Football. Le Lensois Mamadou Sangaré elected best African player in Ligue 1

Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangaré has won the Marc-Vivien Foé Award. Launched in 2009, the trophy rewards the best African player in Ligue 1 during the past season. He is the first Malian to have his name inscribed on the honours list, succeeding PSG’s Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi. Sangaré beat out Senegalese players Lamine Camara (Monaco) and Moussa Niakhaté (Lyon) in the voting process.

Arriving last summer in Pas-de-Calais from Rapid Vienna, Mamadou Sangaré played a key role in Lens’ successful season as runners-up to PSG in Ligue 1. With 3 goals and 4 assists, along with his impactful performances, the Malian quickly impressed. Lens paid €8 million for him, and his market value is now estimated at €30 million according to Transfermarkt. With a guaranteed spot in the Champions League next season, RC Lens will also compete for the Coupe de France on May 22 against OGC Nice.

The 23-year-old player was chosen by a panel of 100 football specialists from Africa and France (journalists, former players, consultants) from a list of 11 pre-selected players by RFI and France 24’s sports departments. However, Sangaré was not nominated in any category for the UNFP Awards (the ceremony will follow later on Monday), unlike his teammates Florian Thauvin (best player), Robin Risser (best goalkeeper), and coach Pierre Sage (best coach).