The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off this Sunday in Morocco, with the host nation taking on Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Over the next four weeks, the continent’s finest football talent will compete for glory, showcasing some of the biggest stars and emerging players in African football.

Here’s a closer look at the top 10 players to watch in AFCON 2025.

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1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah enters AFCON 2025 as one of Africa’s biggest football icons. The Liverpool star, often dubbed “the Egyptian King,” leads Egypt with the hope of securing a record-extending eighth AFCON title.

This season, Salah has struggled at club level, scoring only five goals in 20 appearances under Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Yet, his importance to Egypt remains unquestioned. Salah’s nine goals during CAF World Cup qualifying were pivotal in earning Egypt a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At 33, Salah will aim for redemption, looking to recapture the dazzling form that has defined his illustrious career.

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2. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Morocco’s captain Achraf Hakimi, recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, will lead the host nation with expectations running high. The PSG right-back played a key role in the club’s treble-winning season, culminating in their first UEFA Champions League title.

Hakimi’s pace, attacking flair, and defensive stability make him one of AFCON 2025’s standout players. While an ankle injury had raised concerns, Morocco coach Walid Regragui confirmed that Hakimi is on track to feature in the opening match against Comoros.

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3. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

For Victor Osimhen, AFCON 2025 offers a chance at redemption after Nigeria’s disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign. The Galatasaray striker, famous for wearing a protective face mask, has been in prolific form this season, netting 12 goals in 16 matches across all competitions, including six in the Champions League.

Osimhen has struggled in past AFCON tournaments, scoring only once in the 2023 edition. This year, he will aim to solidify his legacy and guide Nigeria to continental glory.

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4. Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)

Cameroon’s forward Bryan Mbeumo is rediscovering his scoring touch and will play a central role in the team’s campaign under a new coach. The 26-year-old Manchester United striker has scored seven goals this season, leading his club in an otherwise inconsistent year.

With veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar omitted from the squad, Mbeumo carries the dual responsibility of captain and lead scorer, seeking to secure his first AFCON trophy.

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5. Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast)

The 33-year-old winger Wilfried Zaha returns to the Ivory Coast national team after a two-year absence, boosted by an impressive season at Charlotte FC in MLS, where he recorded 10 goals and 10 assists.

Zaha’s experience, dribbling skills, and current form will be vital for the reigning champions as they attempt to defend their AFCON title in Morocco.

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6. Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Senegalese legend Sadio Mane, now at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, remains a key figure for the Teranga Lions despite a move away from European football. Mane led Senegal’s scoring in CAF World Cup qualifiers with five goals and will aim to replicate his AFCON 2021 heroics, when he guided the nation to its first continental title.

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7. Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)

Another Senegalese talent to watch is Everton midfielder Iliman Ndiaye. The 25-year-old has impressed in the Premier League with six goal involvements and is expected to bring creativity and attacking momentum to Senegal’s lineup. AFCON 2025 will mark his third continental tournament.

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8. Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)

At just 21, Carlos Baleba is one of AFCON 2025’s most exciting young prospects. The Brighton midfielder has been central to Cameroon’s flawless qualification campaign and has caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs. Known for his stamina, dribbling, and passing range, Baleba could emerge as one of the tournament’s breakout stars.

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9. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)

Gabonese veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brings experience and leadership at 36. Now at Marseille, he aims to lead Gabon to its first AFCON semifinal, carrying the hopes of a nation that has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals. Aubameyang remains Gabon’s all-time top scorer with 39 goals.

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10. Mohamed Amoura (Algeria)

Finally, Mohamed Amoura will spearhead Algeria’s attack. The 25-year-old striker topped CAF World Cup qualifying charts with 10 goals and has continued his excellent form at Wolfsburg with six goals and two assists in 15 matches. AFCON 2025 is Algeria’s opportunity to reclaim continental glory, with Amoura playing a central role.

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AFCON 2025: Key Takeaways

• Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, and Victor Osimhen are among the tournament favorites.
• Emerging talents like Carlos Baleba could define the future of African football.
• Veterans such as Aubameyang and Zaha bring experience and leadership.
• Morocco hosts the competition, with the opening match against Comoros.
• AFCON 2025 is a critical platform for African players to shine ahead of the 2026 World Cup.