Every collective championship for national teams serves as a swan song for some players who have participated in multiple previous editions. Simultaneously, it acts as a gateway for a new generation aiming to inscribe a fresh chapter in their country’s football history.
The upcoming African Cup of Nations, set to kick off in a matter of days, promises not only fierce competition but also the potential farewell of seasoned players whose age may not guarantee their participation in the subsequent edition.
FilGoal.com has compiled a list of prominent stars who might grace the tournament for the last time, leaving an indelible mark on their national teams.
Ivory Coast
Max Gradel (36 years old)
While Max Gradel might not be among the most internationally recognized football figures, he remains a steadfast leader for the Ivory Coast national team.
At 36, Gradel, currently playing for Sivasspor in Turkey, is poised to conclude his international journey after amassing 104 caps since his debut in 2011.
The seasoned left-winger, instrumental in Ivory Coast’s 2015 AFCON triumph, has contributed significantly with 17 goals in his international career.
As Gradel approaches 38 in the next edition, his participation becomes uncertain, underscoring the transient nature of football careers.
Egypt
Mohamed El-Shennawy (34 years old)
In the realm of goalkeeping, Mohamed El-Shennawy stands as a testament to players who continue to deliver high-performance levels well into their thirties.
Although he will turn 36 in the subsequent AFCON, El-Shennawy’s potential retirement remains uncertain.
Having debuted for Egypt at the age of 29 in 2018, he has participated in 52 matches, maintaining clean sheets in 29—an impressive feat.
As the next AFCON approaches, El-Shennawy’s presence becomes pivotal, balancing the desire for continuity with the emergence of younger goalkeeping talents.
Ghana
André Ayew (34 years old)
André Ayew’s inclusion in Ghana’s final AFCON squad has been described as a historical choice, as Le Havre player is set to turn 36 during the upcoming edition.
Ayew, who made his debut for Ghana at the age of 17 in 2007, is on the verge of equaling the record for the most AFCON appearances (eight) shared by Ahmed Hassan and Rigobert Song.
With 107 caps, 24 goals, and seven assists, Ayew’s influence extends beyond the pitch.
The next edition might well be Ayew’s last, capping a remarkable international career and solidifying his place in Ghana’s football legacy.
Senegal
Idrissa Gana Gueye (34 years old)
Idrissa Gana Gueye, who will reach 36 in the next AFCON, secured his place in Senegal’s football history by winning the previous edition.
Joining the national team in 2011, the Everton midfielder has accumulated 103 caps, contributing seven goals and four assists.
The upcoming tournament could mark the conclusion of Gueye’s international journey, concluding on a high note with the Senegalese team’s triumph in the previous edition.
As the curtain potentially falls on his international career, Gueye’s legacy is set to endure, leaving an indelible mark on Senegalese football.
Tunisia
Youssef Msakni (33 years old)
Youssef Msakni, captain of the Tunisian national team, is among the senior players whose continued presence in the squad remains vital.
At 34, Msakni approaches his eighth AFCON appearance, nearing the record held by Ahmed Hassan and Song.
While he may turn 35 in the subsequent edition, Msakni’s participation is uncertain, given his history of injuries.
Having played 26 AFCON matches, scoring seven goals and providing four assists, Msakni’s role extends beyond his on-field contributions, symbolizing experience and leadership for the Tunisian side.
As the African football spectacle unfolds, these veteran players stand on the cusp of potential farewells, making their presence in the upcoming AFCON all the more poignant.
Their legacies, woven into the fabric of African football, serve as a bridge between past glories and the emerging narratives of a new generation.
Algeria
Sofiane Feghouli (34 years old)
At 34 years old, Sofiane Feghouli has enjoyed an illustrious career at the highest levels in Europe and has been a significant contributor to the Algerian national team.
However, recent times have seen a decline in Feghouli’s performances, especially evident in his stint with Karagümrük in the Turkish league.
Feghouli made his debut for Algeria in 2012, scoring in a match against Gambia during the AFCON qualifiers.
Over his tenure with Algeria, Feghouli has amassed 80 appearances, netting 20 goals and providing 15 assists.
Beyond individual statistics, Feghouli played a crucial role in Algeria’s triumph at the 2019 AFCON, displaying exceptional performances in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where the Desert Foxes reached the round of 16.
Islam Slimani (35 years old)
Sharing similarities with Feghouli, Islam Slimani has had remarkable moments, including winning the AFCON and participating in the FIFA World Cup.
The distinction lies in Slimani being a year older than his teammate.
Slimani, making his debut in 2012 in a friendly against Niger, has represented Algeria in 98 matches, scoring 45 goals and providing 23 assists.
In the AFCON, he has played 15 matches, scoring four goals and assisting in three.
Approaching the age of 37 in the next edition, Slimani’s presence becomes uncertain, especially with the emergence of new players in Algeria.
Like Feghouli, Slimani has seen a decline in performance, evident in his move to the Brazilian league after a long career in Europe.
Morocco
Romain Saïss (33 years old)
The captain of the Moroccan national team, Romain Saïss, has left European pitches after many years, opting for a move to Saudi Arabia through Al-Shabab.
In the next AFCON edition, Saïss will be 35, an age not too advanced, suggesting he could continue playing.
However, winning the title might not provide sufficient motivation for him to extend his international career, especially after reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Saïss made his debut in 2012 in a friendly against Togo, playing as a left-back.
His first AFCON appearance was in 2017, and since then, he has played 13 matches in the tournament.
With 79 appearances for Morocco, Saïss has participated in two FIFA World Cups.
Guinea
José Kanté (33 years old)
Although not as well-known as some of the mentioned players, José Kanté will be remembered for his role in the match between Al Ahly and Urawa Red Diamonds in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite Al Ahly’s victory, Kanté scored for Urawa, securing the third-place finish.
José Kanté announced his retirement from football at the end of his contract with Urawa, which concludes in February.
Consequently, he will not participate in any future editions of the AFCON.
At 33 years old, he played in two previous AFCON editions, contributing one assist.
Mozambique
Dominguês (40 years old)
Similar to José Kanté, Dominguês may not be a star, but his presence at 40 makes him a notable figure.
Participating for the second time in his career, after the 2010 edition, Dominguês will bring his wealth of experience to Mozambique.
As a midfielder, Dominguês has played 78 international matches for Mozambique since 2004, scoring 12 goals and providing 8 assists.
This is likely to be his final AFCON appearance, given his age and the possibility of Mozambique not qualifying for the next edition.
However, as previously stated, there’s no room for impossibility in football.
