Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo has earned a place among the nominees for the 2026 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award following a remarkable campaign for club and country.
The Manchester City attacker is one of 10 footballers shortlisted for the prestigious continental distinction, which honours the outstanding individual performer in African football during the eligibility period.
Semenyo’s inclusion follows an impressive 2025/2026 season in which he delivered notable performances for AFC Bournemouth before completing a January 2026 transfer to Manchester City.
The Ghanaian international will, however, face considerable competition from some of the continent’s most accomplished footballers, including Ivorian winger Amad Diallo and Moroccan trio Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari and Brahim Diaz.
The remaining candidates comprise Democratic Republic of Congo forward Yoane Wissa, South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena and Senegalese trio Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye and Sadio Mane.
Semenyo enjoyed an exceptional opening half of the 2025/2026 campaign at Bournemouth, where his performances attracted considerable attention before Manchester City secured his services during the January transfer window.
Since arriving at the English giants, the 26 year old has continued to demonstrate his attacking quality, registering 13 goals in 35 appearances across the campaign, including the decisive strike that secured victory in the previous season’s FA Cup final.
His achievements have also extended beyond his club performances. Last season, Semenyo became the first Ghanaian footballer to secure selection in the Professional Footballers’ Association Premier League Team of the Year, marking a significant milestone in his career.
At international level, the former Bristol City and Bournemouth forward also played an influential role in Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, helping the Black Stars progress to the knockout stages for the first time since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
His contributions to both Manchester City and the Ghana national team have consequently strengthened his credentials as he pursues one of African football’s most coveted individual honours.
The forward, who is currently unavailable because of an injury, has recorded two goals and three assists in eight appearances across all competitions for Manchester City this season.
With the continental awards ceremony approaching, Semenyo will be hoping that his performances, individual milestones and contribution to Ghana’s World Cup campaign will earn him recognition as Africa’s outstanding footballer.
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, December 7, 2026, bringing together leading figures in African football to celebrate exceptional performances and achievements across the continent.
