AFCON 2025 has kicked off with some of the biggest names in African football showcasing their value both on and off the pitch. From established superstars like Achraf Hakimi and Victor Osimhen to fast-rising talents such as Carlos Baleba and Yan Diomande, this year’s tournament features one of the strongest and most valuable player pools in African football history.
The tournament also started with a powerful statement from reigning champions Ivory Coast, who secured a confident 1-0 win over Mozambique, led by Manchester United forward Amad Diallo, one of the top-valued players in the competition.
Below is the full updated list of Top 10 Most Valuable Players at AFCON 2025.
Top 10 Most Valuable Players at AFCON 2025
This year’s AFCON brings together several of Africa’s highest-rated footballers, featuring stars from Europe’s top clubs and new emerging talents. The updated market values show the perfect mix of proven experience and rising potential.
Overall Market Value Leaders
The tournament features a balanced mix of superstar defenders, prolific forwards, and high-potential midfielders. Hakimi continues to lead the valuation charts, while several Premier League players make strong appearances.
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Top 10 Most Valuable Players at AFCON 2025
Here is the complete updated list of the highest-valued footballers competing in AFCON 2025.
| Rank | Player | Country | Position | Club | Market Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Achraf Hakimi | Morocco | RB | PSG | €80M |
| 2 | Bryan Mbeumo | Cameroon | RW | Manchester United | €75M |
| 3 | Victor Osimhen | Nigeria | CF | Galatasaray | €75M |
| 4 | Omar Marmoush | Egypt | CF | Manchester City | €65M |
| 5 | Carlos Baleba | Cameroon | DM | Brighton | €60M |
| 6 | Amad Diallo | Ivory Coast | RW | Manchester United | €50M |
| 7 | Iliman Ndiaye | Senegal | RW | Everton | €45M |
| 8 | Nicolas Jackson | Senegal | CF | Bayern Munich | €45M |
| 9 | Yan Diomande | Ivory Coast | LW | RB Leipzig | €45M |
| 10 | Ousmane Diomande | Ivory Coast | CB | Sporting CP | €45M |
AFCON 2025’s Biggest Talking Points
1. Hakimi Leads the Pack
Achraf Hakimi enters AFCON 2025 as the most valuable African footballer. The PSG right-back is at the peak of his career, combining world-class pace, defending, and attack contribution.
2. Premier League Stars Rise
Bryan Mbeumo, Carlos Baleba, Iliman Ndiaye, and Rayan Aït-Nouri highlight the Premier League’s growing influence on AFCON 2025.
Mbeumo is also trending after being listed No.1 on several “expected transfer value” charts.
3. Osimhen Holds Elite Status
Victor Osimhen continues to be one of the world’s best strikers, and his presence at AFCON adds immense value to Nigeria’s campaign.
4. Amad Diallo’s Breakthrough Moment
Amad Diallo is gaining major attention after scoring Ivory Coast’s match-winning goal in the opening group game. His valuation continues to rise as he becomes a key attacking option for the defending champions.
5. Emerging Talents
Carlos Baleba and Yan Diomande are two of the most exciting young players at the tournament. Both are valued highly and attracting attention from top European clubs.
Top Market Value Players by Performance Groups
Ivory Coast – Most Valuable Core
Ivory Coast’s squad includes:
- Amad Diallo
- Yan Diomande
- Ousmane Diomande
This combination gives the defending champions one of the strongest young squads in the tournament.
Morocco – The Most Expensive Defensive Line
Morocco boast:
- Achraf Hakimi
- Brahim Diaz
- Nayef Aguerd
Their overall squad value places them among the tournament favorites.
Nigeria – Heavy Attack Power
Nigeria enter with elite forwards:
- Victor Osimhen
- Ademola Lookman
They remain strong contenders.
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Why This Year’s List Is Unique
1. Many Young Players in the Top 10
A large number of players under age 26 are valued highly, showing Africa’s rising generation.
2. Premier League Influence
More than half the top-valued players currently play or recently played in the Premier League.
3. Strong Representation of Ivory Coast and Morocco
Both countries dominate the list, reflecting their strong talent development.
AFCON 2025 stands out not only for competitive football but also for the incredible level of individual talent across the continent. With stars like Hakimi, Osimhen, Baleba, and Mbeumo leading the way, this tournament promises high-quality football, big moments, and rising valuations throughout the competition.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the most valuable player at AFCON 2025?
Achraf Hakimi is the most valuable player with a value of around €80 million.
Q2: Which team has the most players in the top 10 list?
Ivory Coast has three players: Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande, and Ousmane Diomande.
Q3: Is Mohamed Salah in the top 10?
Not in the market value list, although he remains one of the highest-paid footballers.
Q4: Which forward has the highest value?
Victor Osimhen leads among forwards with a valuation of €75M.
Q5: Who is the youngest top-valued player?
Yan Diomande, 19, is the youngest player in the top 10.
