The Moroccan forward of Real Madrid is among the ten nominees for the 2026 CAF African Player of the Year award, even though his playing time at club level has shrunk this season.
The list was unveiled on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. Brahim Díaz, Real Madrid forward and Morocco international, is among the ten contenders for the CAF African Player of the Year award, the Madrid club announced. The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony will be held on 7 December in Lagos, Nigeria.
Díaz is not the only Moroccan in the running: Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain right-back, and Ismaël Saibari, the Bayern Munich attacking midfielder, complete the Moroccan trio on the list, Hespress reports. The other seven nominees are Ismaïla Sarr, Sadio Mané, Pape Gueye, Amad Diallo, Yoane Wissa, Antoine Semenyo and Teboho Mokoena, according to Real Madrid and Made in Real.
A finalist’s status despite reduced playing time
The nomination contrasts with his day-to-day reality this season. According to AS, relayed by Goal.com, the forward has played only 7 matches in all competitions, for 233 minutes of playing time since the start of the campaign.
Last season was far busier: Real Madrid recalls that Díaz took part in 42 matches with the club last season, before playing the World Cup with Morocco.
Three Moroccans in the running
With Díaz, Hakimi and Saibari, Morocco has three players among the ten finalists, Hespress highlights. A notable collective presence on this list of contenders.
The Moroccan case is led by Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 winner, who is aiming for a second consecutive title, according to the same source.
Lagos in sight
The ceremony will be held on 7 December in Lagos. Until then, Díaz could regain playing time: AS envisages a start on the right flank for Real Madrid’s trip to AEK Athens, a hypothesis that nothing has made official at this stage.
Over the season, the contrast is stark: 7 matches in all competitions this season, compared with 42 with the club last season.