Sports
Caleb Yirenkyi earns CAF Young Player of the Year nomination after impressive World Cup campaign
Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi has been nominated for the Men’s Young Player of the Year award at the 2026 CAF Awards following an impressive year for club and country.
The 20-year-old is among 10 players shortlisted for the individual prize, which recognises the best young talent in African football.
Yirenkyi was one of Ghana’s standout performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he made a strong impression on the global stage. He scored the winning goal against Panama to help the Black Stars secure an important victory in the group stage.
His performances during the tournament further raised his profile and contributed to his move to English football, with Premier League side Coventry City securing his services.
The nomination is another recognition of the midfielder’s rapid progress, having established himself as one of Ghana’s brightest young prospects. His ability to operate in midfield, contribute defensively and make an impact in the attacking third has made him an important player for club and country.
However, Yirenkyi faces strong competition for the award. The shortlist includes several highly rated young players from across the continent, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza, Barcelona youngster Hamza Abdelkarim, Christian Kofane and Yan Diomande.
Other nominees are Christ Inao, Ismaël Kamissoko, Abdellah Ouazane, Ayoub Bouaddi and Ibrahima Mbaye.
Yirenkyi will hope his World Cup performances and progress at club level are enough to earn him the continental award when the winner is announced at the 2026 CAF Awards on December 7, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
