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.
Klomp played a pivotal role in Cavalry’s CPL Shield-winning campaign, showcasing his defensive presence and ability to contribute in attack. Klomp ranked among the league’s top defensive performers with 97 clearances, 48 aerial duels won and 19 blocks. He committed no errors leading to a shot across 2,414 minutes played, underscoring his reliability throughout the regular season. He led all CPL players, regardless of position, with 243 progressive carries and scored six goals.
Musse has established himself as one of the league’s top players, recording 12 goal contributions for the Cavs during the 2026 CPL Regular Season. He finished the campaign with a goal contribution in six consecutive matches, playing a key role in the club’s Shield-winning season. He also made history by scoring the first-ever hat-trick in Cavalry FC history during the club’s 6-0 victory over FC Supra. This marks his fourth consecutive nomination for Players’ Player of the Year, he previously won in 2023.
Warschewski set a record-breaking season in 2026, with 21 goal contributions, setting the all-time CPL record for most assists in a single season with 10. He was also the first player in league history to reach double digits in both goals and assists in a single season, having scored 11 goals.
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.
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.