Amad Diallo expresses pride after African Player of the Year nomination

Amad Diallo has high hopes following his nomination for the African Player of the Year award. The Ivory Coast international made no secret of his pride at being among the contenders for this prestigious individual honour.

“I’m so proud. Honestly, it’s something I hope to win one day in my life, because I used to dream of seeing Drogba and Yaya Touré, who played for my country, win the African Player of the Year award.”

Amad Diallo is one of ten players in the running to succeed Achraf Hakimi, last year’s winner. He faces stiff competition, with Yoane Wissa, Antoine Semenyo, Ismaël Saibari, Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, Ismaïla Sarr, Pape Gueye, Sadio Mané and Teboho Mokoena also in the running.

For the Ivorian player, this nomination is already a source of great pride. But his ambition is clear: to one day have his name added to the list of winners, following in the footsteps of his compatriots Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, who have made their mark on the history of African football.

The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled for 2 December in Lagos, Nigeria. In the meantime, voting continues.