CAF Awards 2026: Four Arab players shortlisted for Africa’s Best Young Player prize

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the 2026 Africa Best Young Player award, with four Arab players included on a shortlist led by Manchester City forward Ayoub Bouaddi.

Bouaddi is joined by Barcelona’s Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, Moroccan Ajax player Abdellah Ouazane and Algerian midfielder Ibrahim Maza of Bayer Leverkusen.

The quartet will face competition from several of the continent’s leading emerging talents, including Real Madrid and Cote d’Ivoire player Yan Diomande.

Bayer Leverkusen and Cameroon forward Christian Kofane is also nominated, as is Fiorentina and Cote d’Ivoire player Christ Inao.

The shortlist is completed by Coventry City and Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, Etoile Mande and Mali player Ismael Kamissoko, and Aston Villa and Senegal forward Ibrahim Mbaye.