RC Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangaré has been named the best African player in France’s Ligue 1 for the 2024‑25 season, becoming the first Malian to receive the Marc‑Vivien Foé prize. The award, presented jointly by French broadcasters RFI and France 24, recognises the most outstanding African talent in the French top flight.
The 23‑year‑old secured the accolade in his debut campaign in France, edging out Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and Lyon centre‑back Moussa Niakhaté, both of Senegal. Sangaré succeeds Paris Saint‑Germain defender Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, who was honoured with the prize in 2023‑24.
The trophy is named after the late Cameroonian midfielder Marc‑Vivien Foé, who collapsed on a French pitch in 2003 and died at the age of 28. It serves as a tribute to his legacy and highlights the growing impact of African players in European football.
Speaking to France 24 after the ceremony, Sangaré expressed gratitude for the recognition. “I’m delighted to have won this trophy. I’ve had a good season, and it was made easier thanks to my teammates, who supported me from day one,” he said. He added, “I’m incredibly proud to receive this award after all the hard work I’ve put in this season.”
Born in Bamako, Sangaré rose through the youth system of Yeelen Olympique before moving to FC Red Bull Salzburg in 2020. After several seasons in Austria, he joined RC Lens in the summer of 2025. The Malian quickly established himself as a key creative force for the northern French side, registering three goals and four assists as Lens finished second in the Ligue 1 table, six points behind champions Paris Saint‑Germain, and secured a place in next season’s Champions League.
Lens coach Pierre Sage praised the midfielder’s immediate impact: “He delivered top‑class performances from the moment he was first called up and the first time he played for the team.” Sangaré’s contributions have been instrumental in Lens’ strong domestic run, which now culminates in a French Cup final against Nice scheduled for 22 May.
The Marc‑Vivien Foé prize highlights the increasing prominence of African talent in Europe’s elite leagues. Sangaré’s achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also underscores Mali’s growing reputation as a producer of high‑level footballers. His success is likely to inspire a new generation of African players aiming to excel on the continent’s biggest stages.
