Finalists for FRANCE 24-RFI Best African Player Award in Ligue 1

Three players have been selected as finalists for the 2026 Marc Vivien-Foé Prize for the best African player in Ligue 1, which is presented by FRANCE 24 and Radio France Internationale (RFI). The competitors are Senegalese players Lamine Camara from AS Monaco and Moussa Niakhaté from Olympique Lyon, alongside Mali's Mamadou Sangaré from RC Lens.

This year's finalists represent a significant moment as all three are set to become first-time recipients of the award. Lamine Camara and Moussa Niakhaté are part of Senegal's national team, known as the Lions of Teranga, who recently completed their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. They will face off against Mamadou Sangaré, who is aiming to be the first Malian to win this prestigious accolade.

Profiles of the Finalists

Lamine Camara
At just 22 years old, Lamine Camara has been crucial for AS Monaco amidst an inconsistent season. He has become a mainstay for both his club and the Senegal national team. During the Africa Cup of Nations, he played every match and contributed to Senegal's title win against Morocco, although this victory is temporarily under appeal. For the 2025/2026 season, he has participated in 22 matches for Monaco, scoring one goal and providing four assists, and played in 11 matches for Senegal, netting one goal and making it to the final.

Moussa Niakhaté
Moussa Niakhaté, 30, has solidified his place in defense for Olympique Lyon, with the team recording an impressive 24 clean sheets this season, partly thanks to him. His defensive prowess was highlighted during a match against Paris Saint-Germain, marking his reputation as a key player. Throughout the 2025/2026 season, he has featured in 30 matches for Lyon, adding two assists to his contributions, while also playing 11 matches for Senegal, reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Mamadou Sangaré
The 23-year-old Mamadou Sangaré has emerged as a standout midfielder for RC Lens, greatly impacting the club's success this season as they challenge PSG for the Ligue 1 title. His relentless style and technical ability have been instrumental, and he seeks to break new ground by being the first Malian recipient of the award. In the 2025/2026 season, he has played in 28 games, scoring three goals and assisting four times, while also appearing in nine matches for Mali, helping the team reach the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Since 2011, the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize has honored the best African player in Ligue 1, named in memory of the Cameroonian player who tragically passed away during a match in 2003.