The curtain has fallen on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but the brilliance, drama and individual excellence displayed across the month-long spectacle in Morocco remain firmly etched in the memory.
AFCON 2025 once again underlined Africa’s status as one of world football’s most fertile talent pools, blending proven elite performers with emerging stars who seized their moment on the continental stage.
From match-winning goals to commanding defensive displays and midfield dominance, several players consistently shaped outcomes, lifted team performances and ignited passion among fans across the continent.
Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU presents the 10 standout stars whose performances defined AFCON 2025.
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Mané’s influence and leadership were instrumental in steering the Teranga Lions to their second AFCON crown in Morocco.
The former Liverpool forward registered two goals and four assists for Pape Thiaw’s side and was deservedly named Player of the Tournament.
Brahim Diaz (Morocco)
The Real Madrid star finished as the competition’s top scorer with five goals, becoming the first Moroccan to score in five consecutive AFCON matches.
The 26-year-old was a key attacking threat for the Atlas Lions throughout the tournament, although he missed a crucial penalty in Morocco’s final defeat to Senegal.
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Lookman was named Best Playmaker of the Tournament by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with his creativity and finishing playing a vital role in Nigeria’s high-scoring campaign.
The Atalanta forward registered three goals and four assists in six appearances for the Super Eagles at the AFCON 2025 finals.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Osimhen scored four goals for Nigeria during the tournament and consistently troubled opposition defences.
After a below-par outing at AFCON 2023, where he netted just once in seven appearances, the 27-year-old reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s best strikers. He also earned a place in the CAF Team of the Tournament.
Read Also:I Was Scared When Chukwueze Was About Taking Penalty Against Morocco –Akide
Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)
The Everton midfielder was the engine room of Senegal’s side, providing balance, discipline and control throughout the tournament.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star captained the Teranga Lions in the final against Morocco, stepping in for the injured Kalidou Koulibaly and delivering an exceptional performance.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
The Atlas Lions captain missed the entire group stage through injury but returned in the Round of 16 clash against Tanzania.
The right-back was outstanding both defensively and offensively and played a key role in Morocco’s run to the final.
Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)
Bassey anchored Nigeria’s defence with composure and authority in Morocco, forming a solid partnership with Semi Ajayi.
The Fulham centre-back was undoubtedly one of the standout defenders at the tournament.
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Mazraoui was a consistent performer for Walid Regragui’s side, blending defensive solidity with attacking support.
The Manchester United defender played a vital role in Morocco’s impressive campaign.
Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
Bounou finished the tournament with the highest number of clean sheets (five) and recorded one of the best save percentages.
The goalkeeper was decisive in Morocco’s hard-earned semi-final victory over Nigeria, saving twice in the penalty shoot-out. The 34-year-old was duly named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Pape Gueye (Senegal)
The 26-year-old scored the winning goal in the final to seal Senegal’s second AFCON title.
Gueye, who represented France at youth level before switching allegiance in 2022, scored three goals in six appearances for the Teranga Lions in Morocco.
