RFI and FRANCE 24 have unveiled the 11 nominees for the 2019 Marc-Vivien Foé Award, which rewards the best African player in France's top football league this season.
Hailing from 10 different countries, from Morocco to South Africa, this year’s nominees highlight the breadth and wealth of African talent playing in Ligue 1. They will be vying to succeed Cameroon striker Karl Toko Ekambi, winner of the 2018 award. A shortlist of just three nominees will be unveiled in early May, with the laureate to be announced later in the month.
The award is named in honour of footballer Marc-Vivien Foé, the Cameroonian footballer who played as a midfielder for both club and country. He died suddenly during a match against Columbia on 26 June 2003.
- Yunis Abdelhamid (Morocco, Reims, 31)
He may be one of the lesser known quantities among this year’s finalists, but the French-born Moroccan has enjoyed a remarkable season, finding his way back into the national squad two and a half years after he was last capped. The sturdy centre-back, 31, has been instrumental to his club Reims, who have been one of Ligue 1's revelations this season.
- Youcef Atal (Algeria, Nice, 22)
African football watchers already knew all about the 22-year-old’s spirit and athleticism, and he hasn’t let them down since landing on the French Riviera last summer. The Algerian fullback has been flying up and down the pitch for Nice, impressing fans and making him a stalwart of coach Patrick Vieira’s squad.
- Stéphane Bahoken(Cameroon, Angers, 26)
Bahoken joined Angers last summer with the unenviable task of replacing fellow Cameroon striker Karl Toko Ekambi, the 2018 laureate of the Marc-Vivien Foé Award. It’s been mission accomplished for the 26-year-old, who has already improved on his goal-scoring record by netting nine times this season.
- Denis Bouanga (Gabon, Nîmes, 24)
After a patchy spell at Lorient a few seasons back, the 24-year-old winger is enjoying his Ligue 1 breakthrough with Nîmes. The Gabonese international has proven to be a versatile player, supplying goals, assists and dribbles while roaming on both flanks and in central midfield.
- Max-Alain Gradel (Ivory Coast, Toulouse, 31)
A leader on and off the pitch, Toulouse’s Ivorian skipper is more than ever the club’s captain courageous. The 31-year-old forward has been involved in most of his team’s goals, scoring 10 as the TFC battle to remain in France’s top flight.
- François Kamano (Guinea, Bordeaux, 22)
The Guinean international got off to a flying start, scoring seven goals for Bordeaux in the first two months of the season. The 22-year-old winger blamed a subsequent dip in form on his difficult relationship with outgoing coach Ricardo, but a change of manager in February appears to have got his season back on track.
- Wahbi Khazri (Tunisia, Saint-Etienne, 28)
A runner-up for the 2018 Marc-Vivien Foé Award, will the Tunisian forward go one step higher this year? After helping Rennes qualify for the Europa League last season, the 28-year-old has proved just as effective this year as his new club Saint-Etienne push for a European berth.
- Lebo Mothiba (South Africa, Strasbourg, 23)
After offering glimpses of his talent with Lille last season, the South African forward has enjoyed more space at Strasbourg, scoring nine goals in Ligue 1 and helping the Alsatians clinch the League Cup – their first title since 2005.
- Nicolas Pépé (Ivory Coast, Lille, 23)
Were it not for his 13 goals last season, Lille could easily have been playing in the second division this year. Instead, the 23-year-old forward is leading the northerners' unlikely charge for a Champions League qualifying place. It’s no wonder some of Europe’s biggest clubs have set their sights on the Ivorian international.
- Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal, Rennes, 21)
While his form can still be erratic at times, the Rennes winger has proven he is one of the French league’s most exciting young prospects. And with the Breton club enjoying a remarkable run in the Europa League this season, the 21-year-old Senegalese will certainly have caught the eye of the continent’s top clubs.
- Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso, Lyon, 23)
Though less decisive than last season, the Burkina Faso international still ranks among the most talented strikers in Ligue 1, his quick feet and accurate shots proving to be a key asset as Lyon battle for a place in the Champions League.
