Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has been shortlisted for the 2026 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award after an exceptional year for both club and country.
The Manchester City forward is among 10 players nominated for African football’s most prestigious individual honour, following a remarkable 2025/26 campaign that saw him excel in the Premier League and on the international stage.
Semenyo enjoyed a sensational first half of last season with AFC Bournemouth before completing a high-profile move to Manchester City during the January 2026 transfer window. He quickly established himself at the Etihad Stadium, finishing the campaign with 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.
One of the highlights of his debut season with City came in the FA Cup final, where he scored the winning goal to secure the trophy. His outstanding performances also earned him a place in the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Premier League Team of the Year, making him the first Ghanaian player to receive the honour.
The 26-year-old also played a key role for the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, helping Ghana reach the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time since 2010 with a series of influential displays.
Semenyo’s outstanding year has now been recognised by CAF, although he faces strong competition for the award from some of Africa’s biggest stars.
The shortlist also features Côte d’Ivoire’s Amad Diallo, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari and Brahim Diaz, DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa, South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena and Senegalese trio Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye and Sadio Mané.
The winner will be announced at the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony on December 7, where the continent’s best players, coaches and teams will be honoured.
Although Semenyo is currently recovering from injury, he has made an encouraging start to the 2026/27 season, contributing two goals and three assists in eight appearances for Manchester City across all competitions.
The nomination further underlines Semenyo’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s premier attacking talents and gives Ghana hope of producing its first CAF Men’s Player of the Year winner since Abedi Pele.
