8 Footballers Worth Watching at AFCON 2025
- Think Football Ideas
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
When Samuel Eto’o, Samuel Kuffour, Abedi Pele, Rashidi Yekini, and Didier Drogba were dropping jaws with their performances, the Africa Cup of Nations became a stage where reputations were forged and legends were sealed within weeks.
Afcon has long been defined by players who rose above the moment, carrying nations with them. The 35th edition begins in Morocco on 21 December, with the final set for 18 January, 2026, in Rabat, and once again attention will settle on those capable of shaping their nation’s fortunes.
Here Are 7 Stars Poised to Shine at AFCON 2025
1. Achraf Hakimi (Right-Back, Morocco)
After an outstanding 2025, in which Achraf Hakimi lifted a treble with Luis Enrique’s PSG and scored in the Champions League final, the Moroccan captain enters the build-up to Afcon 2025 working toward full fitness with momentum and belief.
Leading his nation on home soil, he is determined to guide the Atlas Lions to their first continental title since 1976.
Winning in front of home supporters would not only crown an exceptional personal year but also cement his legacy in Moroccan football, turning a historic season at club level into triumph on the international stage.
Every match offers him a chance to combine his leadership, skill, and experience to inspire the team and fulfill a lifelong ambition.
2. Reinildo (Defender, Mozambique)
Mozambique makes history at Afcon 2025 with their first Premier League player, Reinildo, joining the squad after a move to Sunderland. The 31-year-old left-back brings leadership and experience to a side yet to reach the knockout stage.
Group F, featuring Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Gabon, will demand his best performances as Mozambique aim to create memorable moments on the continental stage.
3. Azzedine Ounahi (Midfielder, Morocco)
With captain Achraf Hakimi facing a race to be fit, Morocco may rely on Azzedine Ounahi to pull the strings in midfield. A product of the Mohammed VI Academy, Ounahi struggled to find consistency at Marseille but has regained form since joining Girona in August.
Morocco’s Group A fixtures against Comoros, Mali, and Zambia could see Ounahi step up, guiding a side that also includes goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and striker Youssef En-Nesyri.
4. Ibrahim Mbaye (Forward, Senegal)
The young Senegalese forward is one to watch as the Teranga Lions aim to defend their 2021 title. At 17, Mbaye made his senior debut and quickly became the country’s youngest goalscorer in an 8-0 win over Kenya.
Introduced gradually by Paris Saint-Germain this season, Mbaye may provide fresh attacking options in Group D against Botswana, DR Congo, and Benin.
5. Rogers Mato (Forward, Uganda)
Uganda returns to Afcon for the first time since 2019, and Mato could be central to their progress. The 22-year-old has been in excellent form for Vardar in North Macedonia and scored twice in a win over Mozambique.
The Cranes face Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania in Group C, and Mato’s ability to seize opportunities may decide whether Uganda reaches the knockout stage.
6. Mohamed Amoura (Striker, Algeria)
Mohamed Amoura has been unstoppable for Algeria, scoring 11 goals in eight games since March, including a hat-trick against Mozambique.
At 25, the Wolfsburg forward has established himself as a key figure alongside Riyad Mahrez. Standing at 5ft 7in, he remains a threat in the air and will be crucial as Algeria face Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea in Group E.
7. Victor Osimhen (Striker, Nigeria)
Nigeria’s hopes are closely tied to Victor Osimhen, whose absence saw the Super Eagles struggle in World Cup qualifying.
The Galatasaray striker is central to coach Eric Chelle’s plans, and his fitness and form will determine whether Nigeria can improve on their runners-up finish at the last Afcon. Group C matches against Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia will test his impact.
Mohamed Salah (Forward, Egypt)
Salah is another player eyes will be on, especially after his recent tensions with Liverpool manager Arne Slot, albeit his focus now turns fully to Egypt.
The 33-year-old arrives in Morocco still chasing the one trophy that has eluded him throughout his glittering career: the Africa Cup of Nations.
Twice a runner-up, in 2017 and 2021, Salah knows the weight of expectation he carries for a nation hungry to reclaim continental glory for the first time since 2010.
Despite uncertainty surrounding his future at Anfield, his determination and experience make him Egypt’s linchpin, capable of guiding the Pharaohs through a tournament where every match will test leadership, composure, and finishing under pressure. Afcon 2025 could finally see Salah add the missing crown to his exceptional legacy.
