The Afcon gets underway in Morocco this weekend, with a host of the continent's top stars ready to battle it out for the right to be named the kings of Africa come the new year.
Much will be expected of Africa’s biggest stars heading into the tournament, with Mohamed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo, and Victor Osimhen all tipped to shine for their respective nations. However, this year’s Afcon will also see a number of the continent’s most exciting young talents strutting their stuff on the world stage - including a teenage sensation tipped to be the next Kylian Mbappe.
With the opening game between Morocco and the Comoros just hours away, we look at 11 players aged 21 who are tipped to make their mark at this year’s Afcon tournament.
Here are the 11 young players we are tipping to make a name for themselves at the Afcon 2025:
1. Ibrahim Maza - Algeria
The 20-year-old is a regular starter for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, and has performed well in the Champions League for the German giants this season. Technically gifted, the midfielder rose to prominence with Hertha BSC last season. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
2. Chemsdine Talbi - Morocco
The Sunderland youngster is one of Morocco's top rated youngsters, having already made his mark in the Champions League last season with Club Brugge prior to his £19million move to the English Premier League. Already scored against Chelsea and Liverpool this season, and will want to ensure he shines for his country at the tournament. | Chris Fryatt Photo: Chris Fryatt
3. Ibrahim Mbaye - Senegal
One of the youngest players at the tournament at 17, Mbaye has been labelled as the potential next Kylian Mbappe following his rise to prominence with Paris Saint-Germain. He has explosive pace and an eye for goal, as shown by his strike in the 8-0 mauling of Kenya in November - a strike which helped him become Senegal's youngest ever goal-scorer. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. Mohau Nkota - South Africa
One of South Africa's most promising young talents, the 21-year-old has made his mark in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq this season. An explosive dribbler, Nkota is goal threat from the wings, and has already scored two goals in just seven international games for Bafana Bafana. | AFP via Getty Images