Manchester United’s Mbeumo, Liverpool’s Salah – The top 10 stars to watch in AFCON 2025

Bryan Mbeumo and Mohamed Salah are some of the top stars to watch at the AFCON 2025

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) kicks off today, bringing together the continent’s finest talent to battle for the ultimate crown.

As Africa’s premier footballing showcase, all eyes are on Morocco to see which nation will emerge victorious.

​Across the competing teams, fans are banking on several high-profile stars to deliver. Having consistently displayed world-class quality, these players are expected to set the tournament alight. Here are Soccernet.ng's top ten players to watch at the AFCON 2025 Soccernet.ng.

Top 10 Players At AFCON 2025

​1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

​Salah remains one of the world's elite forwards. While his scoring has reduced this season, the 33-year-old winger remains a lethal threat.

His staggering tally of 34 goals and 23 assists last season was pivotal to Liverpool’s success.

Often criticized for not yet winning a trophy with the Pharaohs, Salah enters this tournament with a point to prove. In fact, he is a man on a mission.

Salah's wicked left foot and tactical intelligence makes him a nightmare for any defense at the AFCON 2025.

​2. Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)

​Despite administrative friction between the FA and the government, the Indomitable Lions possess immense individual talent.

Their primary spark is Bryan Mbeumo. The 26-year-old has been a standout performer in the Premier League, recording 26 goals and eight assists in his last 54 appearances.

Known for his blistering pace and clinical finishing, Mbeumo is Cameroon’s most dangerous weapon.

​3. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

​A true unicorn in Nigerian football, the Galatasaray superstar is the Super Eagles' undisputed X-factor.

Osimhen is the quintessential modern striker—dominant in the air and explosive on the ground. After the disappointment of missing the last World Cup, his sole focus is securing silverware in Morocco to cement his legendary status among Nigeria’s greats.

​4. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

​A former CAF Player of the Year, Lookman has been an indispensable part of Atalanta’s attack.

Though he had a slow start to the season, he enters AFCON in decent form. His electric pace and ability to navigate tight spaces will be vital for coach Eric Chelle’s tactical setup as Lookman chases his first international trophy in the AFCON 2025.

The former RB Leipzig man is also a high intensity player. So even defensively, he has a lot to offer.

​5. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

​According to Transfermarkt, Hakimi is Africa’s most valuable player—and for good reason. Widely regarded as the best right-back in the world, he arrives fresh from trophy-laden seasons with PSG.

Though currently nursing a minor injury, he is expected to lead his team on home soil, combining defensive solidity with elite offensive output.

​6. Sadio Mané (Senegal)

​While his career may be in its twilight, Mané remains the poster boy for the Teranga Lions.

Now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, he has maintained impressive productivity with 30 goals and 23 assists in 73 games.

As Senegal’s all-time leading scorer (51 goals), his experience and leadership are irreplaceable. As such, you should keep your eyes on him in AFCON 2025.

​7. Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)

​The Manchester United youngster has flourished under Ruben Amorim and will be looking to to translate that club form to the international stage.

As Ivory Coast seeks to defend their crown, Diallo’s creativity and flair on the right wing will be key to the Elephants' attack. Coach Emerse Fae will look to use him to devastating effect.

​8. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

​The Algerian flying captain is looking to lead his Desert Foxes to glory once again. Having won multiple Premier League titles with Leicester City and Manchester City, Mahrez now plies his trade at Al Ahli.

Even at 34, his technical brilliance and clout on the pitch make him a player who can change a game in an instant. With his sweet left foot, he will definitely light up the AFCON 2025.

​9. Brahim Díaz (Morocco)

​The Real Madrid playmaker adds a layer of sophistication to the Moroccan midfield. Díaz is a superb dribbler with a keen eye for a defense-splitting pass.

Playing in front of a home crowd, he will be highly motivated to prove why he is a regular feature in the world’s most successful club side.

In the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers, he was the highest goalscorer with seven goals. That is testament to his quality. He will be looking to replicate that feat at the AFCON 2025 proper.

​10. Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)

​As the Saido Mané era begins to wind down, Ndiaye is one man expected to inherit the mantle.

Iliman Ndiaye in full flow pic.twitter.com/i3B2sYwBHR

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 22, 2025

The Everton forward has impressed in the Premier League with his intensity and ball-carrying ability.

Due to his impressive performances for Everton, he has already been linked with several top clubs. Ndiaye will be looking to use this AFCON as his official introduction as Africa’s next big superstar.