Forge FC's Kyle Edward Bekker (10) reacts following a goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps during first half Canadian Championship semifinal soccer action in Hamilton, on Thursday, August 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

By The Canadian Press

Atletico Ottawa, Forge FC make up seven of 10 nominees for CPL Players’ Player Award

Oct 30, 2025 | 10:30 AM

TORONTO — Four Atletico Ottawa players and three from Forge FC are among the 10 finalists for the Canadian Premier League’s Players’ Player of the Year award.

The award is the only one decided by the players, as opposed to others voted on by the technical leadership of the eight CPL clubs and select media. The winner will be announced Nov. 7 in Ottawa as part of the championship game festivities.

The Ottawa nominees are Manuel Aparicio, David Rodríguez, Sam Salter and Ballou Tabla. Forge is represented by Nana Ampomah, Kyle Bekker and Daniel Nimick, who is also a finalist for CPL Defender of the Year.

The other finalists are Julian Altobelli of York United, Tiago Coimbra of the Halifax Wanderers and Cavalry FC’s Ali Musse.

Musse won the award in 2023 with Bekker the runner-up. Both were also nominated last year. Tabla was runner-up to Ottawa’s Ollie Bassett in 2022.

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Each CPL player is asked to provide a three-man shortlist, and the subsequent voting is used to determine the 10 finalists, as well as the ultimate winner.

Players are not able to vote for themselves or a teammate.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 30, 2025

The Canadian Press