The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) will be the 35th edition of the continental tournament, which is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Hosted by Morocco, the tournament will be played from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, bringing together world-class African players in what is expected to be a tightly contested battle for the top prize.
More African players have emerged as top priorities of top clubs globally, mainly in Europe and Asia, and AFCON 2025 will be the best platform for these players to deliver for their respective nations.
This article analyses ten of the top players to watch out for in AFCON 2025
AFCON 2025 Players to Watch
1. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Galatasaray)
Victor James Osimhen is clearly the most in-form African player as AFCON 2025 approaches and is the centrepiece of Nigeria’s hope of winning the tournament.
His game blends explosive pace, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing, making him a nightmare for defenders in open play and set pieces.
At 26, the Galatasaray striker has evolved into one of the most feared forwards in the world and justified his €75 million (Ksh11.2B) transfer from Napoli in July with 15 goals in 18 appearances so far this season, including six in the Champions League.
Osimhen’s international record is equally impressive, with 29 goals in 44 caps and a proven track record as a consistent player.
Supported by fellow countrymen like Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria’s hopes of winning rest comprehensively on Osimhen.
2. Sadio Mané
Sadio Mané remains the heartbeat of Senegal’s national team at AFCON 2025.
At 33, the former Liverpool star has scored 49 goals in 119 caps for Senegal, making him the country’s all-time top scorer.
Despite moving to Saudi Arabia, Mané has maintained his levels as a lethal forward, as seen in his dramatic stoppage-time free-kick that sealed Senegal’s qualification for AFCON 2025 and 5 goals in World Cup qualifiers.
Known for explosive pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing, Senegal will look up to Mané to deliver their second AFCON title after leading them to their first in 2021.
3. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG)
Achraf Hakimi is one of the world’s best full-backs currently and heads into AFCON 2025 with a cloud of uncertainty.
This season, the Atlas Lions’ captain has featured in 13 matches for PSG, scoring three goals and providing two assists, while maintaining a 90% pass completion rate and contributing to six clean sheets in Ligue 1 and Champions League.
Internationally, Hakimi has 88 caps and 11 goals, captaining Morocco through their golden era, including the historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run.
However, Morocco’s AFCON hopes were dealt a blow when Hakimi suffered a severe ankle sprain during PSG’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on November 4.
Initial fears of a fracture were ruled out, but medical reports confirmed ligament damage, with recovery estimated at six to eight weeks.
The tournament kicks off on December 21, leaving Hakimi in a race against time to be fit for the opener against Comoros.
4. Mohamed Salah
At 33, Mohamed Salah remains the face of Egyptian football and one of Africa’s most decorated players.
Internationally, Salah has 117 caps and 61 goals, making him Egypt’s all-time top scorer.
Salah’s ability to cut inside from the right flank, combined with his precision finishing and tireless work rate, makes him a key component of Egypt’s squad as they aim to win their first continental crown since 2010.
The two-time African Footballer of the Year and Champions League winner carries the hopes of millions of Egyptians who seek redemption after disappointments in previous AFCON finals.
5. Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman enters AFCON 2025 as Nigeria’s best attacking option after a remarkable year in Serie A.
At 28, Lookman blends pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing, which saw him deliver 21 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances during the 2024/25 season, earning him the CAF African Player of the Year award.
At AFCON 2025, he will be tasked with complementing Victor Osimhen’s firepower, forming one of the tournament’s most feared partnerships while looking to bring the trophy home with the Super Eagles.
6. Franck Kessié
Franck Kessié is the leading man in Côte d’Ivoire’s midfield as they prepare to defend their AFCON crown.
At 28, the Al Ahli star combines physical strength with tactical intelligence, making him one of Africa’s most complete midfielders.
His composure under pressure and penalty-taking prowess have delivered crucial moments for the Elephants, and his stamina and defensive discipline will provide a balance to a squad overflowing with attacking options like Amad Diallo and Karim Konaté.
Internationally, Kessié boasts 92 caps and 14 goals, often deployed as a deep-lying playmaker or box-to-box midfielder.
At AFCON 2025, he will anchor Ivory Coast’s midfield, ensuring stability while enabling creative freedom for the likes of Amad Diallo and Karim Konaté.
7. Serhou Guirassy
Serhou Guirassy arrives at AFCON 2025 as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe, scoring 12 goals and three assists in 22 appearances so far.
Part of the 2024/25 Bundesliga Team of the Season, Guirassy has continued his brilliant run and currently contributes defensively, pressing high and creating turnovers that lead to quick transitions.
At AFCON 2025, he will spearhead Guinea’s attack, aiming to transform individual brilliance into collective success.
8. Yassine Bounou
Yassine Bounou, Morocco’s veteran goalkeeper, enters AFCON 2025 as the undisputed No. 1 for the Atlas Lions.
At 34, the Al Hilal shot-stopper combines experience, composure, and world-class reflexes.
Internationally, Bounou has 78 caps and was instrumental in Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run, where his penalty saves against Spain became iconic.
Excellent in one-on-one situations, Bounou will be Morocco’s last line of defence and hope of delivering a long-awaited continental title.
9. Bryan Mbeumo
Premier League Player of the Month for October and Manchester United winger Bryan Mbeumo heads into AFCON 2025 as one of Cameroon’s most exciting attacking talents.
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Internationally, Mbeumo has seven goals in 26 caps for Cameroon, often deployed as a wide forward or inverted winger to maximize his dribbling and shooting angles.
Known for his relentless pressing and ability to exploit spaces behind defenders, Mbeumo is expected to play a pivotal role in Cameroon’s quest for a sixth continental title.
At AFCON 2025, he will aim to translate his Premier League form into decisive performances for the Indomitable Lions and silence doubts on whether he is one of Africa’s next big stars.
10. Amad Diallo
At 23, Amad Diallo enters AFCON 2025 as one of the Ivory Coast’s most creative and technically brilliant wingers.
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Internationally, Diallo has 15 caps and 3 goals, with the Manchester United player being used as a wide forward for The Elephants thanks to his quick feet, close control, and vision, which make him a constant threat in tight spaces.
With Franck Kessié anchoring midfield and Karim Konaté leading the line, Diallo’s creativity could be the difference in unlocking stubborn defences.
At AFCON 2025, Diallo will aim to step out of the shadows and become a decisive figure for the Ivory Coast.
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Brother what is this? Serhou Guirassy isn’t even playing in AFCON this year, Guinea didn’t qualify