English Premier League players set to feature at AFCON 2025

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to light up Morocco when the continent’s biggest football showpiece returns from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Now in its 35th edition, the tournament will once again showcase Africa’s elite national teams as they battle for continental supremacy.

England’s Premier League is expected to play a major role in the competition, with a significant number of its players heading to North Africa.

In total, 25 footballers currently plying their trade in the English top flight are included in national team plans, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast and Nigeria leading the way as the most represented nations, each contributing four players to the tournament.

Burkina Faso will be represented by Brentford winger Dango Ouattara and Sunderland’s Bertrand Traore. Cameroon’s Premier League contingent includes Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo and Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo boasts a strong presence, with Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki of Sunderland joined by Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe and West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Egypt’s hopes will rest in part on Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah. Reigning champions Ivory Coast will arrive with Emmanuel Agbadou of Wolves, Manchester United’s Amad, and Nottingham Forest duo Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare. Mali will be represented by Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma.

Morocco’s Premier League-based players include Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui and Sunderland’s Chemsdine Talbi, while Mozambique will rely on Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava. Nigeria also have four players drawn from England, with Fulham trio Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi joined by Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka.

South Africa’s Premier League interest comes through Burnley striker Lyle Foster, while Tunisia will be represented by Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri. Zimbabwe round off the list with Wolves youngster Tawanda Chirewa expected to feature.

With so many Premier League stars set to take the stage, AFCON 2025 promises high-quality competition and will bring together many stars on one big stage.