Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz has been left off the list of nominees to be named African Player of the Year.
As much will no doubt mark a major surprise to large sections of the Real fanbase, many of whom had been pushing the 24-year-old as a candidate to scoop the award outright.
Brahim, though, is far from the only high-profile omission…
Joining the Blancos man in being left off the shortlist are the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Mohammed Kudus, and Victor Boniface.
Most head-turning of all, though, is the absence of Liverpool standout Mohamed Salah, a previous two-time winner of the prize.
The final list of nominees to be named Africa’s best for 2024 is showcased below, consisting of:
Amine Gouiri, Edmond Tapsoba, Simon Adingra, Chancel Mbemba, Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, Soufiane Rahimi, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, and Ronwen Williams.
The winner of the award will be announced on December 16th, as part of a high-profile ceremony in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Conor Laird – GSFN