France Football has named three African internationals among the 10 contenders for the 2026 Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the best young player of the year. The winner will be announced at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday, 26 October.
Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande, Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and Algeria forward Ibrahim Maza are all included on the shortlist, underlining the growing influence of Africa’s emerging talent on the international stage.
Diomande, 19, secured his nomination after an impressive spell with Leipzig before moving to Real Madrid this summer. His performances in Germany, combined with his displays for Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup, helped place him among the leading young players under consideration for the award.
Bouaddi, who is 18, also made a major move during the summer. He left Lille to join Manchester City after attracting attention with Morocco during the 2026 World Cup and producing a strong season with LOSC.
Maza completes the African contingent after making an impact for Algeria during the tournament. Although his side endured mixed results at the World Cup, the 19-year-old forward drew praise for his technical ability and composure in possession.
The remaining nominees are Kerim Alajbegovic, Pau Cubarsi, Lennart Karl, Eli Junior Kroupi, Lamine Yamal, Johan Manzambi and Warren Zaire-Emery.
The 10 shortlisted players will compete for one of the most prominent individual awards available to young footballers. The final decision will be revealed at the end of October, when the winner is announced during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
The inclusion of Diomande, Bouaddi and Maza gives Africa a strong presence in this year’s selection. Each player impressed both at club level and while representing their national team, with their performances at the 2026 World Cup playing an important role in their nominations.
Diomande’s move from Leipzig to Real Madrid, and Bouaddi’s transfer from Lille to Manchester City, have also placed the two teenagers among the most closely watched young players in European football. Maza, meanwhile, earned recognition through his performances for Algeria despite the team’s uneven campaign.
They will now compete against seven other highly rated prospects for the Kopa Trophy. With the winner due to be confirmed on 26 October, the award will provide a final assessment of the outstanding young talent from the year’s international and club campaigns.