A breakthrough moment for Malian football as RC Lens star Mamadou Sangaré is crowned the best African player in France’s Ligue 1, marking a historic first in the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Prize.

RC Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangaré has been named the top African player in France’s Ligue 1, becoming the first-ever Malian to win the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Prize, jointly awarded by RFI and France 24.

The 23-year-old secured the honour in his debut season in French football, edging out strong contenders including AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Olympique Lyon’s Moussa Niakhaté.

Sangaré succeeds Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, who won the award last year, further highlighting the dominance of African talent in Ligue 1.

Named after late Cameroon international Marc-Vivien Foé, the award honours the memory of the midfielder who tragically collapsed and died on the pitch in 2003 at the age of 28.

With three goals and four assists this season, Sangaré has been instrumental in RC Lens’ impressive campaign. The club currently sits second in the Ligue 1 standings behind Paris Saint-Germain, six points off the top, and has already secured Champions League qualification.

RC Lens now shifts focus to the French Cup final against OGC Nice on May 22, aiming to cap off a remarkable season with silverware.

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