ANPS Awards 2026: Ismaïla Sarr, Saly Sarr, Sa Thiès…here are the best athletes of the season
The National Association of the Sports Press of Senegal (ANPS) made public, this Thursday, October 22, 2026, the rankings for the 2025-2026 season of the best Senegalese athletes. The verdict fell at the end of the counting of the ballots, organized the same morning in the premises of Eric Favre TV, at the Cité des Eaux. Football, athletics and wrestling share the main trophies.
Ismaïla Sarr, king of Senegalese abroad
The Jules François Bocandé Trophy, which recognizes the best Senegalese footballer playing outside the country, goes to Ismaïla Sarr. The Crystal Palace striker has 164 points and is ahead of goalkeeper Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahli, 108 points) as well as Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr, 103 points).
His season justifies this great success. Crowned African champion with the Lions, he also won the Conference League with his club, of which he is the top scorer with nine goals. He adds a Community Shield and 26 goals in all competitions. At the 2026 World Cup, his four goals made him the top African scorer in the tournament.
Saly Sarr, overwhelming domination
Among the women, the Amadou Dia Bâ Trophy for the best sportswoman of the year goes to Saly Sarr. With 300 points, the triple jumper leaves Cheikh Thiam (savate boxing, 96 points) and Oumy Diop (swimming, 77 points) far behind her.
Her year was exceptional: gold in the Diamond League and the Ultimate Championship, bronze at the World Championships, an African champion title, and a new Senegal record set at 15.08 meters.
Moustapha Guèye, pillar of Teungueth FC’s defense
The Ibrahima Coulibaly Trophy, reserved for the best footballer in the Senegalese championship, goes to Moustapha Guèye. The Teungueth FC defender has 136 points, ahead of Abdourahmane Mbodji (Génération Foot, 128 points) and Mouhamed Diop (AJEL, 91 points).
A 30-time starter, he was one of the architects of his team’s championship title, whose defense conceded only six goals in 30 days. He was also voted best defender in Ligue 1.
Sa Thiès ahead of Franc, thanks to his victory over Modou Lo
In striking wrestling, the Manga 2 trophy smiles on Sa Thiès, from the Double Less stable. He brings together 213 points, ahead of Franc (182 points) and Reug Reug (89 points). His resounding victory over Modou Lo, then King of the Arena, greatly influenced this choice.
Ngagne Sène achieves the double
In non-strike wrestling, Ngagne Sène retains the Abdourahmane Ndiaye Falang Trophy for the second consecutive year. The wrestler from the Kaye Bakh de Rufisque stable obtains 196 points. Captain of the national team, he has two gold medals at the ECOWAS Tournament, another at the African Olympic Wrestling Championships, and won 13 finals out of 16 contested.
This list honors Senegalese abroad as well as players in the local championship and athletes from other disciplines. The winners will be officially celebrated at the ANPS Awards gala, scheduled for December 12 in Dakar.
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