Ghana and Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has been named in the five-man shortlist for the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2018.

Ghana's Thomas Partey is another first-time nominee after the Atletico Madrid midfielder cemented his place as an important figure for both club and country this year.

The 25-year-old helped Diego Simeone's side to a second-place finish in La Liga last season and they won the Europa League.

Although he has sometimes been overlooked by Simeone this term, Partey continues to be a leading light for his nation.

He captained Ghana in friendlies against Japan and Iceland in the summer and has become the driving attacking force in the team.

Other nominees are Medhi Benatia, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah.