Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has been named on the 10-player shortlist for the 2026 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award after a standout season for Manchester City and the Black Stars.
Semenyo’s nomination follows an impressive 2025/26 campaign in which he made a major impact in the Premier League, domestic cup football and on the international stage.
The 26-year-old began last season strongly with AFC Bournemouth before moving to Manchester City during the January 2026 transfer window. He adapted quickly at the Etihad Stadium and ended the campaign with 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.
His first season with City included a decisive moment in the FA Cup final, when he scored the winning goal to secure the trophy. The forward’s performances also earned him selection in the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Premier League Team of the Year.
That recognition made Semenyo the first Ghanaian player to be named in the team.
He was also influential for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The Black Stars reached the knockout stages for the first time since 2010, with Semenyo producing a series of important performances during the tournament.
CAF has now acknowledged his contribution with a place on the shortlist, although the Manchester City player is competing against several of the continent’s leading footballers.
Cote 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 Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye and Sadio Mane are also nominated.
The winner will be revealed at the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony on December 7. The event will also recognise the leading players, coaches and teams from across the continent.
Semenyo is currently recovering from injury but has still made a positive start to the 2026/27 season. He has registered two goals and three assists in eight appearances for Manchester City in all competitions.
His nomination adds to the growing recognition of Semenyo as one of Africa’s leading attacking players. It also raises the possibility of Ghana producing its first CAF Men’s Player of the Year winner since Abedi Pele.