Since 2011, RFI and France 24 have awarded the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize, which recognizes the best African player in Ligue 1 who has played at least 15 league matches this season. The trophy is awarded by a jury of 100 journalists specializing in French and African football from all media outlets (radio, television, print, and online). The winner was announced this Monday: Mamadou Sangaré, a 23-year-old midfielder for RC Lens and Mali. He is followed by Lamine Camara (a 22-year-old midfielder for AS Monaco and Senegal) and Moussa Niakhaté (a 30-year-old defender for Olympique Lyonnais and Senegal).
“There wasn’t much suspense in the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize jury’s vote. Mamadou Sangaré won by a wide margin, with 219 points more than his runner-up, Monaco’s Lamine Camara.” The other Senegalese player, Moussa Niakhaté of Lyon, completes the podium.
We obviously congratulate Sangaré on this award after a very successful season at Lens. It’s not surprising to see him win this title. Achraf Hakimi, the 27-year-old right-back for PSG and Morocco, wasn’t even among the three finalists after winning this honorary title last season. After a long injury and less impressive performances, this isn’t necessarily a surprise.
