France 24 and RFI reveal the names of the three finalist players for the Marc-Vivien Foé 2025 prize, which rewards the best African footballer who played in Ligue 1 during the 2024/2025 season. The Senegalese Lamine Camara (AS Monaco) and Moussa Niakhaté (OL) as well as the Malian Mamadou Sangaré (RC Lens) are on the podium.
Published on: 05/05/2026 - 18:09Modified on: 05/05/2026 - 18:27
The Marc-Vivien Foé Prize will honor a new player this year. The list of three finalists for this award, presented by France 24 and RFI to the best African player in Ligue 1, was revealed on Wednesday May 5, and none of the three designated footballers has already reached the podium.
In the wake of CAN 2025, the Marc-Vivien Foé prize has a good chance of being Senegalese this year with two finalists out of three who are part of the Lions executives: Lamine Camara and Moussa Niakhaté. Unless Mamadou Sangaré becomes the first Malian to put his name on the list?
Here is the portrait of the three finalists in alphabetical order:
Lamine Camara, Senegal (AS Monaco)
Month after month, season after season, the Senegalese nugget continues to confirm all the good things we think of him. This year, Lamine Camara has taken on an additional dimension within AS Monaco, making himself indispensable in the midfield. At 22, he is even the one responsible for set pieces.
Among the Lions of Teranga, we can no longer do without the former resident of Génération Foot. The midfielder was a starter throughout the African Cup, from the first match until the title won on the field against Morocco but which Senegal has for the moment been stripped of while awaiting the final decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
His 2025/2026 season with Monaco: 22 matches played, 1 goal, 4 assists.
His 2025/2026 season with Senegal: 11 matches played, 1 goal, a CAN final.
Moussa Niakhaté, Senegal (OL)
Another Senegalese who became boss this season. At 30 years old, Moussa Niakhaté has become essential in the axis of the Senegal Lions as well as in that of OL. Trained in the North, in Lille then in Valenciennes, he established himself through his solidity: sovereign in duels, valuable in restarts, he brings serenity and stability to the Lyon rearguard.
On April 19, his match against PSG allowed him to show his new stature. He put the Parisian offensive armada in his pocket, contributing to Lyon's victory against the probable champion of France. The 24 matches without goals conceded by OL this year: it is largely thanks to him. And if Lyon is back at the gates of the Champions League too.
His 2025/2026 season with OL: 30 matches played, 2 assists.
His 2025/2026 season with Senegal: 11 matches played, one CAN final.
Mamadou Sangaré, Mali (RC Lens)
The very good pick of RC Lens this year. Coming from Rapid Vienna, the 23-year-old joined the Artesian club during the summer and is completely satisfied. He is one of the great architects of the fantastic season for the Sang et Or, currently second in Ligue 1.
“Left-handed” is his nickname in Mali. It must be said that his left foot works wonders. A tireless ball retriever, Mamadou Sangaré is very popular in the Lens locker room who only hope for one thing: to see their teammate become the first Malian to win the Marc-Vivien Foé prize.
His 2025/2026 season with Lens: 28 matches played, 3 goals, 4 assists.
His 2025/2026 season with Mali: 9 matches played, CAN quarter-final.
To be eligible, a player must:
The winners of previous editions:
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