RFI, France 24 reveal 2024 Foé nominees

Awarded every year to the best African player in Ligue 1 Uber Eats, the Prix Marc-Vivien Foé is one of the most coveted individual awards in the game, and following a win for Olympique de Marseille’s Chancel Mbemba last year, we now know the names of the 11 nominees for the current year’s edition, with the winner set to be announced in May.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Olympique de Marseille/Gabon

Already a winner of the award in 2013 for his strong play with AS Saint-Étienne, the veteran striker has enjoyed a renaissance this season since joining the southern club on a free transfer. With 22 goals in all competitions, he has his club in the Europa League quarterfinals and in the mix for a European place next season.

Nabil Bentaleb – LOSC Lille/Algeria

Back in Ligue 1 at his boyhood club, Bentaleb’s solidity has been integral to Les Dogues positioning themselves as contenders for the Champions League. Despite an early exit from AFCON, Bentaleb has shown no dip in form with his club, shaking off an early-season injury to become first choice for Paulo Fonseca.

Lamine Camara – FC Metz/Senegal

Metz haven’t had the strongest season to date, as they’ve been unable to escape the relegation zone, but the young midfielder has been a beacon of consistency. After winning CAF’s 2023 Young Player of the Year award, he’ll look to add to his trophy cabinet.

Oumar Diakité – Stade de Reims/Côte d’Ivoire

Still just 20, the young attacker helped his side to the 2023 AFCON title and has been a player in form since his return from the tournament, netting three goals and adding an assist in six matches as the Champagne side continue to battle for a place in Europe.

Amine Gouiri – Stade Rennais/Algeria

Like Diakité, Gouiri, a former academy product of Lyon before starring for first Nice and now Rennes, has looked sharper since returning from AFCON. He, like Bentaleb, will have dealt with disappointment in that tournament, but with four goals and two assists since returning, he’s helped his team to the Coupe de France final and remain in the mix for a place in Europe.

Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain/Morocco

The attack-minded right back has had occasional struggles with form and injury, but has continued to be an ever-present for the leaders, adding an extra attacking thrust on the right for Luis Enrique.

Chancel Mbemba – Olympique de Marseille/DR Congo

Playing both centrally and on the right, the veteran defender has been as solid as ever, even as AFCON and injuries — to say nothing of two coaching changes — have interrupted l’OM’s season. The consistency of he and Aubameyang have allowed the storied club to have a strong campaign despite that raft of distractions.

Terem Moffi – OGC Nice/Nigeria

Moffi was a bit-part player at AFCON, but his team still managed to reach the final. Combined with a strong start to league play, 2023 has been kind to the big striker, but the current year less so. Four goals in his last five matches may be heralding a return to form, though, something which will be sorely needed if Nice are to keep hold of a place in Europe next season.

Youssouf Ndayishimiye – OGC Nice/Burundi

Ndayishimiye continues to settle in well under Francesco Farioli. The rugged midfielder has been instrumental in Les Aiglons having the league’s second-best defence, regularly breaking up play as well as building from the back.

Moses Simon – FC Nantes/Nigeria

Like Moffi, Simon will have been acquainted with a bit of heartbreak at AFCON, but his may be doubled at the moment, having suffered a season-ending injury with his team well and truly mired in a relegation battle. Prior to his injury, Simon had been one of the league’s most impressive creative players, recording five assists.

Wilfried Singo – AS Monaco – Côte d’Ivoire

The versatile defender, able to play both centrally and on the right, has been a revelation for the Principality side since joining in the summer. A willing runner and solid in the air, his play was integral to his team’s success at AFCON, as it has been in the league.