The trio have had an outstanding calendar year for club and country, and have now been rewarded for their efforts.
Salah and Mane helped Liverpool to three continental trophies in the year under review.
The pair were instrumental as the Reds won their sixth European crown in June before adding the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup later.
They also shared the Premier League golden boot award last season with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after scoring 22 goals apiece.
Mane helped Senegal make the Africa Cup of Nations final in the summer, missing out to Algeria, and finish fourth in the Ballon d’or final list.
Mahrez, who won the 2016 African player of the year after helping Leicester City win the Premier League trophy, captained Algeria to Nations Cup glory for the first time in almost four decades in July.
Mahrez was also instrumental as Manchester City won the Premier League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup this year.
The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in Egypt on January 7 with votes coming from coaches and captains of all 54 African national teams.
Salah has won the award for the last two years with Mane finishing as runner up each time.