Egyptian duo of Mohamed 'Geddo' Nagy and Ahmed Hassan were also named. The three Ghanaians were instrumental for the Black Stars who were the only African country to reach the quarter finals of June's World Cup in South Africa. Gyan and Ayew played in the young Ghana side that reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in January.
Eto'o, who has already won the award three times from 2003-2005, helped Inter Milan to win the Uefa Champions League in May. Drogba, who took the award in 2006 and 2009, was pivotal for the Chelsea side that won the English Premier League title in May.
The two Egyptian players were shortlisted for their contribution to the Pharaohs side that won the Africa Cup of Nations title for the sixth time. Nagy and Hassan were also given the nod in the Best African player on the continent category.
TP Mazembe striker Dioko Kaluyituka was also nominated in this category for his contribution to the DR Congo side that are on the verge of retaining their Champions League title.
2010 Caf Awards shortlist:
Caf Player of the Year
Andre Ayew (Marseille/France, GHA), Kevin-Prince Boateng (AC Milan/Italy, GHA), Madjid Bougherra (Rangers/Scotland, ALG), Didier Drogba (Chelsea/England, IVC), Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan/Italy, CMR), Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland/England, GHA), Ahmed Hassan (Al-Ahly/EGY), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea/England, IVC), Seydou Keita (Barcelona/Spain, MLI), Mohamed 'Geddo' Nagy (Al-Ahly/EGY)
Caf African Player of the Year
Oussama Darragi (Esperance/TUN), Michael Eneramo (Esperance/Tunisia, NGR), Ahmed Hassan (Al-Ahly/EGY), Dioko Kaluyituka (TP Mazembe/DRC), Mohamed 'Geddo' Nagy (Al-Ahly/EGY)
