News Release
Lone CPL Award determined exclusively by player voting; Winner to be announced at 2026 CPL Awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 19
Toronto, Ont. – (Nov. 5, 2026) – The Canadian Premier League (CPL) announced on Thursday the 10-player shortlist for the 2026 Players’ Player of the Year award, the only CPL honour voted on exclusively by players in the league.
The Players’ Player of the Year award recognizes standout performances throughout the 2026 CPL Regular Season, with players across the league selecting those they believe are most deserving of recognition. Each CPL player is invited to submit a three-man shortlist, with the collective votes determining both the 10 finalists and the eventual award winner.
Players are not able to vote for themselves or include a teammate on their ballot. The winner will be announced on Thursday, Nov. 19 during the 2026 CPL Awards ceremony, held as part of the festivities surrounding the 2026 CPL Final.
Ten players representing five CPL clubs were named to the 2026 Players’ Player of the Year shortlist:
Antoine Batisse, Forge FC
Dimitry Bertaud, Forge FC
Lorenzo Callegari, Halifax Wanderers FC
Isaiah Johnston, Halifax Wanderers FC
Daan Klomp, Cavalry FC
Loïc Kwemi, FC Supra du Québec
Ali Musse, Cavalry FC
Sean Rea, FC Supra du Québec
Ballou Tabla, Atlético Ottawa
Tobias Warschewski, Cavalry FC
Voting for the Players’ Player of the Year award is based on performances during the 2026 CPL Regular Season, not including the TELUS Canadian Championship, Concacaf Champions Cup or 2026 CPL Playoffs.
The winner of the Players’ Player of the Year award will receive a unique piece of Inuit soapstone art, conceived and carved by artist Ruben Komangapik. The Muskox statue was chosen to honour the Players’ Player of the Year award winner because the animal earns the respect of his herd through his leadership and organization, and gains recognition from his peers for his commanding presence in the heat of battle.
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