Over the next few weeks, Africa will be buzzing with excitement for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Beyond the honor of representing their country, the competition will be a showcase for the continent's footballers. Whether they're newcomers, seasoned veterans, in top form, or struggling at club level, several players will be under particular scrutiny during the tournament. Here are 10 players to watch closely.

Mohamed Amoura (Algeria / Wolfsburg)

Having had little impact during the last Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Mohamed Amoura has since become a key player for Algeria. The Wolfsburg striker, top scorer in World Cup qualifying with 10 goals (plus 4 assists), will need to make his mark at the AFCON to solidify his new status with the Fennecs. He will also have to help his team break their "curse." Indeed, since their victory in 2019, Algeria has been eliminated in the group stage, first in Cameroon and then in Ivory Coast.

Mamadou Sangaré (Mali / Lens)

Among defensive midfielders in Ligue 1 this season, there's Mamadou Sangaré and then there's everyone else. Signed from Rapid Vienna at the start of the season, the Malian has literally established himself in the Lens midfield. In Ligue 1, no player makes more tackles than the Malian, who has become an essential part of winning back possession and building attacks. If Lens are currently top of the French league, the 23-year-old has played a major role in their success.

Tadiwa Chakuchichi (Zimbabwe/Scottland FC)

At 16, Chakuchichi will be the youngest player at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. But don't be fooled by his age, the Zimbabwean prodigy already combines power and technical finesse on the left flank of the Warriors.

Ibrahima Mbaye (Senegal / PSG)

The 17-year-old had a breakout season last year and is confirming his talent this season despite stiff competition at PSG. Fresh from winning the Intercontinental Cup with the Parisians, he arrives quietly to play in his first Africa Cup of Nations.

Karl Etta Eyong (Cameroon / Levante)

Nicknamed the "new Samuel Eto'o," the Villarreal player on loan to Levante will be tasked with leading the Cameroonian attack during the Africa Cup of Nations. Powerful and highly technical, Etta Eyong will do everything he can to follow in his idol's footsteps.

Luca Zidane (Algeria / Granada)

The Algerian goalkeeper will be playing his first tournament with the Fennecs, and all indications suggest he will be named number one from the start. In a country with high expectations for its players after two consecutive group stage exits, the performances of Zinedine Zidane's son will be under intense scrutiny. And his family name will only add to the spotlight on his every move.

brahim Maza (Algeria / Bayer Leverkusen)

There was Ismail Bennacer in 2019, and perhaps there will be Ibrahim Maza in 2025. Named best player of the tournament during their triumph in Egypt, Bennacer, called up but hampered by recurring injuries, hopes to inspire the young Bayer Leverkusen midfielder. Precise, technically gifted, and skillful, Maza will be expected to be the metronome and linchpin of Algeria's play. Following Aouar's withdrawal, the hopes of Algeria's football will rest even more heavily on the shoulders of the 20-year-old.

Yan Diomandé (Ivory Coast / Leipzig)

At 19, Yan Diomandé is the Bundesliga's newest rising star. Before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations, the Leipzig winger is on fire, having scored 6 goals and provided 2 assists in his last 7 Bundesliga matches. Lively, incisive, and above all decisive, Diomandé is expected to ignite the attack of the reigning African champions in Morocco.

Kamory Doumbia (Mali / Brest)

The Brest midfielder has reached a new level with the Eagles. Having scored 8 goals during World Cup qualifying (just 2 shy of the top scorer), Doumbia should be the driving force behind a Malian team that has often disappointed in recent Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Ismail Saibari (Morocco / PSV)

After his breakout season last year, the 24-year-old Moroccan is confirming all the promise he showed this season. Currently the fourth-highest scorer in the Dutch league with nine goals (14 in all competitions), the playmaker is gradually establishing himself in Walid Regragui's highly competitive squad. At the Africa Cup of Nations, he will be expected to be one of the key players who could help Morocco lift its first continental trophy since 1976.