Mustafa Sangare's Countryman Honored with Special Award in France

Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare has been awarded the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize for the best African player in France's Ligue 1 for the season, according to "Le Parisien" newspaper. The Mali international, who plays alongside Levski striker and namesake Mustafa Sangare for his national team, edged out two Senegalese players: Lamine Camara of Monaco and Moussa Niakate of Lyon.

Mamadou Sangare had a stellar season with Lens, helping them secure second place in the league and a spot in the Champions League. The Bamako-born player registered three goals and four assists, but his immense contribution lay in breaking down opposition attacks and initiating his team's offensive plays. 

The 23-year-old Sangare joined Lens last summer from Rapid Vienna, having previously played for Red Bull Salzburg. "He is a generous player, not only in terms of the effort he puts in but also towards football in general. He always lives up to the fans' expectations – scoring beautiful goals and showing solidarity with the team," commented Lens coach Pierre Sage. 

Mamadou Sangare succeeds PSG defender Achraf Hakimi, who was not among the 11 players selected for the award after being accused of rape by a 24-year-old woman in February. Sangare becomes the third Lens player to win the trophy, following Gaël Kakuta and Seko Fofana.