Yaya Touré
In spite of his age, the Manchester City midfielder is the favorite to win the trophy yet again. Touré has won the last five awards.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The Gabon and Borussia Dortmund player is one of the fastest footballers on the planet and has started the season in spectacular fashion, having already scored 14 goals and given 3 assists.
André Ayew
The Ghanaian winger is one of Africa's most well-known players. After spending almost 8 years in France, he made the switch to the Premier League this season with Swansea and is has netted five goals in 13 games.
Sadio Mané
The Southampton forward was born in Sédhiou, Senegal, and was one of the biggest revelations during last season's Premier League. Before joining Southampton, he played for Austria's Red Bull Salzburg and Metz, but he has gone from strength to strength since moving across to England.
Aymen Abdennour
A lot of teams chased for the signature of this Tunisian defender after his sensational season last year in France. Valencia managed to snap him up from Monaco however he is yet to play a match for the Spanish club. Could he be the best African defender at the moment?
Mudather Eltaib Ibrahim El Tahir
The Sudanese striker is the only nominee that has not played in one of Europe's top leagues. He has however, been one of Sudan's top strikers and has helped Al-Hilal win the Sudan Premier League four times since joining the club in 2008.
Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian player enjoyed a successful season during his loan spell at Fiorentina and Roma decided to buy him from Chelsea. He has become one of the stand-out players in Serie A.
Serge Aurier
The defender from Ivory Coast signed a deal with PSG last season to join the Parc des Princes team. After an initial season in which he didn't play much, he is now enjoying more regular football with the club.
Sofiane Feghouli
Another player on the list from Valencia. He is one of the finest attacking midfielders in La Liga and many teams are interested in signing him next summer, when his contract at Mestalla expires.
Yacine Brahimi
After an impressive season in La Liga with Granada, Brahimi was transferred to FC Porto. After enjoying a great first season with the club, he hopes to emulate his great form and win trophies with the club.