AFCON once again showcases Africa’s great football talent to a global audience.
While high-profile players like Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen compete with rising stars like Amad Diallo and Yann Diomande to elevate African football’s crown, big names like Antoine Semenyo missed out on the tournament altogether.
In recent years, African players have become superstars at football’s major clubs around the world, but who are the best at the moment?
ranking factors
To rank the players in order, we considered the following criteria:
Current form – how well the player has performed in the past months and years.
Importance to the team – How much does it impact team performance?
Role – How unique is their skill set?
Reputation – major honors and ratings of others about it
20
edmont tapsova
(Burkina Faso – Center Back)
Tapsoba is one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent defenders, combining calmness, aerial strength and ball development.
His performances in domestic and European competitions have kept him reliable at the top level, and he won the domestic treble in the 2023-24 season.
19
Ismael Bennacer
(Algeria – Midfielder)
Despite injury setbacks, Bennacer’s best performances during Milan’s title run showed elite control, tempo-setting and defensive intelligence.
For Algeria, he has been a model of consistency for many years.
18
muhammad jerusalem
(Ghana – Attacking midfielder)
Kudus’ ball-running, versatility and end product have made him Ghana’s most influential player in recent years.
His move to Tottenham hasn’t gone well so far, but it will be interesting to see how he progresses if the whole team gets back to form.
17
nicholas jackson
(Senegal – Striker)
Over the past few years, Jackson has gone from being a raw prospect to a high-level striker for a huge club.
His improved speed, pressing and finishing ability will be very important for Senegal at international level.
16
Youssef En-Nesyri
(Morocco – Striker)
A reliable goalscorer in La Liga and Europe, En-Nesyri has consistently scored in key moments for both Sevilla and Morocco.
His aerial dominance and movement have been evident over multiple seasons.
15
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
(Cameroon – Midfielder)
Anguissa’s physical presence and ball-running were central to Napoli’s Scudetto victory and continued success.
If the midfielder can add an AFCON win to his ever-growing trophy cabinet, he will go down as one of the best midfielders in the country.
14
indian education
(Senegal – Winger)
Ndiaye has quickly become one of the most exciting players not only in the Premier League, but also in European club football.
His speed, tricks, and impressive play for the Senegalese national team make him one of the most talented African players on the planet.
13
Amad Diallo
(Ivory Coast – Winger)
Amad was the Ivory Coast’s player of the competition and has also developed into one of Manchester United’s most important players.
With many years to come, the winger is likely to skyrocket up the rankings in the coming seasons.
12
Brahim Diaz
(Morocco – attacking midfielder)
Steady growth over the past five years has made Diaz a decisive creative force.
His technical quality, goalscoring from midfield and growing influence on Morocco justify his arrival.
11
Riyad Mahrez
(Algeria – Winger)
Mahrez has won the Premier League title, the Champions League and the AFCON in recent years.
The Algerian star has maintained his high level since leaving Manchester City.
