The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco delivered world-class football, amazing goals, and incredible individual performances.
The tournament ended on Sunday, January 18, 2026, and football statistics platform WhoScored released its ranking of the top 10 players at the competition. The list highlights the footballers who shaped matches and drove results for their countries.
Unsurprisingly, Nigeria led the way with four Super Eagles stars ranked among the tournament’s top ten best players. Below is a detailed breakdown of the 10 highest-rated players at AFCON 2025. 
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Top 10 Best Players at AFCON 2025
1. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – Rating: 8.81
Ademola Lookman tops the AFCON 2025 best players’ chart with an outstanding 8.81 rating, making him the most influential player in the tournament so far.
He was Nigeria’s game-changer at AFCON 2025, as he combined pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing whenever he was on the pitch. He consistently stretched defenses, created space for teammates, and delivered in decisive moments.
2. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Rating: 8.23
Egypt captain, Mohamed Salah ranks second with a rating of 8.23, once again proving why he remains one of Africa’s most reliable stars.
Salah carried Egypt’s attack with goals, assists, and leadership, especially in tight matches. His ability to create chances under pressure and influence games from wide areas has been key to Egypt’s progression even into the semi-final stages.
3. Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Rating: 7.82
Senegal forward Sadio Mané sits third on the list with a 7.82 rating, showcasing his experience and big-game mentality.
Mané drove Senegal’s attack and transition play with direct runs, relentless pressing, and decisive goals. He also led from the front, steadying the team during difficult moments, particularly against disciplined opponents, before guiding them all the way to lifting the trophy.
4. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Rating: 7.61
Victor Osimhen ranks fourth with a 7.61 rating, underlining his importance to the Super Eagles.
The Galatasaray striker dominated defenders with his physical presence, strength, and relentless pressing. Even in games where he does not score, Osimhen’s movement opens up space for Nigeria’s wide attackers, and his influence is clearly beyond goals.
5. Akor Adams (Nigeria) – Rating: 7.59
Akor Adams has been one of Nigeria’s breakout performers, ranking fifth with a 7.59 rating.
The striker has impressed with his direct attacking play, intelligent positioning, and ability to link midfield with attack. Adams’ energy has been particularly useful against compact defensive sides, giving Nigeria another reliable attacking option.
His rise has been one of AFCON 2025’s quiet success stories.
6. Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria) – Rating: 7.59
Nigeria’s captain, Wilfred Ndidi also records a 7.59 rating, matching Akor Adams.
Ndidi anchored Nigeria’s midfield with tactical discipline, ball recovery, and defensive awareness. He breaks up opposition play efficiently and provides protection for the back line, allowing creative players to flourish.
His leadership has been central to Nigeria’s balance and control.
7. Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast) – Rating: 7.58
Yan Diomande claims seventh place with a 7.58 rating after delivering consistent performances for Ivory Coast. He influenced games with his energy, positional awareness, and ability to link play effectively, making him a reliable presence throughout the tournament.
8. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – Rating: 7.55
Algeria captain, Riyad Mahrez ranks eighth with a 7.55 rating, once again showcasing his class on the continental stage. Mahrez dictated play from wide areas, created chances with precision, and provided leadership that kept Algeria competitive in high-pressure matches.
9. Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) – Rating: 7.54
Amad Diallo takes ninth place with a 7.54 rating, rewarding Ivory Coast with creativity and attacking intent. He stretched defenses, took on defenders with confidence, and contributed decisively in the final third when his team needed inspiration.
10. Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – Rating: 7.54
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz completes the top ten, also recording a 7.54 rating. He impressed with sharp movement, technical quality, and intelligent decision-making, playing a key role in Morocco’s attacking build-up throughout AFCON 2025.
With Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Wilfred Ndidi all ranked among the top ten, Nigeria placed more players on the list than any other nation.
However, Senegal ultimately lifted the AFCON trophy as the tournament drew to a close and brought an unforgettable championship to its end.
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