5 Breakout Young Stars at AFCON 2025

With so much talent on display at AFCON 2025, we break down some of the top young performers that may very well be the stars of the future. 

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has given us so many memorable moments, as is typical of the continent’s premier international showcase. We’ve had thrills, spills and most certainly controversy everywhere you look, and above all else, the football has been a joy to behold. It’s always been a star-studded tournament, but even more so a tournament that unearths future superstars and hidden gems. This year has been no different.

Everyone likes to get on the ground floor of the next big thing. Whether it be fashion trends, music artists, or investing, being the first to know about breakthrough phenomenons is a great feeling. Could you imagine if you had put some money into Bitcoin or Etherium 10 years ago? ERC20 tokens are still gaining value, and you’d be set for life.

Taking that feeling into football, big international tournaments often are the springboards for young footballers to make breakthroughs of their own. With AFCON nearing its conclusion, it’s as good a time as any to have a look at some of the standouts throughout.

Ibrahim Maza, Algeria, 20, Attacking Midfielder

With six goals and assists in his last eight games for Bayer Leverkusen, Ibrahim Maza entered a great vein of form in perfect timing for Algeria, and boy did he keep it going.

He began the tournament as a substitute for Algeria’s opening game against Sudan, and after being introduced on the hour mark, he impressed massively with his eye for a pass, then grabbed a goal on his AFCON debut with a real poacher’s finish.

The former Germany U20 international earned a spot in the starting XI for Algeria’s second game and didn’t look back. In his first start of the tournament, he produced a MOTM performance and looked like a constant threat. He saved his best for the last group stage game, though, with a lovely assist for Algeria’s second goal followed by a clinical header to kill the game off. It was a performance that made fans sit up and take notice.

Maza possesses that signature silky smooth technical ability that all great Algerian players boast, and he’s already beginning to add a consistent end product to his game. Algeria weren’t able to make a run at the trophy this year, but they’ve found themselves their heir to Riyad Mahrez, and he’ll be lighting up the continent for years to come.

Christian Kofane, Cameroon, 19, Striker

A teammate of Maza at Leverkusen, Christian Kofane made his Cameroonian debut at this year’s tournament, and the 19-year-old gave Indomitable Lion fans so much to savor.

He burst onto the scene with Spain’s second-tier side Albacete last season and earned himself a move to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, where he hit the ground running. A host of impressive performances, including a goal in his club debut, earned him a spot on Cameroon’s AFCON roster, and he certainly made the most of his chance.

Kofane began the tournament slowly, but in his second match against Mozambique, he was a constant threat and showed exactly why so many tout his potential. His winning goal was a bolt from the blue after a performance that saw him thwarted on many occasions, and the rocket from just outside the box may have a shout for goal of the tournament.

Kofane followed that stunner up with another match-winning goal, a very well taken header, in the round of 16 against South Africa. He showed great movement and pace to get on the end of the cross, and it was the type of header a 29-year-old striker would be proud of, much less a 19-year-old.

If he’s properly nurtured, we could see the next great African marksman develop before our eyes.

Yan Diomande, Côte d’Ivoire, 19, Winger

He’s one of football’s biggest rising stars, and Yan Diomande showed exactly why during his debut AFCON campaign.

He formed a terrifying wing duo with Amad Diallo, and while the Manchester United man grabbed many of the headlines with his goals and MOTM awards, Diomande’s performances were stellar all tournament.

He only scored one goal, but his electrifying pace, frightening one-on-one ability, and tireless work ethic caught the eye in every game he played. His athletic profile is incredible, which makes it no surprise to see him thriving in a system as demanding as RB Leipzig’s. The main critique will be that his end product still needs to come along, but the all-around game of Diomande is promising to say the very least.

Ivory Coast were knocked out by Egypt, so unfortunately for Diomande, he’s on his way back to Germany. You heard it here though, do not be surprised if Europe’s elite come knocking in the summer.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, South Africa, 20, Center Back

Defenders deserve some love, too, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi gave a very good account of himself in South Africa’s campaign.

His signature performance came in a narrow 1-0 loss to Egypt, where for much of the game he was tasked with dealing with Mo Salah, a job that he handled more than admirably. He won all eight of his ground duels, made numerous recoveries and tackles, all while not being dribbled past once.

Mbokazi is strong in the tackle, aggressive in his duels, and boasts a wonderful range of passes in his locker. His comfort and technical security on the ball is also a sight to behold. A proper modern center back with all the composure of a seasoned veteran at the heart of defense.

Despite comments from Bafana Bafana’s coach, Hugo Broos, saying he should be going to play football in Europe, Mbokazi is on his way to MLS and will be plying his trade for the Chicago Fire next season — a move which doesn’t bode well for the league’s attackers.

Ibrahim Mbaye, Senegal, 17, Winger

Despite being only 17, Ibrahim Mbaye has got bucketloads of experience since his PSG breakthrough in 2024, and he was probably the youngster that most fans had their eye on entering the tournament. Unfortunately for Mbaye, he’s a member of what’s probably the most stacked team in the tournament and has had to settle for only substitute appearances thus far. Fortunately for Senegal, though, Mbaye has made the most of the time he’s been given.

Possessing all the technical prowess you’d expect of a PSG academy graduate, Mbaye is the perfect option for the Teranga Lions against tired legs, and he showed it especially in their clash with DR Congo. Senegal trailed 1-0 upon his introduction, but he immediately made his mark with a slaloming run through the heart of the Congolese team and a shot at goal that could only be parried into Sadio Mane’s feet for an easy tap-in. It was everything fans would’ve wanted to see from him in a short burst: silky smooth dribbling, strength to plow through challenges, and an eye for goal as well.

Mbaye went on to become AFCON’s youngest goalscorer of the 21st century at just 17 years, 11 months, and 10 days when he grabbed the third goal of Senegal’s 3-1 win over Sudan in the round of 16. It was a special goal from a special player, and PSG’s young attacker will be a huge part of the effort if Senegal are to achieve AFCON glory.