Malian Midfielder Mamadou Sangaré Wins 2026 Marc-Vivien Foé Prize
Lens and Mali midfielder Sangaré wins Marc-Vivien Foé prize for African players
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Malian midfielder Mamadou Sangaré of Lens has won the 2026 Prix Marc-Vivien Foé, recognizing him as Ligue 1's top African player. At 23, he is the first Malian to receive this honor since the award's inception in 2009, succeeding Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain.
- 01Mamadou Sangaré is the first Malian to win the Marc-Vivien Foé prize since 2009.
- 02He plays for Lens in Ligue 1 and has made a significant impact since joining.
- 03Sangaré's journey includes stints in Austria and Belgium before moving to Lens.
- 04He has been a key player for Mali's national team, contributing to their success in the Africa Cup of Nations.
- 05Lens is competing for the Ligue 1 title and has a chance at winning the Coupe de France.
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Malian midfielder Mamadou Sangaré, playing for Lens in Ligue 1, has been awarded the 2026 Prix Marc-Vivien Foé, recognizing him as the league's outstanding African player. At just 23 years old, he becomes the first Malian to win this prestigious award since its establishment in 2009. Sangaré has made a remarkable impact since joining Lens, showcasing his talent and becoming a key player for the team. His football journey began in Bamako, Mali, where he developed at Yeelen Olympique before moving to RB Salzburg in 2020. After several loan spells, he was signed by Lens for €8 million. Internationally, Sangaré has also made his mark, debuting for Mali's senior squad in September 2024 and helping the team reach the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. As Lens pursues their first Ligue 1 title since 1998, they are also set to compete in the Coupe de France final against Nice on May 22 at the Stade de France.
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Sangaré's recognition boosts the profile of Lens and highlights the talent emerging from Mali, inspiring young players in the region.
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