Amad Diallo has been nominated for a prestigious individual award that has never been won by a Manchester United player.

Although it has been a mixed start to the season for Amad Diallo, from spending time out injured and managing just one assist thus far, there’s no denying that he is one of the best African players in world football. Form is temporary, class is permanent, and there is reason to believe the Ivorian will overcome the recent slump.

There are now calls for Amad to be dropped for Shay Lacey when the Reds host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. The academy graduate earned rave reviews on Tuesday night when he provided a match-winning assist for Matheus Cunha’s second goal.

While Amad should be aiming to get back to his best in a United shirt, he has been nominated for an award that recognises the best African footballers.

Amad named in 10-man shortlist for CAF Player of the Year award

After starring for Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup, Amad has been named on a 10-man shortlist for the CAF Player of the Year award. He would become the first United player to win the award if he comes out on top.

On top of that, the CAF Player of the Year award has only been won by two Ivory Coast internationals in the past. They include former Premier League duo Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure. The United winger scored three times in the continental tournament as the Elephants reached the quarter-finals. At the 2026 World Cup, the 24-year-old scored a winner in Ivory Coast’s opener against Ecuador and found the back of the net in their round of 32 defeat against an Erling Haaland-inspired Norway.