The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off on Sunday in Morocco, promising four weeks of high-stakes football as the continent’s best talents compete for glory. Hosts Morocco open the tournament against Comoros in Group A at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, setting the stage for a competition rich in star power and emerging names.
From established icons chasing elusive titles to young breakout prospects, this edition features players capable of defining matches and shaping destinies. With reigning champions Ivory Coast defending their crown and favorites like Senegal, Egypt and Nigeria in contention, here are 10 players expected to shine.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Achraf Hakimi, freshly crowned African Footballer of the Year, embodies Morocco’s ambitions as they host the tournament for the first time since 1988. The 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain right-back, widely regarded as one of the world’s elite in his position, played a pivotal role in the club’s treble success last season, including their maiden Champions League title.
As captain of the Atlas Lions, Hakimi shoulders immense expectations in a football-obsessed nation eager for a second AFCON crown — 50 years after their only triumph. His blend of defensive solidity and attacking thrust will be crucial. Recent ankle injury concerns have eased, with coach Walid Regragui expressing optimism after seeing Hakimi train fully and appear in good spirits.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Mohamed Salah remains Africa’s most recognisable footballing figure, arriving in Morocco determined to guide Egypt to an unprecedented eighth title. The 33-year-old Liverpool forward has endured a challenging club season, managing only five goals in 20 appearances under new manager Arne Slot, but his international influence is unquestioned.
A two-time African Footballer of the Year, Salah delivered nine goals in World Cup qualifying to help secure Egypt’s place in the expanded 2026 finals. Nicknamed the “Egyptian King”, he seeks redemption after past near-misses, including final defeats. His leadership and clinical finishing could prove decisive.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Victor Osimhen heads to Morocco still stung by Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, making AFCON his path to redemption. The Galatasaray striker, instantly recognisable in his protective mask, has been in fine form with 12 goals in 16 games this season, including six in the Champions League.
Second only to Rashidi Yekini on Nigeria’s all-time scoring charts, Osimhen has yet to fully replicate his club dominance at major tournaments — scoring just once in the 2023 edition when the Super Eagles reached the final. This tournament offers the 26-year-old a chance to silence doubts and lead Nigeria to a fourth title.
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a key figure for Cameroon as they embark on a new era after missing World Cup qualification. The 26-year-old Manchester United forward has rediscovered his scoring boots, netting seven times this season despite the club’s turbulent campaign.
Absent from the last AFCON through injury, Mbeumo now carries added responsibility: leading the attack and captaining the Indomitable Lions after veteran Vincent Aboubakar’s surprise omission. His pace and finishing could spark Cameroon’s bid for a sixth crown.
Mohamed Amoura (Algeria)
Mohamed Amoura established himself as a lethal finisher during World Cup qualifying, topping Africa’s scoring charts with 10 goals — surpassing even Salah. The 25-year-old Wolfsburg striker has maintained that sharpness in the Bundesliga, contributing six goals and two assists in 15 appearances.
Algeria, champions in 2019, suffered early exits in the subsequent two tournaments. Amoura represents their sharpest weapon as the Desert Foxes aim to reclaim continental supremacy and secure a third title.
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Sadio Mane may have stepped away from Europe’s spotlight after joining Al Nassr, but the 33-year-old remains Senegal’s talisman. One of Africa’s all-time greats, he topped his country’s World Cup qualifying scoring with five goals.
Mane was named player of the tournament when guiding the Teranga Lions to their maiden AFCON title in 2021. With 12 goal involvements in 17 Saudi Pro League games this season, he arrives in strong form to lead Senegal’s defence of their crown.
Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast)
Wilfried Zaha’s recall to the Ivory Coast squad after a two-year absence has boosted the reigning champions. The 33-year-old earned his return through an impressive loan stint at Charlotte FC in MLS, posting 10 goals and 10 assists.
Excluded from the 2023 triumph on home soil, Zaha brings experience, dribbling flair and renewed confidence. His ability to unlock defences could prove vital as the Elephants seek to become the first team to retain the title since Egypt in 2010.
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
Amad Diallo missed Ivory Coast’s 2023 AFCON victory through injury, watching from the sidelines as his teammates triumphed in Abidjan. Now 23, the Manchester United winger has the chance to make his mark on the continental stage.
Known for exquisite close control, creativity and versatility across the attacking line, Diallo has matured into a potent threat. His potential could shine brightly as Ivory Coast chase back-to-back titles.
Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)
Young midfielder Carlos Baleba arrives without major tournament experience but with performances that have marked him as a rising force. The 21-year-old has anchored Brighton’s engine room in the Premier League, earning praise for his stamina, dribbling and vision.
Instrumental in Cameroon’s perfect qualifying campaign, Baleba is already attracting attention from Europe’s biggest clubs. His composure could provide the platform for Cameroon’s attacking talents to flourish.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
At 36, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may be in the twilight of his career, but the Marseille forward remains Gabon’s undisputed leader. The nation’s all-time top scorer with 39 goals, he has carried their attack since 2009.
Gabon have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals, and this tournament could represent Aubameyang’s last opportunity for international silverware. His experience and finishing touch will be central to any upset they cause.
As the action unfolds across Morocco’s stadiums, these 10 players — blending proven winners, in-form strikers and exciting youngsters — are poised to deliver moments that define AFCON 2025.
