AFCON 2025: Rising stars to watch at tournament

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations gets underway in Morocco on Sunday, attention will not only fall on the continent’s established superstars but also on a new wave of players poised to announce themselves on Africa’s biggest stage.

While hosts Morocco and traditional heavyweights Egypt, Senegal and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire arrive as favourites, AFCON remains a proven launchpad for emerging talents eager to shape their nations’ campaigns and capture the imagination of fans.

From electric wide men to tireless midfield engines, these young players carry both national expectations and the promise of captivating football. Beyond household names such as Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Sadio Mané, here are some of the most exciting rising stars to watch in Morocco.

Egypt: Ibrahim Adel (Al-Jazira, UAE)

Ibrahim Adel has rapidly become one of the most popular figures in Egyptian football. After playing a key role in Pyramids FC’s continental success, the 24-year-old has taken his talents to Al-Jazira, where he is aiming to elevate his career further.

A left-sided forward who thrives when cutting inside onto his stronger right foot, Adel combines pace with close control. He shone at the Olympic Games, scoring three goals as Egypt reached the semi-finals, and now arrives at AFCON determined to deliver another defining tournament.

Senegal: Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

Still just 17, Ibrahim Mbaye is already turning heads at Paris Saint-Germain, a club famed for producing and attracting attacking stars. Blessed with explosive pace and refined technique, Mbaye is comfortable on either flank and relishes taking on defenders.

This season, he leads Ligue 1 for dribble attempts per 90 minutes, underlining his fearless approach. Having recently committed his international future to Senegal after switching allegiance from France, Mbaye could emerge as one of the breakout performers for the Lions of Teranga.

Côte d’Ivoire: Yan Diomandé (RB Leipzig, Germany)

Yan Diomandé’s rise has been swift and striking. The 19-year-old winger made his top-flight debut in March 2025 and has since established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young attackers.

With an impressive success rate in one-on-one situations and a growing eye for goal, Diomandé offers pace, creativity and directness. Following the injury setback to Sébastien Haller, the reigning champions may lean heavily on his flair as they seek to defend their crown.

Morocco: Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart, Germany)

A central figure in Morocco’s Olympic bronze medal triumph, Bilal El Khannouss has continued his upward trajectory in the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, now with Stuttgart after impressing at Genk, brings vision, composure and technical security in tight spaces.

Already a winner at youth level, having lifted the U23 AFCON title in 2023, El Khannouss will shoulder significant responsibility as Morocco hosts the tournament, with home fans hoping he can dictate play and rise above more established midfield names.

Cameroon: Christian Kofane (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Christian Kofane represents Cameroon’s next striking hope. The 19-year-old forward earned a move to Bayer Leverkusen after an eye-catching spell in Spain’s second division, scoring eight goals in 20 appearances.

Strong, mobile and instinctive in front of goal, Kofane has adapted quickly to life in Germany. At AFCON, his finishing ability could prove crucial as Cameroon look to mount a serious challenge.

Mali: Kamory Doumbia (Brest, France)

Kamory Doumbia has quickly established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most energetic midfielders. Equally effective going forward and tracking back, the 22-year-old ranks highly for ball recoveries in advanced areas while also contributing goals.

With four strikes this season and an impressive scoring record at international level, Doumbia’s versatility and dynamism could be central to Mali’s ambitions of a deep tournament run.

DR Congo: Noah Sadiki (Sunderland, England)

Noah Sadiki has grown into a key figure at Sunderland, earning praise for his stamina, discipline and leadership. Since arriving from Union Saint-Gilloise, the 21-year-old has ranked among the league’s best for distance covered and interceptions.

Now turning his focus to the international stage with DR Congo, Sadiki will aim to replicate his club form and help his nation surpass their previous AFCON showing.

Zimbabwe: Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)

Tawanda Chirewa continues to make steady progress in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 22-year-old midfielder is admired for his technical quality and vision, qualities that make him a potential difference-maker for Zimbabwe.

AFCON offers Chirewa the chance to translate his domestic promise into continental impact and announce himself to a wider audience.

Burkina Faso: Arsène Kouassi (Lorient, France)

Widely regarded as one of the most exciting young left-backs in French football, Arsène Kouassi has carried his impressive Ligue 2 form into the top flight with ease. The 21-year-old blends pace with attacking intent, earning comparisons with PSG’s Nuno Mendes.

Despite limited international experience, Kouassi’s club performances have made him vital to Burkina Faso’s setup, particularly for his width and delivery from deep areas.

Algeria: Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys, Switzerland)

Jaouen Hadjam brings flair and unpredictability from the left-back position. A high-volume dribbler with an eye for goal, his performances in the Swiss Super League have attracted interest beyond Switzerland.

As Algeria seek to reassert themselves among Africa’s elite, Hadjam’s attacking contributions from defence could be an important weapon.

AFCON 2025 will naturally shine a spotlight on Africa’s established stars, but these emerging talents have the potential to redefine the narrative. Armed with strong club form, youthful confidence and growing international roles, they add intrigue and excitement as the continent converges on Morocco for its grandest footballing showcase.