AFCON 2025 has been quite amazing, with Senegal claiming the title by defeating the host Morocco, and throughout the tournament, some players stood out.
- Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Named Player of the Tournament for his leadership, key contributions and consistency. He also helped Senegal control tight games and create numerous chances throughout the event, also finished with 4 assists according to reports, including the key assist for the winning goal in the final. Mane also won the best player award of the tournament.
Memorable moment: Instrumental in Senegal’s buildup play and resilience in the final — widely praised for guiding his side after the controversial late penalty incident. - Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – Won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals and was a constant attacking threat.
Memorable moment: Nearly won the final for Morocco with a controversial last‑minute penalty — only for it to be saved, keeping the match alive for Senegal. - Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Key in Nigeria’s march to the knockout rounds, scoring a brace in a dominant win that pushed his team into the quarter‑finals. At AFCON 2025, Osimhen scored 4 goals for Nigeria during the tournament, making him Nigeria’s top scorer at the competition and one of the leading scorers overall, he also recorded 2 assists.
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – A standout in the group stage and beyond with goals and consistent creativity from wide areas. Lookman recorded 3 goals and 4 assists a joint assist leader at AFCON 2025.
- Yassine Bounou (Morocco) – Awarded Best Goalkeeper after a series of crucial saves, including multiple performances that helped his side reach the final.
- Pape Gueye (Senegal) – The extra‑time hero who scored the decisive goal in the 1‑0 final win over Morocco, clinching Senegal’s second title.
- Édouard Mendy (Senegal) – Produced a key save in the final by collecting Díaz’s penalty, shifting momentum and enabling extra time.
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Led Egypt deep into the tournament with important goals and experienced leadership. Mo Salah recorded 4 goals and gave an assist in the just concluded AFCON.
- Nicolas Jackson (Senegal) – Played a pivotal role in Senegal’s attack with 2 goals in key matches in the tournament.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – A constant threat on the right flank for the hosts with his attacking runs and defensive contributions. Hakimi helped his country with 4 clean sheets, and also recorded a brilliant assist in the round of 16 against Tanzania.