AFCON 2025: 10 of the most exciting stars to watch in Morocco
From Mohamed Salah's return to glory to Achraf Hakimi shouldering national responsibility, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations brings together some of the world's top football talents.
A stage for Africa's top stars.
The 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), taking place in Morocco, is not just a competition between national teams, but also a top stage for leading stars. The tournament promises outstanding individual performances, from seasoned veterans to rising young talents. Below are 10 names expected to shine at the biggest tournament on the African continent.
1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
At 33 years old, Mohamed Salah enters AFCON 2025 with a dual mission: to lead Egypt to victory and reaffirm his own class. Despite a disappointing start to the season at Liverpool with only 5 goals in 20 games, Salah remains the number one hope for "The Pharaohs." He has already proven his importance with 9 goals in the World Cup qualifiers. This is Salah's chance to win the major title he is still missing from his career and solidify his status as "King of Egypt."
2. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
As the African Player of the Year and the star of the home team, Achraf Hakimi carries the pressure of ending Morocco's 50-year trophy wait. The 27-year-old defender just had a hugely successful season with PSG, culminating in the Champions League victory. Despite concerns about his fitness, Hakimi remains an indispensable element in both the defense and attack of the "Atlas Lions".
3. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Following the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Victor Osimhen arrives at AFCON eager to redeem himself. The Galatasaray striker is in impressive form with 12 goals in 16 matches. Despite being the second-highest goalscorer in Nigerian history, Osimhen has yet to make a significant impact in major tournaments. AFCON 2025 is his chance to prove himself and lead the "Super Eagles" to great heights.
4. Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
Bryan Mbeumo was a rare bright spot in a turbulent season for Manchester United, scoring 7 goals. At this AFCON, the 26-year-old striker's role has become even more crucial after the new manager surprisingly dropped veteran Vincent Aboubakar. Mbeumo will shoulder both the responsibility of scoring goals and the captain's armband, opening a new chapter in his international career.
5. Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast)
Wilfried Zaha's return after a two-year absence was one of the biggest surprises leading up to the tournament. His brilliant form for Charlotte in MLS (10 goals, 6 assists) convinced the Ivory Coast coaching staff. The experience and skill of the 33-year-old star will be a quality addition to the team's quest to defend their title.
6. Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Despite moving to the Saudi Pro League, Sadio Mane's influence on the Senegal national team remains undiminished. He continues to be the driving force behind the "Teranga Lions," scoring 5 goals in the World Cup qualifiers. At 33 years old, Mane is eager to replicate his Player of the Tournament award-winning performance from 2021 to bring Senegal their second continental title.
7. Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)
Besides Sadio Mane, Senegal also possesses another formidable attacking weapon in Iliman Ndiaye. The 25-year-old Everton midfielder is in excellent form in the Premier League. Ndiaye's dribbling and finishing abilities are expected to bring a breakthrough to Senegal's attack in his third appearance at the tournament.
8. Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)
Carlos Baleba is one of the most promising young talents in the tournament. Despite lacking experience in major competitions, the 21-year-old midfielder's impressive performances for Brighton and in the qualifying rounds have attracted the attention of several big clubs. Baleba's strength and ability to control the midfield promise to make him a major discovery at AFCON 2025.
9. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
At 36 years old, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may be participating in his final AFCON tournament. Gabon's all-time leading scorer (39 goals) remains the biggest hope for a team that has never advanced beyond the quarter-finals. This is his last chance to leave his legacy on the continental stage.
10. Mohamed Amoura (Algeria)
Mohamed Amoura was the top scorer in the African World Cup qualifiers with 10 goals. He maintained that impressive form at Wolfsburg (6 goals, 2 assists). After two unsuccessful AFCON tournaments, Algeria placed their full faith in the talent of the 25-year-old striker to reclaim the glory of 2019.
