The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) will mark the 35th staging of the continent’s premier football competition, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The tournament will be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 202,6 bringing together the best African players.

This article reviews some top talents that are expected to dominate the tournament.

Victor Osimhen

The Nigerian and Galatasaray striker is currently in form, boosting the hopes of Nigeria to win the tournament.

Osimhen’s style of play blends explosive pace, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing, making him a nightmare for defenders in open play and set pieces.

He became one of the best attackers globally at the age of 26, and justified his Ksh11.2B transfer from Napoli in July with 15 goals in 18 appearances so far this season, including six in the Champions League.

Internationally, the Galatasaray striker has 29 goals in 44 caps.

However, he is surrounded by quality countrymen Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, who can assist him in scoring goals.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is still looking for an opportunity to win the continental trophy with his national team.

The 33-year-old winger remains the face of Egyptian football and one of Africa’s most decorated players.

He is Egypt’s all-time top scorer, having scored 61 goals in 117 appearances.

Salah’s work rate in the field is commendable, and his ability to cut in from the right flank and finish well makes him reliable in Egypt’s squad.

Egypt last won a continental trophy in 2010.

The two-time African Footballer of the Year and Champions League winner carries the hopes of millions of Egyptians who seek redemption after disappointments in previous AFCON finals.

Also Read: AFCON 2025: 5 Nations Most Likely to Lift the Trophy

Sadio Mane

The 33-year-old Senegalese remains the key component of his national team ahead of AFCON 2025.

In 119 caps at the international level, Mane has scored 49 goals, and he is the country’s all-time top scorer.

His game remains top as he scored a crucial free kick at stoppage time that confirmed Senegal’s qualification for AFCON 2025 and 5 goals in World Cup qualifiers.

They won AFCON in 2021, and they arrive this time to search for the second one.

Achraf Hakimi

He is the full-back of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

Hakimi is one of the world’s best full-backs currently and heads into AFCON 2025 with a cloud of uncertainty.

The Moroccan star has played 13 matches this season for PSG, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

Additionally, he has completed 90% pass rate, contributing to six clean sheets in the Champions League and Ligue 1.

This season, the Atlas Lions’ captain has featured in 13 matches for PSG, scoring three goals and providing two assists, while maintaining a 90% pass completion rate and contributing to six clean sheets in Ligue 1 and Champions League.

The Atlas Lions’ captain has 88 caps and 11 goals internationally and also led Morocco through their golden era, including the historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run.

Also Read: Story of Mohamed Ghonemi: The CAF Official Behind AFCON 2025’s Official Match Ball

Ademola Lookman

He has dominated the Serie A league this year, and he arrives at AFCON 2025 as Nigeria’s best attacking option.

The 28-year-old forward blends his game with dribbling, pace, and clinical finishing.

He also won the CAF African Player of the Year award after registering seven assists and 21 goals in 37 appearances during the 2024/25 season.

His partnership with Victor Osimhen will strengthen the attack ofthe  Super Eagles as they push to bring the trophy home.

Bryan Mbeumo

The Manchester United winger was the Premier League Player of the Month for October and arrives at AFCON 2025 as one of Cameroon’s most exciting attacking talents.

He has played for Cameroon 26 times, scoring seven goals.

Mbeumo has good dribbling skills, shooting, pressing and is creative in exploiting spaces behind defenders.

Millions of Cameroonians’ hopes lie in his hand as they come to search for a sixth continental title.

AFCON-2025