As African football continues to shine on the global stage, a crop of 10 Best African players are making waves in the world’s top leagues. These athletes, majorly drawn from the CAF Awards’ Best XI and beyond, have consistently delivered impressive performances for their clubs and countries.
The African continent continues to produce exceptional talent, and 2025 promises to be a defining year for several players who shone at the last CAF Awards. Drawn primarily from CAF’s 2024 Best XI, these 10 African players have demonstrated immense skill, versatility, and influence at both club and national levels.
Below, we delve into the 10 Best African players to watch in 2025, with emphasis on their unique strengths and why they deserve the spotlight. Walk with us!
10 Best African Players To Watch Out For
André Onana (Cameroon/Manchester United)
Easily the most controversial of this list, and rightfully so, André Onana has redefined the modern goalkeeper’s role with his exemplary ball-playing ability, although this has come at a considerable cost to his goal keeping. Currently at Manchester United, Onana combines traditional shot-stopping with modern distribution skills, making him an integral part of the team. His bravery in and outside the box have been critical in several of United’s successes. Known for his composure under pressure, Onana thrives in high-stakes moments, delivering clutch performances in both the Premier League and Champions League. As a consistent performer for club and country, he remains one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, setting a benchmark for future generations.
However, his handling needs more work as he is known to sometimes fumble the ball rather than catching them.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain)
Achraf Hakimi is not just a defender but a relentless attacking outlet for Paris Saint-Germain. Known for his blistering pace, he provides width and creativity on the right flank, often functioning as a winger in PSG’s setup. His crossing ability, tactical awareness, and penchant for scoring crucial goals make him indispensable. Hakimi’s consistency at club level is matched by his heroics for Morocco, where his performances during the 2022 World Cup and the subsequent AFCON qualifiers cemented his status as one of Africa’s top talents of the 21st century.
Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal/Al Hilal)
Kalidou Koulibaly has seamlessly transitioned to Al Hilal after years of dominating European football with Napoli and Chelsea. His towering presence in defense, excellent positioning, and strength in aerial duels make him one of the best defenders in the world. Koulibaly’s leadership extends beyond the pitch, as he has been a role model for young African players. At Al Hilal, his defensive acumen has been pivotal in their domestic and continental success, and he remains a key figure for Senegal’s national team.
Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo/Marseille)
Chancel Mbemba has emerged as a stalwart for Marseille, thanks to his versatility and defensive reliability. He is known for his ability to read the game, execute precise tackles, and dominate in the air. Whether deployed as a center-back or a full-back, Mbemba’s adaptability has made him indispensable. His leadership qualities, honed through years of experience in Europe, are evident in his performances for DR Congo, where he remains a cornerstone of the national team.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana/West Ham United)
At just 23, Mohammed Kudus has taken the Premier League by storm with his dazzling displays for West Ham United. A versatile midfielder who can play as a number 10 or a winger, Kudus is known for his close control, powerful shots, and ability to glide past defenders with flair. His goal-scoring prowess, evident during his time at Ajax, has translated seamlessly to West Ham, where he has become a fan favorite. His performances for Ghana have been equally impressive, equally solidifying his status as one of the brightest talents in African football.
Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco/Fenerbache)
Sofyan Amrabat is a midfield enforcer who thrives in breaking up opposition play and initiating counter-attacks. At Fenerbache, his work rate and ability to control the tempo of the game have been crucial in big matches. Amrabat’s standout performances for Morocco, particularly during the 2022 World Cup, showcased his resilience and tactical intelligence. His relentless energy and ability to cover ground make him a formidable presence in midfield, and he remains a key player for both club and country, little wonder why Manchester United were willing to have him last season, even on loan.
Franck Kessié (Ivory Coast/Al Ahli)
Franck Kessié epitomizes the modern box-to-box midfielder with his blend of physicality and technical skill. At Al Ahli, he has added stability to the midfield, contributing with goals, assists, and defensive solidity. Kessié’s passing range and ability to dictate play make him a standout performer. For Ivory Coast, he remains a talismanic figure, often stepping up in crucial moments. As Al Ahli competes in the Saudi Pro League, Kessié’s performances are expected to elevate the team’s stature.
Yves Bissouma (Mali/Tottenham Hotspur)
Yves Bissouma has been a revelation for Tottenham Hotspur, anchoring their midfield with authority. His exceptional ball retention, vision, and defensive contributions have been instrumental in Spurs’ resurgence. Bissouma’s calmness under pressure and ability to dictate the pace of the game have made him one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders. His contributions to Mali’s national team further underscore his importance as a leader and a key player to watch.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah remains the gold standard for African forwards. At Liverpool, Salah continues to break records, combining speed, skill, and clinical finishing to devastating effect. His ability to score in high-pressure situations, coupled with his leadership on and off the pitch, has made him a global icon, while placing his name among Balon D’Or contenders almost every season. Salah’s influence extends beyond the Premier League, as he remains the driving force behind Egypt’s national team, inspiring the next generation of African players.
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria/Atalanta)
Ademola Lookman has been a revelation for Atalanta, using his agility, creativity, and finishing ability to great effect. Operating as a winger or a forward, Lookman’s ability to take on defenders and deliver decisive contributions has made him a standout performer in Serie A and European competitions. His performances for Nigeria have been equally impressive, and he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting forwards in African football, reflected by his best player award at the last CAF Awards.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray)
Victor Osimhen is a complete striker who has taken his talents to Galatasaray, where he is on loan from Napoli. Known for his strength, speed, and lethal finishing, Osimhen has been a consistent goal-scorer across all competitions. His ability to link up with teammates and dominate in the air makes him a nightmare for defenders. Osimhen’s performances for Nigeria have cemented his reputation as one of the best strikers in the world, coupled with the fact that he has done it across various leagues; Turkey, Italy, France…
Additional Players
Omar Marmoush (Egypt/Manchester City)
Omar Marmoush’s move to Manchester City presents a golden opportunity to develop under Pep Guardiola. A versatile forward, Marmoush combines technical skill with tactical intelligence, making him a valuable asset in City’s attacking rotations. As he adapts to Guardiola’s system, Marmoush is expected to become a more prolific scorer just like he was at Eintracht Frankfurt, and a key player for Egypt’s national team.
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast/Manchester United)
Amad Diallo’s creative flair and eye for goal have made him a standout talent. Now at Manchester United, Diallo is poised to play a crucial role under Rúben Amorim as opposed to his peripheral role under Erik Ten Hag. His ability to unlock defenses with his dribbling and vision, combined with his knack for scoring crucial goals, makes him one of Africa’s most promising young players.
The rise of these 10 African players is a testament to Africa’s growing influence in global football. From goalkeepers like André Onana setting the bar for modern shot-stoppers to forwards like Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen redefining attacking play, African talent is proving indispensable across all positions on the field. These players not only shine for their respective clubs but also elevate the standards of their national teams, inspiring millions across the continent.
As the 2025 season unfolds, these players will continue to shape narratives in their respective leagues and competitions. Whether it’s André Onana’s heroics in the Champions League, Victor Osimhen’s dominance in the Turkish Super Lig, or Mohammed Kudus dazzling in the Premier League, their contributions will resonate far beyond the pitch.
