Organisers of the annual Prix Marc-Vivien Foe, RFI and France 24 have explained the exclusion of PSG star Achraf Hakimi from the 11-man shortlist for the award.
The exclusion of the Moroccan defender came as a surprise to the French football community following his remarkable performances in PSG’s historic run in 2025.
According to the official communication, Hakimi’s nomination was dismissed by the awards jury because of the rape charge against him, that is still currently in a criminal court.
The RFI and France 24 said the selection of finalists are based on criterion of sports and behaviour of players outside the pitch.
Hakimi won the 2025 Prix Marc-Vivien Foe and he was tipped as a strong contender to retain his crown because of PSG’s dominance in Europe and France.
Senegal dominate this year’s 11-man shortlist with three players – Lamine Camara, Bamba Dieng and Moussa Niakhate followed by two players each from Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria and Burkina Faso.
The Prix Marc-Vivien Foe is a French award named after legendary Cameroonian Marc-Vivien Foe who played for RC Lens and Lyon in the French Ligue 1.
Foe collapsed to death during the 2003 FIFA Confederation Cup match between Cameroon and Colombia in June 2003 in Lyon.
Nominees List
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon, Olympique de Marseille)
Lamine Camara (Senegal, Monaco)
Bamba Dieng (Senegal, Lorient)
Guela Doue (Cote d’Ivoire, RC Strasbourg)
Martial Godo (Cote d’Ivoire, Strasbourg)
Ilan Kebbal (Algeria, Paris FC)
Herve Koffi (Burkina Faso, Angers)
Arsene Kouassi (Burkina Faso, Lorient)
Aissa Mandi (Algeria, Lille)
Moussa Niakhate (Senegal, Lyon)
Mamadou Sangare (Mali, Lens)
