AFCON 2025 Power Players: Football Stars Expected To Shine

AFCON 2025 Power Players: Football Stars Expected To Shine

By BSN Sports 

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fast approaching, excitement is building across the continent as Morocco prepares to host the prestigious tournament for the first time in decades, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The event promises a blend of world-class football, vibrant culture, and the trademark unpredictability that makes AFCON one of the most captivating competitions in international football.

As teams intensify their preparations, AFCON 2025 is expected to serve as a grand stage for Africa’s finest talents—both established stars and emerging prospects eager to announce themselves on the global scene. From elite forwards to dynamic midfielders and explosive full-backs, several standout players are poised to shape the tournament’s narrative.

Below are some of the key players to watch at AFCON 2025:

1. Victor Osimhen – Nigeria

Nigeria’s quest to reclaim continental dominance may hinge on the form of Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker remains one of Africa’s most feared attackers, combining pace, power and clinical finishing. Following strong performances at club level, Osimhen enters AFCON 2025 as one of the competition’s marquee stars—a player capable of carrying the Super Eagles deep into the knockout rounds through sheer individual brilliance.

2. Mohamed Salah – Egypt

Though approaching the twilight of his illustrious career, Mohamed Salah remains one of Africa’s most consistent and influential players. The Egyptian captain will once again lead the Pharaohs with his trademark composure, tactical intelligence and big-game mentality. Salah’s wealth of experience and ability to change matches single-handedly ensure he remains one of the premier attractions in Morocco.

3. Brahim Díaz – Morocco

Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Díaz is set to make his AFCON debut—and anticipation is high. Díaz brings flair, creativity and superb ball control, qualities that make him a constant threat in the final third. After a strong qualifying campaign, the midfielder is expected to be central to Morocco’s attacking plans. With home support behind him, he could emerge as one of the tournament’s standout performers.

4. Carlos Baleba – Cameroon

Carlos Baleba, one of Africa’s brightest young talents, heads into AFCON 2025 with rising confidence. The dynamic midfielder has become a crucial figure for Cameroon, offering strength, tireless running and composed distribution. His impressive displays during the qualifiers have positioned him as a potential breakout star—someone capable of influencing midfield battles against the continent’s top sides.

5. Achraf Hakimi – Morocco

No list of AFCON stars is complete without Achraf Hakimi, recently crowned Africa’s best player. The Moroccan full-back has firmly established himself as one of the world’s elite in his position. Renowned for his blistering pace, attacking threat and defensive intelligence, Hakimi will bring experience and leadership to a Morocco side determined to win the trophy on home soil. Whether through assists, goals or decisive defensive actions, he is expected to be one of the tournament’s most dominant figures.