The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to showcase some of the strongest collections of African talent, who are back on the continent to lead their respective countries to glory in Morocco.
From in-formed goal-scorers to elegant playmakers and masters in the art of defending, the AFCON brings together a diverse mix of football personalities capable of deciding matches on their own.
Ahead of the tournament’s commencement on December 21, Peoples Gazette curated a list of players that football fans across the continent would keep a close eye on to help their countries in North Africa.
Mohamed Salah
Despite the slow start for Liverpool this season, which has seen Salah relegated to the bench by head coach Arne Slot, eyes are going to be on the Egyptian when he goes out to the pitch to represent his country in Morocco.
The situation between Salah and Slot escalated two weeks ago after the former was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 3-3 draw against Leeds United, prompting the forward to grant a Cristiano Ronaldo-style explosive interview to the media, stating the club had thrown him “under the bus.”
In the interview, he also said he was unsure about his future at the club amid reports of a possible move during the January transfer window.
Irrespective of his dip in form, Salah is still very much capable of causing problems for oppositions at the AFCON, as Egypt seeks to finally lay their hands on the trophy following defeats in the 2017 and 2021 finals.
Victor Osimhen
The current Super Eagles lineup has been nicknamed ‘Osimhen’s team’ following recent trends that highlight a significant contrast in Nigeria’s performances when Osimhen is on the pitch compared to when he is absent.
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria did not win any of the five matches in which Osimhen was absent due to injury, which many Nigerian fans believed was the main reason the Super Eagles missed out on the 2026 World Cup.
With 12 goals for Galatasaray this season, scoring six in the UEFA Champions League and six in the Super Lig, the 26-year-old earned his place as one of the stars that fans will expect to light up the stage for Nigeria in Morocco.
Achraf Hakimi
Being from the host nation and as the reigning Confederation of African Football Player of the Year, Hakimi is expected to play a significant role in the Atlas Lions’ push for another AFCON glory since their only title in 1976.
Moroccan football has recorded significant growth in recent years, with its youth team winning the 2025 U-20 FIFA World Cup in October and the senior women’s national team reaching back-to-back WAFCON finals. Fans expect Morocco to win the AFCON again on home soil.
Hakimi can bring his winning mentality from Paris Saint-Germain into the national team to help Morocco accomplish a remarkable result in the tournament. He has won six trophies with PSG this year alone.
Bryan Mbeumo
As the highest-scoring Manchester United player this season with seven goals across all competitions, many are tipping the winger to be the star in the Cameroonian squad at the tournament.
Given Man United’s huge global fan base, millions of them would be paying close attention to the former Brentford’s performance in Morocco.
Mbeumo’s smooth glide with the ball and ability to score at tight angles have made him one of the most dangerous left-footers in the world.
Iliman Ndiaye
Despite the presence of the legend Sadio Mane in the Senegalese squad, Ndiaye would be the one to watch for football fans within and outside the continent. The Everton winger has gained notoriety for his gleeful style of football.
The player’s dribbling ability, which he attributed to lessons learnt from his dancer father, has made him one of the most delightful players to watch in the Premier League. His skills will be valuable for Senegal in their pursuit of a second AFCON title following the 2021 triumph.
He has six-goal involvement for Everton in the Premier League this season.
