Finalists named for 2026 Marc Vivien-Foé Prize in Ligue 1
The 2026 shortlist marks a shift in the prize's history, as the award will be presented to a first-time laureate following a competitive season in France's top flight.
The finalists for the 2026 Marc Vivien-Foé Prize have been announced, identifying three candidates who will compete for the honour of being the best African player in Ligue 1. The shortlist, presented by FRANCE 24 and Radio France Internationale (RFI), features a Senegalese duo from AS Monaco and Olympique Lyon facing off against a representative from Mali.
Lamine Camara of AS Monaco and Moussa Niakhaté of Olympique Lyon represent Senegal in the race for the award. Their inclusion reflects the significant contribution of the Lions of Teranga to the French top flight, particularly following their recent campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations. Camara, aged 22, has established himself as a consistent presence for both his club and national team, while Niakhaté has become an indispensable figure in Lyon's defensive structure.
Mamadou Sangaré of RC Lens stands as the sole representative from Mali on the list. The 23-year-old midfielder has been a pivotal figure in Lens's challenging of Paris Saint-Germain for the league title this season. Sangaré aims to become the first Malian player to secure the annual award, having already reached the quarter-finals with Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The statistical record for the season underscores the diverse roles these players have fulfilled. Camara made 22 appearances for Monaco, contributing one goal and four assists, while also featuring in 11 matches for Senegal. Niakhaté recorded 24 clean sheets for Lyon, a defensive performance that has helped the club return to the brink of Champions League qualification, alongside 11 caps for his country.
Sangaré's season with Lens saw him appear in 28 games, scoring three goals and providing four assists. His international campaign saw him play nine games for Mali, reaching the quarter-finals of the continental tournament. The eligibility criteria for the prize require players to have been capped for an African nation and to have played at least 15 Ligue 1 matches in the previous season, a threshold all three finalists have met.
The Marc Vivien-Foé Prize has been awarded annually since 2011 to commemorate the Cameroonian international Marc-Vivien Foé, who died suddenly in 2003. This year's announcement is notable for the stipulation that the award will be given to a first-time winner, distinguishing this cycle from previous years where repeat recipients were possible.
