Global football statistics platform WhoScored has unveiled its Best XI of the 2025/26 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco, using player performance ratings accumulated across the tournament.
The selection was based on digital match ratings, with only players who made a minimum of five appearances considered.
The lineup highlights the dominance of some of Africa’s biggest stars, led by Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, Senegal talisman Sadio Mane, and Nigeria’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen.
Their consistent and influential displays played a decisive role in their respective teams’ progress and left a lasting impression throughout the competition.
Senegal’s Edouard Mendy was chosen as the tournament’s standout goalkeeper after posting a rating of 6.91, reflecting his importance to the eventual champions.
The defensive unit features Senegal’s Krepin Diatta, Egypt’s central pairing of Yasser Ibrahim and Rami Rabia, alongside Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui.
In midfield, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman emerged as the highest-rated player in the entire XI with an impressive 7.80 rating. He was joined by Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye and Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo, both of whom delivered strong performances during the tournament.
The attacking trio sees Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane operating behind Victor Osimhen, forming a front line packed with experience, pace, and goals.
#AFCON2025 Team of the Tournament. 🌍 🌟 pic.twitter.com/NbB5Jhh6gF
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) January 19, 2026
Senegal sealed the AFCON 2025 title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final, while Nigeria finished third and Egypt settled for fourth place.
Notably, WhoScored’s selection excluded the tournament’s top scorer, Morocco’s Ibrahim Diaz, as well as his compatriot Yassine Bounou, who was named the best goalkeeper of the competition, a decision that is already sparking debate among fans and analysts alike.
