As the year 2025 officially kicks off with exciting live football fixtures here are 10 U-23 African players the world should look out for in 2025.
African football has continued to evolve over the years and with two key tournaments fast approaching, here are U-23 players we believe would represent their country at the senior level and football fans on the continent and worldwide alike should have their eyes on in the year 2025.
1. Amad Diallo
Club: Manchester United
Country: Ivory Coast
Age: 22
Arguably the biggest breakout star player of the 2024/2025 season, Amad Diallo is set for an exciting year in 2025, which is why he is ranked as our top African player under the age of 23 to look out for this year.
It is expected that Diallo will continue from where he left off in 2024. Armed with a newly signed contract extension which will see him remain with Manchester United, until the year 2030. Under the guidance of Rúben Amorim, Diallo has been receiving more playing time and has become a regular starter.
Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, Diallo has shown promise, with three goals and six assists from 22 appearances. His ability to both score and create opportunities for his teammates has made him a valuable asset.
The current AFCON champions, Ivory Coast will go into their title defense which will officially commence in December 2025 in high confidence with a player like Amad in the squad.
2. Pape Sarr
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Country: Senegal
Age: 21
Arguably one of Africa’s biggest names in the premier league, Pape Matar Sarr has long been regarded as a top talent. After rising through the ranks at Senegal’s esteemed Génération Foot academy, he moved to Metz in France before securing a move to English club Tottenham Hotspur.
Last season marked his breakthrough, as he became a key figure in midfield under the club’s new head coach Ange Postecoglou. Sarr was deployed in the role of a box-to-box midfielder, where his contribution was highly recognised both offensively and defensively, earning the young Senegalese a new contract with Spurs which would see him remain at the club till 2030.
He has continued his strong form into the 2024/2025 season of club football where he has featured in key games for Tottenham Premier League match so far. Given his consistent displays, he is expected to remain a crucial part of the team throughout the remainder of the season and also play a huge part in his country’s quest for the World Cup 2026 and at AFCON 2025.
3. Ousmane Diomande
Club: Sporting Lisbon
Country: Ivory Coast
Age: 21
After only a handful of appearances for Mafra in Portugal’s Second Division, Sporting Lisbon made a bold move in January 2023, securing Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande from FC Midtjylland in Denmark for €12.5 million, a deal many would later categorise as a steal later on as it included bonuses.
Now a cornerstone of Sporting’s defence, Diomande has proven himself to be a reliable option for the 2024/2025 league table toppers. The 2024 AFCON champion has attracted attention from several elite European clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain with many hinting at a possible top-side transfer in the summer 2025 transfer window as things stand.
Sporting has safeguarded their investment with an €80 million release clause in Diomande’s contract, which is valid until June 2027. While high, the figure remains open to negotiation for potential suitors, many are however tipping Man United to be one of the major contenders given Amorim’s move to Old Trafford.
4. Oumar Diakite
Club: Stade de Reims
Country: Burkina Faso
Age: 21
Côte d’Ivoire’s triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations in February 2023 marked the emergence of a new generation poised to uphold the nation’s rich football tradition one of such stars or top talents as they are fondly called is the forward Oumar Diakite.
Categorised as the future of football in Ivory Coast, Diakite began his career at the esteemed Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas before moving to Red Bull Salzburg in 2022. Although he never made a competitive appearance for Salzburg, his stint on loan with their feeder team, Liefering, showcased his potential. He later secured a move to French club Stade de Reims ahead of the 2023/2024 campaign.
Diakite made headlines by scoring the decisive goal in Côte d’Ivoire’s quarter-final victory over Mali during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Since then, he has steadily developed into a key player for Stade de Reims. Despite being viewed as a raw talent with occasional lapses in decision-making, his elegant playing style and innate ability highlight his immense potential.
Diakite is undoubtedly a talent to watch closely throughout the 2024/2025 season and it is expected that he will make the biggest impact in 2025 which is the second half of the club football season.
Oumar’s skills will also be needed at the international level with AFCON 2025 expected to kick off in December 2025.
5. Dango Ouattara
Club: Bournemouth
Country: Burkina Faso
Age: 22
Dango Ouattara is certainly a talent to watch closely in 2025. A key figure for the Burkina Faso national team, he has already earned 25 caps and scored 8 goals, demonstrating his capability to thrive under the pressure of international football.
At just 22 years old, Ouattara’s potential for further growth is substantial. His performances for both club and country suggest he is on an impressive move to the top and many believe the youngster is positioning himself as one of the biggest breakout footballers from Africa in the year 2025 as a potential breakout year for him. So far in the 2024/2025 Premier League season, he has made 14 appearances for Bournemouth, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists.
Ouattara’s versatility is another standout quality, as he can effectively operate in multiple roles, including right winger, left winger, and left midfield, showcasing his adaptability and value to his team.
6. Hannibal Mejbri
Club: Burnley (on loan from Manchester United)
Country: Tunisia
Age: 21
During the 2021/2022 season, fans at Old Trafford grew familiar with the relentless, high-energy playing style of Tunisian midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, who joined Manchester United from Monaco following a prolonged legal dispute. Though he has yet to secure a regular spot in United’s first team, Hannibal remains highly regarded and appears poised for a significant breakthrough.
In the 2023/2024 season, he gained valuable experience on loan at Spanish club Sevilla. Following a move to Burnley at the start of the 2024/2025 season, Hannibal will be looking to make a name for himself in 2025, in his bid to become a regular starter for his parent club, Manchester United in subsequent seasons to come under the management of the new head coach Ruben Amorim. The international break period with Tunisia will also be another avenue to showcase his skills on the pitch during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers and the AFCON 2025 as well.
7. Noah Sadiki
Club: Union Saint-Gilloise
Country: DR Congo
Age: 20
It’s not unusual for Belgian-born players to represent Congo, and Noah Sadiki, born in Brussels on December 17, 2004, is a notable example. Sadiki against all odds opted to represent Congo in September 2023.
He started with the U21 team before making his senior debut later that month, helping the team secure a 1-0 victory over Guinea in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Developed at Anderlecht, one of Belgium’s top clubs, Sadiki now plays for Union Saint-Gilloise, another prominent Brussels-based team. His contributions helped the club win the 2024 National Cup, and his market value currently stands at an impressive €8 million.
8. Anis Hadj Moussa
Club: Feyenoord
Country: Algeria
Age: 22
Feyenoord Rotterdam, according to many are reaping the rewards of their €3.5 million investment from the last summer transfer window in ten folds.
French-Algerian winger Anis Hadj Moussa is a name that has popped up on our radar following a shocking market value increase to €12 million.
With over six goals and two assists across all competitions this season, he quickly justified Feyenoord’s interest, which began during his impressive loan spell at Vitesse Arnhem in early 2024 while still under contract with Patro Eisden in Belgium’s Second Division.
Hailing from Paris and developed at RC Lens, the left-footed winger took an unconventional career path, joining Olympic Charleroi in Belgium’s Third Division in July 2022. His international career has also progressed rapidly since March 2024, he has been a full Algerian international, following his contributions to the U20 and U23 national teams.
9. Ilaix Moriba
Club: Celta de Vigo (on loan from RB Leipzig)
Country: Guinea
Age: 22
Ilaix Moriba is a standout talent to watch in 2025 for several compelling reasons. Known for his versatility and skill, he excels as a central midfielder capable of adapting to both defensive and attacking roles. This flexibility makes him a valuable asset, offering tactical options to his team in various setups. His youth and potential add to his appeal; at just 22 years old, Moriba still has ample room for growth and the refinement of his abilities, making his career trajectory an exciting one to follow.
Having already gained experience in top European leagues, Moriba began his journey with FC Barcelona, where he was celebrated as one of the best players of his generation. A subsequent move to RB Leipzig followed, and he is currently showcasing his talent on loan at Celta de Vigo in La Liga. His international career also reflects his growing maturity and composure, as he represents Guinea, demonstrating his capacity to perform under pressure on the global stage.
His technical skills further elevate his game; he is lauded for his ball control, dribbling prowess, and precise passing, making him a creative force capable of orchestrating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
10. Felix Afena-Gyan
Club: Juventus Next Gen
Country: Ghana
Age: 22
Felix Afena-Gyan is a rising star to watch in 2025 due to his impressive potential and versatility. At just 22, he has already showcased adaptability across attacking roles and made an impact for Juventus Next Gen in Serie C, tallying four goals and three assists in 16 games.
Known for his work ethic and determination, Afena-Gyan has been viewed as one of the key players that will shape the new era of football for Ghana given the country’s persistent struggles in international competitions over the years. His performances have earned him recognition, including a Serie C Player of the Week accolade, marking him as a promising talent for the future.
