As the clock ticks towards the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, the battle to succeed former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) is taking centre stage.
A potent mix of generational talent and seasoned tournament specialists are poised to define the competition with moments of individual brilliance. This year’s lineup for the prestigious best player award features an exceptional blend of technical quality, high-pressure composure, and club-level winning pedigree.
Nigeria’s formidable duo, Victor Osimhen and the reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, stand out among the seven leading contenders, ready to translate their sensational club form onto the continental stage.
The Seven Prime MVP Candidates Set to Dictate AFCON 2025
- Mohamed Salah — Egypt
The Egyptian icon remains one of the most tactically refined attackers in Africa. Fresh off winning the Premier League Golden Boot and Player of the Season awards at the age of 32, Salah’s game is built on precision, piercing runs, and devastating one-versus-one efficiency. With time running out on his national team career, the two-time CAF African Footballer of the Year has one final shot to claim the AFCON trophy and its individual honours. - Victor Osimhen — Nigeria
A forward of a different class, Osimhen combines explosive speed and aerial dominance with relentless physical engagement. His game is tailor-made for the intense, physical nature of AFCON matches. With a club career defined by smashing records and consistently scoring vital goals, the Super Eagles talisman is a prime candidate for both the Golden Boot and the MVP award. - Sadio Mané — Senegal
The Senegalese legend offers vital adaptability, capable of influencing games from wide or central positions. Mané’s short-distance pace and close control allow him to beat defenders in tight spaces—a crucial asset given the varied pitch conditions and deep blocks typical of the tournament. Having won the MVP in 2021, he eyes becoming only the second player in history to claim the award multiple times. - Bryan Mbeumo — Cameroon
The Manchester United forward arrives as a contender built on unpredictability and sharp directional changes. Mbeumo thrives on quick interchanges and boasts a variety of shooting techniques. His growing stature at club and international level positions him as Cameroon’s best hope for individual and collective glory. - Ademola Lookman — Nigeria
The 2024 African Player of the Year brings a fluid, incisive style particularly suited to knockout football. Lookman’s composure in high-pressure situations, highlighted by his Europa League final hat-trick, makes him a threat to destabilise even the most rigid defensive lines. His unique blend of assets makes him a key figure in Nigeria’s pursuit of the title. - Franck Kessié — Ivory Coast
After starring in Ivory Coast’s 2023 AFCON triumph, the commanding midfielder is a favourite to emerge as MVP as the Elephants attempt to defend their crown. Kessié’s influence stems from his physical authority and technical excellence in midfield, combining stamina, strong ball-carrying, and a crucial goal threat from late runs into the box. - Riyad Mahrez — Algeria
At 34, Mahrez remains one of Africa’s most technically gifted players. His game revolves around close control and the ability to manipulate defenders and create chances from thin air. His experience allows him to dictate tempo, using possession intelligently—a skill set perfectly aligned with the profile of an AFCON MVP, especially if Algeria makes a deep run.
