Chancel Mbemba has emerged as the winner of the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Prize for 2023, leaving Nigerian striker Terem Moffi to miss out on the accolade, Soccernet.ng reports.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 30, during a broadcast on Radio France International (RFI) and France 24 television.
Mbemba, the Congolese international and central defender for Olympique de Marseille, claimed the individual honor ahead of Moffi, who represented OGC Nice, and Seko Fofana, the Ivorian midfielder from Racing Club de Lens.
This achievement makes Mbemba the second Congolese player to clinch the award, following in the footsteps of Gaël Kakuta, who secured the title in 2021.
Having joined Marseille from FC Porto last summer, Mbemba featured in 35 games in the French Ligue 1, netting five goals along the way. This remarkable contribution played a significant role in securing his well-deserved victory for the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize.
The Marc-Vivien Foé Prize, named in honour of the late Cameroonian international, recognizes the outstanding African footballer playing in France’s top-flight league.
Moffi, who had an impressive season with 17 Ligue 1 goals and three assists for Lorient and OGC Nice, was a strong contender for the award.
The 24-year-old hoped to become the third Nigerian to claim the prestigious title after former goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and ex-Lille lad Victor Osimhen.
However, it was Mbemba’s exceptional performances that ultimately secured his place as this year’s deserving recipient.
Moffi scored 105 points to come third behind second-placed Fofana, who was 11 points short of eventual winner Mbemba (207 points). The former Porto ace becomes the first defender to win the prestigious award.
