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:
9. Carlos Baleba - Cameroon
Linked with a £100million move to Manchester United last season, the 21-year-old enforcer needs no introduction. The Brighton midfielder has often been compared to N'Golo Kanté due to his ability to break up play and distribute effectively. He’s known for producing line-breaking passes from deep. Hardly an unknown quantity, but as one of the world's most talented young stars, he cannot be omitted from this list. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
10. Benjamin Frederick - Nigeria
Still just 20 years old, the Brentford centre-back has risen to prominence on loan at Belgian Pro League outfit Dender this season. While he still has room to grow, the athletic 6ft 2in defender clearly has talent, and will hope to use the AFCON to introduce himself on the global stage. | BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
11. Lamine Camara - Senegal
Last but certainly not least is this 21-year-old box-to-box midfielder, who was named the 2024 CAF Young Player of the Year. A regular in midfield for AS Monaco, he's already a key player for his national side with 34 caps to his name despite his tender years. Versatile, dynamic, and tenacious, Camara is an intelligent midfielder who can dictate the engine room. | AFP via Getty Images