⭐️ Five Players Who Could Define AFCON 2025

With elite African talent gathering in Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, the spotlight is brighter than ever. But among all the stars, five names stand out. From the African Player of the Year to a legendary striker entering what could be his final AFCON, these are the figures capable of tilting the tournament.

🇲🇦 Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Fresh off winning African Player of the Year, Achraf Hakimi is under a severe injury right now, but it is expected to recover on time to be part of “his” AFCON as the home nation’s main symbol. The PSG full-back is living the best moment of his career: leadership, explosiveness, and complete influence down the right flank.

His ability to break lines, attack space, and turn defensive transitions into danger makes him the most feared wide player in the tournament. In front of home fans, Hakimi has everything in place to produce a historic run.

🇪🇬 Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

His turbulent moment at Liverpool may be exactly the fire Mohamed Salah needed. Egypt expects him to lead a deep run after their disappointing previous AFCON performance, and the “Pharaoh” arrives determined to reclaim his crown as Africa’s most decisive attacker.

The responsibility is entirely on his shoulders. Creativity, goals, experience and leadership — Salah will be the heartbeat of Egypt’s ambitions. If he explodes, the entire tournament could shift with him.

🇸🇳 Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)

In one of the strongest squads in Africa, Nicolas Jackson has carved out a crucial role thanks to his emergence at Bayern Munich. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he has delivered goals and solutions in a tough, competitive environment.

His speed, movement and killer instinct in the box make him the perfect complement to Senegal’s experienced core. If he catches fire, Senegal immediately becomes a top contender for the title.

🇨🇲 Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)

Amid the instability surrounding Cameroon, Bryan Mbeumo stands out as the team’s most reliable force. The Brentford forward is in full maturity, combining creativity, versatility and work rate.

Without institutional stability, Cameroon needs a figure capable of changing games through individual quality — and that is exactly what Mbeumo brings. His presence is essential for any Cameroonian dream of going deep in the competition.

🇬🇦 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)

This may be the final AFCON for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and no player understands responsibility like him. Gabon’s all-time top scorer and leader for more than a decade, the 36-year-old arrives determined to leave one last mark on the continent.

Gabon has never gone beyond the quarterfinals. If they want to break that barrier, they will once again rely on Aubameyang’s instinct, leadership and finishing — qualities that remain intact even in the twilight of his career.

🏆 Five Names, One Goal: African Glory

Hakimi wants to shine at home. Salah seeks redemption. Jackson aims to confirm his rise. Mbeumo provides Cameroon with stability. Aubameyang dreams of a legendary farewell.

Five stars. Five different paths.
One AFCON that could change their careers forever.

REMEMBER EVERY MATCH OF THE AFCON 2025 WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH beINSPORTS