Who Has Been the Best Player in AFCON 2025?

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has delivered thrilling football, with standout individual performances stealing the spotlight. As the tournament heads to its climax, debates rage over the best player award. Among the top contenders are Morocco's Brahim Diaz, Nigeria's Ademola Lookman, and Senegal's Sadio Mane. Each has shaped their team's journey, blending goals, assists, and leadership. Honorable mentions to Mo Salah, and Victor Osimhen who have impressed. Here's a deep dive into why these three shine brightest.

Brahim Diaz: The Host Nation's Electric Forward

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz has been Morocco's talisman, netting five goals across six matches, the tournament's highest tally. His streak of scoring in every game, including crucial strikes against Comoros and Cameroon, has propelled the Atlas Lions to the final. Diaz's energy, dribbling, and clinical finishing have drawn comparisons to elite playmakers, making him a frontrunner for both top scorer and MVP. Despite Morocco needing a penalty shootout to win over Nigeria in the semis, his consistent impact under home pressure stands out. With zero assists but immense direct contributions, Diaz embodies the host's attacking flair.

Ademola Lookman: Nigeria's Versatile Playmaker

Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, has been Nigeria's heartbeat, amassing three goals and four assists for a tournament-high seven goal involvements. Leading the assist charts and creating 12 chances, his vision and speed tormented defenses, notably in Nigeria's high-scoring run (14 goals total). Though the Super Eagles fell to Morocco in the semis, Lookman's Sofascore rating of 8.45 tops the MVP race. His ability to score, create, and drive attacks makes him the most complete performer, blending flair with reliability. He will have a final chance to prove his case in the third-place playoff match against Egypt.

Sadio Mane: Senegal's Subtle Game-Changer

Sadio Mane has quietly orchestrated Senegal's path to the final, with two goals and three assists. His timely contributions, including assists in key wins and a goal against Egypt (1-0 semi-final), highlight his clutch mentality. As AFCON's all-time assist leader, Mane's intelligence and leadership have elevated teammates like Nicolas Jackson. While not the flashiest, his subtle dominance in big moments, scoring winners and creating threats, has kept the Teranga Lions unbeaten and eyeing a title defense for their 2021 win.

Crowning the Standout: Diaz Edges Ahead

While Lookman's all-around stats and Mane's experience impress, Brahim Diaz emerges as AFCON 2025's best player. His goal-scoring heroics, pivotal for host Morocco's final berth, combined with electrifying displays, tip the scales. In a tournament of stars, Diaz's consistency and impact make him the deserving MVP as Morocco faces Senegal on January 18. The final will give both Mae and Diaz an final opportunity to tip the scales in their favor and claim the Payer of the tournament Spot

Who Has Been the Best Player in AFCON 2025?

Which Player has impressed you the most in this tournament? Let us know in the comments who your player of the Afcon 2025 is.