CAF Awards 2026: See you in Lagos on December 2, with Senegal in force

The big night of African football will take place on Wednesday December 2, 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will bring together players, coaches and selections who have marked the year. In a press release published on November 10, 2026, CAF announces that the ceremony will kick off at 6:00 p.m. GMT.

The ceremony returns to Lagos for the first time since 2014. It will be held at the Professor Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and the Arts (National Theatre), between music, entertainment and African cultural heritage. Eighteen categories will be rewarded, culminating in the titles of African Player of the Year.

Voting takes place from November 5 to 20 for all male and female categories. Member associations and clubs vote, as do eligible coaches and captains. CAF announces independent monitoring to guarantee transparency of results.

The Senegalese in the running

Senegal places three candidates in the category: Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Pape Gueye.

• Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr), already winner in 2019 and 2022, would become the first Senegalese to be crowned three times.
• Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace), distinguished for his performances in England and with the Lions, with his 4 goals at the World Cup
• Pape Gueye (Villarreal), author of the only goal in the CAN 2025 final against Morocco.
• Édouard Mendy (Al Ahli), nominated for the title of African Goalkeeper of the Year.
• Ibrahim Mbaye (Aston Villa), nominated for Young Player of the Year.

On the bench side, Pape Thiaw and Lamine Ndiaye are in the running for the title of Coach of the Year, and the national selection is nominated for that of National Team of the Year. With eight flag bearers, Senegal ranks third most represented nation, behind Morocco.

The duel promises to be close, particularly with Achraf Hakimi, holder of the African Player of the Year title, and several Moroccans.

OBN