Kopa Trophy standings, ahead of Maza, who was ninth.

Diomande ranked above both players in the global under-21 standings, finishing fifth. The Ivorian winger is now established at Real Madrid and has begun to make an impact in both La Liga and the Champions League.

His attacking style and growing media profile could work in his favour. Votes from former Ballon d’Or winners, including Ronaldinho and Rivaldo, also highlighted his popularity during the Kopa Trophy process.

Maza’s case is built on a broader body of work. The Algeria international has continued to develop with Bayer Leverkusen while becoming increasingly important for the national team.

Able to create chances, score and link play, Maza has emerged as one of the most promising figures in Algeria’s new generation. Although his Kopa Trophy position was less favourable, the CAF award is judged in a different context.

Performances for African national teams and the views of voters from the continent could narrow the gap between Maza, Bouaddi and Diomande. His place in the global top 10 remains a significant point in his favour, while Lionel Messi ranked him third in his Kopa Trophy vote.

Christian Kofane is another serious contender after his rise with Bayer Leverkusen and Cameroon. The shortlist also includes Ivorian Christ Inao, Moroccan Abdellah Ouazane and Senegalese Ibrahim Mbaye, all of whom represent an even younger generation already making their mark at major European clubs.

The remaining nominees are Egypt’s Hamza Abdelkarim, Ghana’s Caleb Yirenkyi and Mali’s Ismael Kamissoko. Their international experience and visibility are currently below those of the three leading candidates.

Diomande has the strongest club status, Bouaddi the standout World Cup campaign and Maza the advantage of consistency. The award therefore appears to be a three-way contest built around very different strengths.