Mamadou Sangaré named Ligue 1's top African player with Marc-Vivien Foé award | OneFootball

RC Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangaré has won the 2025-26 Marc-Vivien Foé prize for the best African player in Ligue 1, becoming the first Malian recipient since the award began in 2009.

Le Progres reports that he succeeds PSG defender Achraf Hakimi and finished ahead of Senegal internationals Lamine Camara of Monaco and Moussa Niakhaté of Lyon in the vote.

The 23-year-old joined the Pas-de-Calais club last summer from Rapid Vienna for eight million euros and has helped propel the Sang et Or to second place behind PSG. He has three goals and four assists, along with a notable influence on play.

His market value is now estimated at 30 million euros. Lens are already assured of Champions League football next season and will chase the Coupe de France on 22 May against OGC Nice.

The winner was chosen by a panel of 100 specialists in African and French football, from an 11-player shortlist compiled by the sports desks of RFI and France 24.

Despite this honour, Sangaré is not nominated in any UNFP category. Team-mates Florian Thauvin, for best player, and Robin Risser, for best goalkeeper, are nominated, as is head coach Pierre Sage for best coach.

Source: Le Progres