This year’s Marc Vivien-Foé Prize for the best African Ligue 1 player of the season was awarded to Olympique de Marseille’s Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba. Presented by FRANCE 24 and Radio France Internationale, the award is a particularly big accolade for Mbemba as this is the first time it has been given to a defender.
The 28-year-old Mbemba has become a crucial defensive linchpin at Marseille after spells at Anderlecht, Newcastle and Porto – even scoring seven goals in 43 appearances after coming into his own at the southern French club.
