Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
Bayern Munich's Ismael Saibari nominated for African Footballer of the Year award
Ismael Saibari has scored three times for Bayern Munich since joining the club in July. - © IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Jenni Maul

Bayern Munich attacker Ismael Saibari has been shortlisted for the 2026 African Footballer of the Year award.

Morocco international Saibari, who joined Bayern in the summer, is one of 10 players to be nominated for the continental prize.

The 25-year-old registered 19 goals and nine assists for PSV Eindhoven last season as the Dutch giants won the Eredivisie title, before helping Morocco reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with three goals in five appearances.

Saibari has found the net three times for Bayern since moving to Munich in July but suffered ankle ligament damage in Saturday’s 2-2 Klassiker draw with Borussia Dortmund, potentially ruling him out for several months.

He could become only the second Moroccan to win the African Player of the Year award since Mustapha Hadji’s triumph in 1998, after Saibari’s Atlas Lions teammate Achraf Hakimi came out on top last year.

The winner is determined by a panel of experts consisting of Confederation of African Football (CAF) technical committee members, African media professionals, players and coaches.

Former Bayern star and previous winner Sadio Mané, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has also made this year’s shortlist.

You may like

Raphinha rises in three rankings

fcbarcelona.com 8 hours ago

Ranking Every FIFA Puskas Award Winner

givemesport.com 42 minutes ago

Top 10 highest-paid footballers in 2026

sportsworldghana.com 3 hours ago

Why Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona Is at Risk of Suspension

si.com 3 hours ago

Champions League Icon Looks Completely Unrecognisable, 13 Years After Retiring

givemesport.com 6 hours ago

Bigger but not better: Why UEFA have killed the early stages of the Champions League

fourfourtwo.com 1 day ago

Barcelona Confirm Huge Injury Blow for Early Title Test Against Atletico Madrid

si.com 2 hours ago