CAF Awards 2026: Seven Arab players nominated for Africa’s best player award

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for its 2026 African Player of the Year award for players based on the continent, with seven Arab footballers from Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Sudan included on the shortlist.

Egypt are represented by two players: Zamalek midfielder Mohamed Shehata and Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, the former Al Ahly player who currently plays for Al Riyadh.

Morocco has the strongest presence, with three players included. They are Mohammed Rabie Hrimat, formerly of AS FAR and now with Qatar’s Al Shamal; RS Berkane player Munir Chouiar; and Soufiane El Moudane of Olympique Safi.

The shortlist also features two Algerian players. Abdelnour Belhocini represents CR Belouizdad, while USM Alger midfielder Ahmed Khaldi is also in contention for the award.

Sudan’s Al Hilal player Abdelraouf Yaacoub completes the Arab contingent among the nominees.

The only non-Arab candidate named is South African midfielder Khuliso Mudau of Mamelodi Sundowns.

CAF said the shortlist consists of 10 of the continent’s leading players. However, the names announced in the list account for nine players: seven from Arab countries and Mudau as the sole non-Arab nominee.