Top Premier League Stars Expected to Shine at AFCON 2025

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaching, numerous Premier League players are set to depart for the tournament.

Over 40 players from the Premier League are expected to participate in the mid-season event, scheduled from December 21st to January 18th, 2026.

Before the official squad announcements, we highlight some of the key Premier League figures ready for action.

AFCON: Key Premier League Players Headed for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah leads the charge for Egypt as they gear up for the tournament. The Liverpool winger has yet to claim an AFCON title, finishing as runner-up in 2017 and 2021.

The seven-time champions are eager to break a 16-year title drought. Salah is vital to their ambitions, having netted 63 goals in 109 appearances for The Pharaohs. After a slow start to the season with Liverpool, this new environment could reignite his form as the reigning PFA Player of the Year.

However, Liverpool may face a tough challenge without Salah during key fixtures against teams like Tottenham and Arsenal.

Alongside him will be Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush in the Egyptian squad.

Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)

Bryan Mbeumo has started strong at Manchester United following his £72m transfer from Brentford this summer.

As the club's leading scorer this season (6), his departure for national duty will pose a significant setback for Ruben Amorim, who will also miss Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui.

With Benjamin Sesko injured, Mbeumo's absence leaves the Red Devils short-handed up front.

Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)

Joining Mbeumo for Cameroon is Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who was valued at £100m in the summer, representing the latest impressive defensive midfielder from Brighton.

He aims to make a significant impact on the tournament with his national team.

Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)

Senegal emerges as one of the favorites for the tournament, having qualified unbeaten.

The forward line includes former Liverpool player Sadio Mane, Bayern Munich's Nicolas Jackson, Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr, and Everton's Iliman Ndiaye.

Ndiaye has quickly become a fan favorite at Hill Dickinson Stadium, known for his capacity to create opportunities in the attacking zone.

He is the leading scorer for Everton this season (4), presenting a concern for David Moyes given the team's other forwards are struggling. Idrissa Gueye will also join the Senegal squad.

Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)

Sunderland will be heavily affected, with seven players set to play for their countries at AFCON 2025. Among them is Noah Sadiki, whose energetic performance has been a highlight for Sunderland this season.

The 20-year-old, signed in the summer, has excelled and will join a DR Congo side that should be considered dark horses, having achieved their first World Cup qualification by overcoming powerhouses Cameroon and Nigeria in the playoffs.

Sadiki will be accompanied in the DR Congo squad by Sunderland teammate Arthur Masuaku, Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe, and West Ham full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, though Newcastle's Yoane Wissa misses out due to injury.

Read – Iconic Performances: Luis Suarez humiliates Norwich with four-goal haul

See more – The Premier League teams set to be most impacted by AFCON

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