Achraf Hakimi is the leading contender for the 2026 CAF Awards’ African Player of the Year prize, according to former Morocco international Faouzi Jamal, with Sadio Mane and Brahim Diaz considered his main challengers.

The annual awards, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), recognise players, coaches, clubs and national teams across the continent. This year’s nominations follow a significant period for African football, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and the 2026 World Cup.

Jamal, who has coached several Botola Pro D1 clubs, based his assessment on individual performances, collective honours, influence in major matches and consistency.

Hakimi, a Paris Saint-Germain right-back, is regarded as having the most complete case. His attacking contribution, ability to create openings and provide assists have made him a key part of the Parisian side, while European and domestic trophies strengthen his claim.

He also played an important role as Morocco reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, following their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022. Jamal believes that combination of club success, international responsibility and sustained form puts Hakimi in a strong position to retain the award.

Mane’s strongest argument is Senegal’s success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward contributed to the Lions of Teranga’s victorious campaign, which ended with a final victory over Morocco.

His pace, dribbling, movement and finishing remain important assets, while his experience and leadership add to his case. Jamal cautioned that Mane’s attacking statistics should not be compared directly with those of Hakimi, whose role also includes major defensive duties. However, the continental title could prove decisive if voters give priority to international success.

Real Madrid forward Diaz completes Jamal’s preferred shortlist. His close control, vision, dribbling and attacking versatility allow him to influence matches in several tactical roles. His experience at Real Madrid, together with his contribution to Morocco’s World Cup campaign, strengthens his nomination, although Jamal considers decisive performances, statistics and trophies essential to his chances.

Jamal’s other assessments

Yassine Bounou is among the leading contenders for goalkeeper of the year alongside Ronwen Williams, Oussama Benbot, Edouard Mendy and Mostafa Shobeir. Bounou’s experience and his decisive saves, including during Morocco’s penalty shoot-out against Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, are central to his case. Williams is praised for his work with Mamelodi Sundowns, while Benbot’s performances for USM Alger also stand out.

The coaching award includes Walid Regragui, Mohamed Ouahbi, Pape Thiaw and Hossam Hassan. Senegal’s continental triumph gives Thiaw a strong claim, while Regragui and Ouahbi can point to Morocco’s international results. Jamal says tactical work, player development and the use of available resources should be considered alongside trophies.

Among the young-player nominees are Ibrahim Maza, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Ibrahim Mbaye. Jamal highlights Bouaddi’s technique, maturity and physical ability, Maza’s progress in European football and Mbaye’s emergence with Senegal.

Teboho Mokoena is considered a leading candidate for the award for best player based in Africa. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder helped his club win the CAF Champions League against AS FAR, contributing through ball recovery, distribution and attacking support. His team-mate Khuliso Mudau is also nominated, alongside Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, Mounir Chouiar, Sofian El Moudane, Ahmed Khaldi, Abdennour Iheb Belhocine, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet and Mohamed Shehata.

Mamelodi Sundowns are also favourites for best club after their continental triumph, although AS FAR’s run to the final, plus the campaigns of Zamalek, Esperance de Tunis and USM Alger, have earned recognition.

Morocco are viewed as the leading national-team candidate after reaching the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Tunisia, Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cape Verde are also nominated.

However, CAF’s decision to withdraw Senegal’s continental title and designate Morocco as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations winners means the award remains linked to proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which will make the final ruling.

Jamal said Morocco’s broad representation reflects its strength across the awards, with Hakimi still his choice for African Player of the Year ahead of Mane and Diaz.