AFCON 2025 in Morocco Sets New Global Benchmarks for Digital Engagement and Revenue

AFCON 2025 in Morocco Sets New Global Benchmarks for Digital Engagement and Revenue

By Admin 

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Morocco, has emerged as the most digitally engaged continental football tournament in history, generating unprecedented global attention and commercial returns, according to data released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

CAF reported that the tournament amassed 6.1 billion digital impressions and 5.2 billion video views across social media platforms, alongside 285 million total engagements. The competition also attracted 8.5 million new followers across CAF’s digital channels, underscoring its expanding global reach.

TikTok emerged as the leading platform for fan-driven content, with more than one million videos created under the tournament’s official hashtag. Supporters used the platform to share goal celebrations, tactical analysis, music, fashion, and humorous content inspired by the competition.

CAF described the milestone as placing Africa’s flagship football event “at the very top of global digital engagement,” surpassing comparable continental tournaments worldwide. The confederation noted that growth was particularly strong within the African diaspora, with tournament content crossing borders, languages, and cultures at unprecedented speed.

“The digital success of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 reflects CAF’s continued commitment to innovation, fan engagement, and global growth,” the organization said in its report.

Beyond its digital footprint, the tournament delivered substantial economic benefits for the host nation. Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ryad Mezzour, told Spanish news agency EFE that direct revenues from the competition exceeded €1.5 billion, helping to finance approximately 80 percent of the infrastructure required for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

CAF also recorded its strongest commercial performance to date. Tournament revenues increased by more than 90 percent compared to the 2023 edition hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, making AFCON 2025 the most profitable tournament in the organization’s history.

Sponsorship growth mirrored this trend, with the number of official partners rising from nine in Cameroon 2021 to 17 in Côte d’Ivoire 2023, and reaching 23 for Morocco 2025. CAF expanded into new commercial markets, including China and Japan, while strengthening existing global partnerships.

Broadcast coverage also expanded significantly, with 111 rights holders transmitting the tournament worldwide, up from 67 in the previous edition and 38 in Cameroon 2021. Overall tournament revenues reached $192.6 million, with net profits estimated at $113.8 million—well above the $72 million recorded in the previous edition. Morocco’s projected 20 percent share of CAF broadcast and sponsorship revenues was initially estimated at $22.5 million.

In-stadium attendance reached record levels, with more than 1.25 million spectators across nine venues. The final between Morocco and Senegal attracted 66,526 fans to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Mezzour described the tournament’s broader impact as delivering “a decade of development in 24 months,” driven by infrastructure investments totaling €2.3 billion. These projects included the construction or rehabilitation of nine stadiums, as well as upgrades to road networks, airports, and public services.

According to the minister, the tournament generated more than 100,000 jobs and boosted consumption in key commercial sectors by 25 to 30 percent. Supported by an estimated 600,000 tournament-related visitors, Morocco recorded 20 million tourist arrivals in 2025, representing a 14 percent year-on-year increase.