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Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangaré has beaten two Nigerian players and several others to win the 2026 Prix Marc-Vivien Foé, one of the most respected individual awards in French football, Footynaija reports.
The 23-year-old RC Lens star became the first player from Mali to claim the prize following a brilliant campaign in Ligue 1. Organised jointly by Radio France Internationale and France 24, the award recognises the best African player in the French top flight each season.
Sangaré’s success came after an outstanding first year at Lens following his move from Austrian side Rapid Vienna. The midfielder quickly established himself as one of the most complete players in Ligue 1, making 28 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists as Lens finished second behind Paris Saint-Germain to secure a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Sangaré impressed with his energy, passing range and ability to control games in midfield. His performances also followed a strong spell with Mali at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
His victory was another disappointment for Nigeria, whose six-year wait for a winner of the award continues. Super Eagles pair Moses Simon and Chidozie Awaziem enjoyed respectable seasons in France but failed to make the final shortlist.
BREAKING!!!
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) June 25, 2025
Super Eagles forward, Moses Simon has joined Paris FC until 2028.
Congratulations and best wishes @Simon27Moses 👌. @ParisFC – You have a new follower!!! pic.twitter.com/3SJGxIqXVF
Simon scored three goals and registered three assists for Paris FC during their return to Ligue 1, including a memorable winner against Monaco. Awaziem, meanwhile, became a regular figure in defence after rejoining FC Nantes, making 26 league appearances in a difficult season that ended in relegation.
Nigeria has produced only two previous winners of the award since it was introduced in 2009. Legendary goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama won it in 2014 after a remarkable season with Lille, while Victor Osimhen claimed the honour in 2020 following his explosive campaign in France before moving to Napoli.
This year, however, the spotlight belonged firmly to Sangaré, whose rise at Lens has now earned him a special place in both Malian and Ligue 1 history.
