The Confederation of African Football (CAF) tweeted that Egypt's Salah, Mane of Senegal as well Manchester City's Algerian forward Riyad Mahrez were on the shortlist for the award.
Salah was crowned the continent's top player in 2017 and 2018 while Mahrez took it in 2016.
Salah and Mane helped Liverpool to the Champions League, European Super Cup and Club World Cup this year.
Mahrez, meanwhile, was part of the City team who successfully defended the Premier League title.
He was also a key part of the Algerian squad which triumphed in the African Cup of Nations.
The winner of the African Player of the Year award will be announced in Egypt on January 7.