The Chelsea goalkeeper was included among the nominees for the honour by African football’s governing body the CAF. Mendy is the only goalkeeper named on the shortlist and could become the first keeper ever to receive the award since it began in 1992.

The 30-year-old has already received the FIFA Best Goalkeeper award this year and enjoyed another fine season for club and country in 2021/22. As well as lifting the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea, making 49 appearances and keeping 23 clean sheets in all competitions for the Blues, Mendy also starred in Senegal’s victory at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mendy is one of 10 players on the shortlist, alongside Vincent Aboubacar (Al Nassr), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Sebastien Haller (Ajax), Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah (both Liverpool), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich) and Karl Toko Ekambi (Lyon).

The Chelsea goalkeeper is hoping to become the second player to receive the award while a Chelsea player, following Didier Drogba’s two victories in 2006 and 2009. Michael Essien was also named in the top three on five occasions during his time with Chelsea and John Mikel Obi came second in 2013.

The winner will be announced at the CAF awards ceremony in Morocco on Thursday 21 July following a vote by CAF officials, journalists and the coaches and captains of African international and elite club teams.