Barbra Banda will aim to be the first female Zambian to win the prestigious individual award. But she faces stiff competition from holder and five-time winner Asisat Oshioala.
South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana is also in the race, following her impressive showing at the Women’s World Cup.
Osisat, however, appears to be the favourite to win the award. This is due to the fact, unlike others, that she won the UEFA Champions League with her club.
While in the men’s category, Sadio Mane will not be able to defend his crown, having not made the top three shortlist.
Mohammed Salah is aiming for his third after another outstanding individual performance for Liverpool and Egypt. After scoring 19 goals in the English Premier League last season, he finished fourth in the Golden Boot race.
Salah has maintained that pace this season, with 11 goals and four assists to go along with his five goals for the Egypt National Team.
Meanwhile, Napoli and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen had a memorable 2022-2023 season in the Italian Serie A, scoring 26 goals and assisting four times to help Napoli win their first Scudetto since 1989-1990.
The Nigerian international has continued to perform above average in Serie A this season, contributing seven goals and one assist so far.
Osimhen is the favourite to win the award. It will be his first, having finished as the top scorer in the Ivory Coast 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers with ten goals.
Meanwhile, Morocco and PSG wingback Achraf Hakimi excelled at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He helped Morocco finish fourth and become the first African nation in history to do so in world cup history.
The defender has 13 goal involvement in 2023 (6 goals, 7 assists). He also helped PSG defend the French Ligue 1.
