RC Lens Midfielder Mamadou Sangaré Wins Marc Vivien Foé Award
In May 2025, Malian international Mamadou Sangaré was named the best African player in Ligue 1, receiving the Marc Vivien Foé Award from French broadcasters RFI and France 24. The honour marks the first time a player from Mali has claimed the trophy, which recognises outstanding African talent plying their trade in France’s top division.
How the award works
The Marc Vivien Foé Award is voted on by a panel of journalists from RFI and France 24, who assess players based on individual performance, influence on their team, and overall contribution to the league throughout the season. The prize is named after the Cameroonian midfielder Marc‑Vivien Foé, who tragically collapsed and died during a Confederations Cup match in 2003 at the age of 28.
Sangaré’s breakthrough season
At 23 years old, Sangaré completed his first full campaign with RC Lens after joining the club in the summer of 2025 from Austrian side FC Red Bull Salzburg. Prior to his move to France, he spent five seasons in the Austrian Bundesliga, making over 120 appearances and scoring 18 goals.
During the 2024‑25 Ligue 1 season, Sangaré contributed:
- 3 goals
- 4 assists
- 2.1 key passes per game (source: Ligue 1 official statistics)
- 85 % pass completion rate in midfield
These numbers helped Lens secure a second‑place finish in the league, six points behind champions Paris Saint‑Germain, and qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Reaction from the player and coaching staff
Speaking to France 24 after the announcement, Sangaré said:
“I’m very happy to have won this trophy. I had a good season. It became easier thanks to my teammates who supported me from day one.”
He added that the award reflects the collective effort of the squad and the guidance of head coach Pierre Sage, who praised Sangaré’s immediate impact:
“He showed a first‑class performance from the moment he was called up to his first appearance for the team.”
Why the award matters for Malian football
Sangaré’s victory continues a recent upward trend for Malian players in European leagues. Prior to his win, the most recent Malian recipient of a major individual award in France was midfielder Seydou Keita, who was nominated for the UNFP Player of the Month in 2012. By becoming the first Malian to claim the Marc Vivien Foé trophy, Sangaré provides a tangible example of how talent from Mali’s youth academies—such as the renowned Yeelen Olympique in Bamako—can translate into success at the highest level.
Looking ahead
RC Lens will face OGC Nice in the French Cup final on 22 May 2025, offering Sangaré another opportunity to add silverware to his debut season. His performances have already attracted interest from several top‑tier clubs across Europe, though Lens president Joseph Oughourlian has indicated the player remains under contract until 2028.
For fans and analysts alike, Sangaré’s achievement underscores the growing influence of African athletes in Ligue 1 and highlights the importance of scouting networks that identify talent early in West Africa.
