10 Best Young Players to Watch Out for at AFCON 2025

Lamine Camara, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Adam Aznou are some of the best young players that will grace Africa’s biggest football competition taking place in Morocco.

As the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 approaches, football fans across the continent and beyond are eagerly anticipating a tournament filled with excitement, passion, and raw talent.

While seasoned professionals like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Riyad Mahrez might dominate the headlines, a new generation of young stars is ready to shine on the big stage.

Among the many stars set to light up the competition, a new generation of young players is emerging, ready to make their mark on the grand stage. From dynamic midfielders to lethal forwards, these under-21 players are poised to be game-changers for their national teams.

In this article, we highlight the 10 best young players to watch out for at AFCON 2025. Get ready to witness the future of African football.

1. Adam Aznou (Morocco)

• Age: 18
• Position: Left-back
• Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)

Adam Aznou is a name rapidly gaining traction in European and African football circles. The 18-year-old left-back has already showcased his exceptional defensive abilities and attacking instincts with Bayern Munich’s youth teams. His standout performance in Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Lesotho, where he earned the Man of the Match award, cemented his status as a rising star.

Aznou’s pace, tactical intelligence, and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses make him a vital asset for Morocco in Group A. His impressive debut in international football suggests he will be a key player for the Atlas Lions in their AFCON 2025 campaign.

2. Lamine Camara (Senegal)

• Age: 20
• Position: Midfielder
• Club: AS Monaco (France)

Lamine Camara is already regarded as one of the brightest young midfielders in African football. After being named the Best Young Player at the CAF Awards in 2024, Camara secured a move to AS Monaco, where he continues to develop his game.

Known for his composure on the ball, tactical awareness, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches, Camara is expected to be a lynchpin for Senegal’s midfield. His leadership and versatility will be crucial as the Teranga Lions will want to top Group D in their quest for AFCON glory.

3. Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast)

• Age: 20
• Position: Forward
• Club: Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)

If there’s one player you can bet on to find the back of the net, it’s Karim Konaté. The Ivorian forward has been in scintillating form for Red Bull Salzburg, where he has consistently demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess.

Konaté’s speed, finishing ability, and sharp instincts in the box make him a nightmare for defenders. With AFCON 2025 fast approaching, Ivory Coast will look to Konaté to lead their attacking charge as they seek to retain their title by successfully navigating Group F and making a run to the final.

4. Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)

• Age: 19
• Position: Midfielder
• Club: Hertha Berlin (Germany)

Ibrahim Maza is a technically gifted midfielder with an eye for creating opportunities. The Algerian youngster has impressed with his performances for Hertha Berlin, where his vision and passing accuracy have stood out.

After failing to make it out of the group stage in the last edition of this tournament, Algeria will be looking to make amends for their disappointing show and at least make it out of Group E.

Maza’s ability to control the midfield and make incisive passes will be pivotal for Algeria. Expect him to pull the strings in midfield and provide the creative spark that could propel the Desert Foxes deep into the tournament.

5. Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)

• Age: 20
• Position: Defender
• Club: RSC Anderlecht (Belgium)

Noah Sadiki is a rock at the back for both club and country. Although he was born in Brussels, the talented defender chose to represent DR Congo and has quickly established himself as a reliable presence in defense.

Sadiki’s physical strength, aerial ability, and composure under pressure make him a key player for DR Congo. With AFCON 2025 on the horizon, Sadiki will be tasked with keeping some of the continent’s best attackers at bay and helping the DR Congo to qualify from Group D.

6. Wilfried Nathan Douala (Cameroon)

• Age: 17
• Position: Midfielder
• Club: Victoria United (Cameroon)

Despite his young age, Wilfried Nathan Douala has already made a name for himself in Cameroonian football. The 17-year-old midfielder is known for his technical prowess, vision, and ability to control the tempo of matches.

Douala’s performances in the domestic league have earned him a call-up to the national team, where he is expected to be a key figure. His composure and maturity beyond his years make him one to watch at AFCON 2025.

Also, Douala will be hoping his country qualifies from Group F and makes a deep run in the competition, giving him more opportunity to showcase his talent in the continental showpiece.

7. Eliesse Ben Seghir (Morocco)

• Age: 18
• Position: Attacking Midfielder/Forward
• Club: AS Monaco (France)

The second Moroccan on our list, Eliesse Ben Seghir is a creative force in the attacking third. The AS Monaco starlet is known for his dribbling ability, vision, and knack for scoring crucial goals. Ben Seghir has already shown glimpses of his immense talent in Ligue 1.

For Morocco, Ben Seghir provides versatility and creativity, making him a potential game-changer. His ability to unlock defenses will be crucial as the Atlas Lions aim to qualify from Group A and make a deep run in the tournament.

8. Anis Hadj Moussa (Tunisia)

• Age: 20
• Position: Midfielder
• Club: Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)

In Group C we have Anis Hadj Moussa; the young starlet has been a standout performer in the Tunisian league, earning a reputation as a technically gifted playmaker. His vision, passing accuracy, and ability to read the game make him a vital asset for Tunisia.

With AFCON 2025 on the horizon, Moussa will be looking to showcase his talents on the international stage. His ability to control the midfield and create chances will be pivotal for Tunisia’s success.

9. Pape Demba Diop (Senegal)

• Age: 20
• Position: Midfielder
• Club: Zulte Waregem (Belgium)

In Group D, Senegal has another starlet to watch out for, Pape Demba Diop. He is a dynamic midfielder known for his box-to-box capabilities. The Senegalese youngster has impressed with his performances in Belgium, where his energy and work rate have made him a fan favorite.

Diop’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a key player for Senegal. His tenacity and determination will be crucial as the Teranga Lions aim for AFCON glory.

10. Abakar Sylla (Ivory Coast)

• Age: 20
• Position: Defender
• Club: Strasbourg (France)

Abakar Sylla is a physically commanding and intelligent center-back. The Ivorian defender has been a standout performer for Strasbourg in Ligue 1, where his defensive prowess has earned him plaudits.

Sylla’s ability to read the game, win aerial duels, and make crucial tackles will be vital for Ivory Coast’s defense. As the Elephants seek to make their mark at AFCON 2025, Sylla will be a key figure.

Conclusion

AFCON 2025 promises to be a thrilling tournament filled with unforgettable moments and breakout performances. These 10 young players under the age of 21 are set to be at the heart of the action, showcasing their immense talent and potential on the continental stage.

As you follow the tournament, keep an eye on these rising stars—the future of African football is bright, and it’s only just beginning.