Mahrez Stakes Claim for African Ballon d’Or After Man City’s Historic Treble

Author of the "historic treble with City", winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and with a total of 20 goals and 15 assists in the year, including the national team, Riyad Mahrez feels legitimate to win the 2023 African Ballon d’Or. "In the game, I was a major player in the PL, FA Cup, a little less in the Champions League, but over the last few years, I’ve always been important in this competition. There is a form of logic that I be rewarded with this European title," he said in an interview with the French newspaper L’Équipe.

The Algerian international seizes the opportunity to attack the Moroccan goalkeeper of Al-Hilal Yassine Bounou alias "Bono", one of the architects of the historic and exceptional journey of the Atlas Lions at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. "I’ve heard they’re also trying to push for the Moroccan goalkeeper, Bounou, it’s true he won the Europa League, but that’s not worth a historic treble with City. So we’ll see..." This is likely to raise heated controversies. Some Internet users have expressed their support for Bono, while others have aligned themselves behind the Moroccan international.

In addition to Riyad Mahrez and Yassine Bounou, Nigerian Victor Osimhen is among the 30 players nominated for the 2023 African Ballon d’Or. First African top scorer in Serie A, he is also a favorite to win the trophy. Who will succeed Senegalese international Sadio Mané? Appointment at the CAF Awards ceremony scheduled for December 11 in Marrakech.