Controversy surrounding the absence of Mohamed Salah among
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
The announcement of the nominees for the title of best African player 2026, without Mohamed Salah, arouses strong reactions. The Egyptian, despite a solid season for club and national team, is excluded from the list, where Teboho Mokoena, African champion with Sundowns, is among the candidates. This decision divides the African football community.
According to Varzesh3.
Context
Trabzonspor striker Mohamed Salah has been a key player for the Egyptian team, contributing to notable successes such as qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His presence on the pitch has often been synonymous with victories, and his exclusion from the list of nominees for the best African player 2026 is seen as an injustice by many football observers. This situation could influence his future performances in the Turkish Super Lig and at international level.
Why it matters
The absence of Mohamed Salah among the nominees for the title of best African player 2026 raises questions about CAF's selection criteria. Despite his remarkable performances with Trabzonspor and the Egyptian national team, his exclusion creates controversy that divides fans and experts of African football. It also highlights the growing competition within African football, particularly with players like Sundowns' Teboho Mokoena shining in the CAF Champions League.
Key points
- Controversy surrounding the absence of Mohamed Salah among.
- The announcement of the nominees for the title of best African player 2026, without Mohamed Salah, arouses strong reactions.
- جنجال بزرگ آفریقا به خاطر محمد صلاح! | ورزش سه.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the list of candidates for the title of best African player of the year 2026, causing a real shock wave on the continent. The notable absence of Mohamed Salah, star striker of Trabzonspor and pillar of the Egyptian selection, particularly attracts attention and sparks numerous debates among supporters and observers of African football.
Mohamed Salah has had an intense season, marked by strong performances both at club level, first with Liverpool then at Trabzonspor, and in the colors of his national team. With Egypt, he was a key player in qualifying to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and greatly contributed to the Pharaohs' historic first qualification in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, even coming close to an exploit against Argentina.
Despite this track record, Salah is not in the group of nominees, which shocks a large number of observers. Many point to the presence of Teboho Mokoena, a South African international playing for Mamelodi Sundowns. The latter shone in the CAF Champions League, winning the title with his club, and scored during the World Cup with South Africa, which earned him his place in this prestigious list.
Image
In addition to this surprise, the shortlist highlights a strong representation from Morocco with three players (Achraf Hakimi from PSG, Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid, and Ismaïl Saibari from Bayern Munich) and from Senegal (Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace, Pape Gueye from Villarreal and Sadio Mané from Al-Nassr). Players like Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Yoan Wissa (Newcastle), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) are also among those selected.
Salah's absence sparked many reactions, with some fans deeming his non-selection unjustified, others believing that his performance at Liverpool last season was in decline compared to his usual high standards. The debate continues to rage on social media as the CAF awards ceremony takes place on Monday, December 7, 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Regardless, this controversy illustrates the prestige of this trophy and the passion it arouses among African football fans.
The rest
The reaction from supporters and analysts could prompt CAF to reassess its selection criteria for future awards. As discussions continue, Mohamed Salah, as an iconic figure in African football, could use this controversy to further motivate himself in his performances with Trabzonspor. The upcoming Turkish Super Lig matches and international competitions will provide Salah with the opportunity to prove his worth on the pitch.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Mohamed Salah not nominated for the best African player 2026?
The absence of Mohamed Salah among the nominees sparks debate, despite his solid performances with Trabzonspor and the Egyptian national team.
Who confirmed the list of candidates for the best African player 2026?
The list of candidates was revealed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Which performances from Mohamed Salah stood out this season?
Mohamed Salah was a key player for Egypt, helping to reach the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the historic first qualification for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Why was the appointment of Teboho Mokoena controversial
rsee?
Teboho Mokoena was named due to his performances in the CAF Champions League and his contributions at the World Cup, which sparked criticism over Salah's absence.
Which teams are represented in the shortlist of nominees?
The shortlist highlights players from Morocco, such as Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, as well as players from Senegal, such as Ismaila Sarr and Sadio Mané.