The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, scheduled to take place in Morocco from January 13 to February 10, 2025, promises to be a thrilling showcase of African football talent. As one of the continent's premier international tournaments, AFCON attracts the world's best players from African nations, many of whom ply their trade in Europe's top leagues, including the English Premier League (PL). The query highlights Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Bryan Mbeumo of Cameroon as confirmed attendees, but the PL boasts a wealth of other stars likely to represent their countries. This analysis delves into the players expected to feature, drawing on current squad selections, player fitness, and national team call-ups as of late 2024. We'll explore their backgrounds, club performances, international pedigrees, and potential impacts at the tournament, while noting any uncertainties due to injuries, form, or coaching decisions.
To structure this comprehensively, I've organized the content by country, listing players alphabetically within each section. For each player, I've included their current club, position, age, key stats, and reasons for their AFCON inclusion. This is based on recent national team selections and historical participation. Note that final squads are announced closer to the tournament, so this is speculative but informed. The PL's African contingent is diverse, with stars from North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa, reflecting the league's global appeal.
## Egypt: Salah and Potential Companions
Egypt, the defending AFCON champions (having won in 2010, 2021, and 2023), will likely field a strong squad led by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. As the Pharaohs' talisman, Salah's presence is non-negotiable.
- **Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Forward, Age 32)**: Widely regarded as one of the world's best wingers, Salah has been instrumental in Egypt's recent successes. In the 2023 AFCON, he scored twice in the final against Ivory Coast, earning Player of the Tournament honors. At Liverpool, he's netted over 200 goals in 400+ appearances, including 50+ in the PL. His pace, dribbling, and finishing make him a nightmare for defenses. Expect him to captain Egypt and lead the attack, potentially aiming for a record fourth AFCON title. His form in 2024-25 PL season has been stellar, with early goals against Ipswich and Brentford, suggesting he'll be at peak fitness.
Other Egyptian players in the PL are limited, but Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny could be a wildcard. As a defensive midfielder, Elneny (Age 32) has 100+ caps and was part of the 2017 AFCON-winning squad. However, his limited playing time at Arsenal (often injured or on the bench) makes his inclusion uncertain. If selected, he'd provide experience in midfield. Egypt's squad might also include loan players or those from lower leagues, but PL representation is slim beyond Salah.
## Cameroon: Mbeumo and the Indomitable Lions
Cameroon, AFCON winners in 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017, will rely on Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo as a key attacker. Manchester United's André Onana is a notable goalkeeper, though his relationship with the national team has been rocky.
- **Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford, Forward/Winger, Age 25)**: A dynamic winger with blistering pace and dribbling skills, Mbeumo has emerged as Cameroon's star. He scored in the 2021 AFCON final loss to Senegal and was pivotal in qualifying. In the PL, he's scored 20+ goals in recent seasons, including a hat-trick against Liverpool in 2023. His Brentford form in 2024-25 has been promising, with assists and goals early on. At AFCON, he'll likely partner with Vincent Aboubakar in attack, aiming to end Cameroon's 2017 drought.
- **André Onana (Manchester United, Goalkeeper, Age 28)**: One of the PL's top shot-stoppers, Onana has 40+ caps and won the 2017 AFCON. However, a fallout with coach Rigobert Song over tactics led to his omission from recent squads. As of late 2024, reconciliation seems possible, especially with United's need for his saves (he's made 100+ in the PL). If included, he'd anchor Cameroon's defense, but uncertainty persists.
Other Cameroon players like Newcastle's Allan Saint-Maximin (Winger, Age 27) have been called up but are not guaranteed spots due to competition. Saint-Maximin's PL goals (30+ career) could make him a squad option if Onana is out.
## Algeria: Mahrez's Legacy and Emerging Talents
Algeria, AFCON champions in 1990 and 2019, has seen Riyad Mahrez depart the PL for Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli, but other talents remain.
- **Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli, Winger, Age 33)**: Though no longer in the PL (he left Manchester City in 2023), Mahrez's AFCON pedigree is immense—he was Player of the Tournament in 2019. His 87 caps and 30 goals make him a likely inclusion, despite his move abroad. At Al-Ahli, he's continued scoring, and Algeria's coach Djamel Belmadi values his creativity. Expect him to feature prominently in Morocco.
- **Saïd Benrahma (Lyon, Winger, Age 29)**: Formerly of West Ham (PL until 2024), Benrahma has 20+ caps and scored in AFCON qualifiers. His dribbling and set-piece expertise could earn him a spot, though his Lyon form will be key.
- **Islam Slimani (Coritiba, Striker, Age 36)**: A veteran with 100 caps, Slimani's PL days at Leicester are behind him, but his experience might secure a role if needed.
Algeria's PL contingent is thin post-Mahrez, but they have depth from other leagues.
## Ivory Coast: Haller and Pépé Lead the Charge
Ivory Coast, AFCON winners in 1992, 2015, and 2023, boasts several PL stars, including Sébastien Haller and Nicolas Pépé.
- **Sébastien Haller (Newcastle, Striker, Age 30)**: After battling cancer and a move from Borussia Dortmund, Haller has revived his career at Newcastle. He scored 10 goals in 2023-24 PL and has 20+ caps for Ivory Coast, including AFCON 2023 appearances. His aerial ability and finishing make him a key forward. In 2024-25, early goals against Bournemouth signal strong form.
- **Nicolas Pépé (Arsenal, Winger, Age 29)**: A pacey winger with 40+ caps, Pépé scored in AFCON 2023 and has 50+ PL goals. Despite Arsenal's ups and downs, his dribbling could shine in Morocco. He's been a consistent call-up.
- **Maxwel Cornet (Southampton, Winger, Age 28)**: Cornet has 30+ caps and was part of the 2023 AFCON squad. His PL goals (20+ career) and pace make him a viable option, especially with Southampton's attacking style.
Ivory Coast's squad is stacked, with these PL players likely starters or key subs.
## Morocco: Amrabat and Ziyech's Influence
Morocco, AFCON finalists in 2023, has Sofyan Amrabat as a PL mainstay, with Hakim Ziyech potentially returning.
- **Sofyan Amrabat (Manchester United, Midfielder, Age 28)**: A defensive rock with 60+ caps, Amrabat was crucial in Morocco's 2022 World Cup run. At United, he's made 50+ appearances, showcasing tackling and passing. His AFCON 2023 performance (semi-finals) cements his spot.
- **Hakim Ziyech (Galatasaray, Winger, Age 31)**: No longer in the PL (left Chelsea in 2023), Ziyech has 60+ caps and was instrumental in 2022 World Cup. His creativity could make him a squad inclusion, despite his Turkish stint.
Morocco's PL ties are limited, but Amrabat is a cornerstone.
## Nigeria: Iwobi and Emerging Forces
Nigeria, AFCON winners in 1980, 1994, and 2013, has Fulham's Alex Iwobi as a key figure.
- **Alex Iwobi (Fulham, Midfielder, Age 28)**: With 70+ caps, Iwobi has scored in AFCON qualifiers and was in the 2018 squad. His PL assists (50+ career) and Fulham form make him likely for 2025.
Other Nigerians like Victor Osimhen (Napoli) and Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) are abroad, but Nigeria's depth ensures PL representation.
## Senegal: Mané's Absence and New Stars
Senegal, AFCON winners in 2021, has seen Sadio Mané leave the PL, but others like Chelsea's Édouard Mendy could feature.
- **Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahli, Goalkeeper, Age 32)**: Formerly Chelsea's PL star (100+ saves), Mendy has 30+ caps and won AFCON 2021. His Saudi move doesn't diminish his value.
- **Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City, Midfielder, Age 29)**: Though English-born, Phillips has Senegalese heritage and could be called up, but it's unlikely.
Senegal's PL links are fading, but Mendy is probable.
## Ghana: Partey and Ayew's Experience
Ghana, AFCON winners in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982, has Arsenal's Thomas Partey.
- **Thomas Partey (Arsenal, Midfielder, Age 31)**: A defensive midfielder with 50+ caps, Partey was in AFCON 2021. His PL tackles (100+ career) make him essential, despite injuries.
- **Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace, Forward, Age 33)**: Son of legend Abedi Pele, Ayew has 100+ caps and AFCON experience. His PL goals (50+) could earn a spot.
## South Africa: Tau and Bafana Bafana
South Africa, AFCON winners in 1996, has Percy Tau.
- **Percy Tau (Al-Ahli, Winger, Age 30)**: Formerly Brighton (PL until 2023), Tau has 40+ caps and AFCON 2019 goals. His pace is a threat.
## Tunisia: Mejbri's Potential
Tunisia, AFCON winners in 2004, has Manchester United's Hannibal Mejbri.
- **Hannibal Mejbri (Manchester United, Midfielder, Age 21)**: A young talent with 20+ caps, Mejbri's PL debut in 2023-24 shows promise. He could be a squad player.
## Other Nations and Predictions
Countries like Mali (with Chelsea's Malo Gusto, but he's French), Burkina Faso, and Guinea have PL players, but selections vary. For instance, Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny (Egypt) or Newcastle's Miguel Almirón (Paraguay, not African) aren't directly relevant.
In total, over 20 PL players could attend AFCON 2025, spanning 10+ nations. Factors like injuries (e.g., Partey's history) or form could alter this. The tournament's format (24 teams) ensures high stakes, with PL stars like Salah and Mbeumo poised to dominate headlines.
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