Prix Marc-Vivien Foé: Aubameyang, Strasbourg duo lead nominees
RFI and France 24 have announced the shortlist for the Prix Marc-Vivien Foé, awarded annually to the best African player in Ligue 1 McDonald's. Here's a closer look at this year's nominees, which features a mix of familiar names and new faces.
A new record for Aubameyang?
A month after playing the hero for Olympique de Marseille with a double in a vital win over Olympique Lyonnais, the ageless Gabon international finds himself shortlisted for an award he's won twice before -- in 2024 with l'OM and in 2013 with Saint-Étienne. After a season away from France, he's been back to his best this season, with eight goals and five assists in Ligue 1 McDonald's to help keep his side firmly in the mix for the Champions League. If he wins, he'll take home the trophy for a record third time.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. 36 years old. 🏃♂️🍷 pic.twitter.com/5dFUAie4Bv
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 16, 2026
Two for Strasbourg
After a strong start to the season which has seen them in the running for the European places as well in the Conference League quarterfinal and Coupe de France semifinals, RC Strasbourg have two players nominated. The Côte d'Ivoire duo of Martial Godo and Guéla Doué hail from London and Angers respectively, but they've impressed both with their club and for their country, with Doué one of the best right backs in France this season and Godo netting ten goals in his first season in Alsace.
👏 Well done to our two @FIFCI_tweet stars -- Guéla and Martial have been nominated for the Prix Marc-Vivien Foé, awarded to the best African footballer in @Ligue1_ENG 🐘🐘 pic.twitter.com/t5FUW6EJYb
— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) April 10, 2026
Making the step up from Ligue 2 BKT
Three players from promoted sides have also made the shortlist, including two from FC Lorient. Les Merlus have been one of the better sides in Ligue 1 McDonald's since the turn of the year, and the strong play of striker Bamba Dieng (eight goals) in that period has vital to it. He, along with left wingback Arsène Kouassi, signed from Ligue 2 side in the summer, have impressed at every turn after their side's promotion. They've been joined by another player from a promoted side, Paris FC's Algerian international Ilan Kebbal. Kebbal, who has also played for Stade de Reims has contributed with eight goals and four assists as his team will comfortably avoid the drop
DR CONGO MAKE HISTORY, QUALIFY FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP 🇨🇩🤩 pic.twitter.com/aJgx15fAtD
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 31, 2026
A goalkeeping win?
Goalkeeper hasn't been a position that's historically done well in winning the award -- since Vincent Enyeama in 2014, only outfield players have been crowned. But having backstopped DR Congo to the World Cup and playing a key role in Le Havre avoiding relegation, Lionel Mpasi hopes to break that run. Another player who's made the jump from the second division (he spent the previous six seasons with Rodez), he's impressed at every turn since breaking into the first team.
The prize will be announced on May 11, and the other nominees include Mamadou Sangaré (RC Lens), Lamine Camara (AS Monaco), Moussa Niakhaté (Lyon) and Aïssa Mandi (LOSC).
