The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, which will take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, promises to be an exciting tournament. With the best of African football on display, the competition will feature 24 teams, and numerous Premier League players have been called up to represent their countries. Below, we delve into which Premier League stars will be heading to AFCON 2025 and the key players from England’s top flight who will be missing the tournament.
Arsenal
Arsenal will have several prominent players representing their countries:
- Mohamed Elneny (Egypt) – A key defensive midfielder for Egypt, Elneny will play a crucial role in AFCON 2025, bringing his experience to the squad.
- William Saliba (France) – Although France did not qualify for AFCON 2025, Saliba remains a key figure at Arsenal and is a future candidate for France‘s top tournaments.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa players will make a strong impact at AFCON 2025:
- Boubacar Kamara (France) – Kamara has been a standout performer for Aston Villa this season. His versatility will be crucial for France in the tournament.
- Emiliano Buendía (Argentina) – Buendía’s creativity will be key for Argentina as they compete for the title in AFCON 2025.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth has a smaller contingent, but they still have important players:
- Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso) – Ouattara’s attacking talent will be vital for Burkina Faso in their quest for success in AFCON 2025.
- Philip Billing (Denmark) – Billing, a consistent force in midfield for Bournemouth, will represent Denmark.
Brentford
Brentford has two significant names heading to AFCON 2025:
- Frank Onyeka (Nigeria) – Onyeka’s strength and energy will help bolster Nigeria’s midfield as they aim for glory in AFCON 2025.
- Ivan Toney (England) – Toney’s impressive form has not been enough to secure a spot in England‘s AFCON team, but he remains a key player for Brentford.
Chelsea
Chelsea will have several high-profile players at AFCON 2025:
- Hakim Ziyech (Morocco) – Ziyech is a vital creative force for Morocco and will play an essential role in their attack during the tournament.
- Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal) – Koulibaly’s defensive leadership will be crucial for Senegal in their campaign for AFCON success.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace is represented by several top talents:
- Ismaila Sarr (Senegal) – Sarr’s speed and ability to unlock defences will be vital for Senegal during AFCON 2025.
Everton
Everton will see two key players heading to AFCON 2025:
- Idrissa Gueye (Senegal) – Gueye’s combative style in midfield makes him indispensable for Senegal.
- Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal) – Ndiaye’s attacking flair will also play a significant role in Senegal’s bid for the title.
Fulham
Fulham will be well-represented in AFCON 2025:
- Calvin Bassey (Nigeria) – Bassey’s defensive strength and versatility will help Nigeria maintain their competitive edge.
- Alex Iwobi (Nigeria) – Iwobi’s creativity and work rate will be crucial for Nigeria as they aim to go deep into the tournament.
Liverpool
Liverpool will see one of the biggest names in world football represent his country:
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Salah, one of the best players in the world, will lead Egypt’s charge in AFCON 2025, hoping to guide them to success on home soil.
Manchester City
Manchester City will have two players heading to AFCON 2025:
- Omar Marmoush (Egypt) – Marmoush is a talented forward who will be looking to make a mark for Egypt in this year’s tournament.
- Rayan Ait-Nouri (Algeria) – Ait-Nouri’s defensive abilities will be important for Algeria in their pursuit of glory.
Manchester United
Manchester United’s African contingent will play pivotal roles:
- Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) – Mbeumo will be an attacking threat for Cameroon in AFCON 2025.
- Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) – Diallo will provide speed and creativity for Ivory Coast as they aim to make a deep run in the competition.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest players will also be heading to AFCON 2025:
- Willy Boly (Ivory Coast) – Boly’s defensive strength will be crucial for Ivory Coast.
- Ibrahim Sangare (Ivory Coast) – Sangare’s presence in midfield will provide the platform for Ivory Coast to perform well.
Sunderland
Sunderland will see a few of their players represent their countries:
- Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso) – Traore’s experience and flair will be important for Burkina Faso in AFCON 2025.
- Noah Sadiki (DR Congo) – Sadiki’s energy and dynamism in midfield will be crucial for DR Congo.
- Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo) – Masuaku’s defensive contributions will also be vital for DR Congo.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur has some key players in the tournament:
- Yves Bissouma (Mali) – Bissouma’s leadership in midfield will be important for Mali.
- Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal) – Sarr’s versatility and work ethic will help Senegal throughout the tournament.
West Ham United
West Ham United will see two players head to AFCON 2025:
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo) – Wan-Bissaka’s defensive skills will be crucial for DR Congo.
- El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal) – Diouf’s defensive solidity will play a key role for Senegal.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers will contribute a few important players:
- Emmanuel Agbadou (Ivory Coast) – Agbadou’s defensive contributions will be key for Ivory Coast.
- Tawanda Chirewa (Zimbabwe) – Chirewa’s flair and attacking instincts will be crucial for Zimbabwe in AFCON 2025.
Players Not Called Up
While many Premier League stars have made their way to AFCON 2025, some notable players have not been selected. These absences are often due to injuries or other factors. Players like Cheick Doucoure (Crystal Palace), Chadi Riad (Brighton), and Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest) will miss out on the tournament due to injuries.
As AFCON 2025 approaches, the Premier League will have significant representation, with numerous stars set to showcase their talent on the international stage. The tournament promises to bring some thrilling football, and many of the Premier League‘s finest players will be hoping to guide their countries to glory. With high expectations and fierce competition, AFCON 2025 will certainly be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent memory.
