25 Premier League Stars Set for AFCON 2025 as Clubs Brace for December Departures
At least 25 Premier League players are set to leave their clubs to represent their countries at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The tournament will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, placing it directly in the middle of the Premier League season—a period often packed with crucial fixtures.
According to FIFA directives, clubs are expected to release eligible players from Monday, December 15, paving the way for their international duties.
Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and DR Congo lead the list in terms of representation, with four Premier League-based players each heading to the continent’s biggest football showpiece.
Below is the full list of confirmed Premier League players heading to AFCON 2025:
AFCON 2025: Premier League Players by Club
Sunderland (5):
Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco)
Reinildo (Mozambique)
Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso)
Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)
Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)
Manchester United (3):
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Fulham (3):
Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)
Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)
Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)
Burnley (3):
Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo)
Lyle Foster (South Africa)
Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)
Nottingham Forest (2):
Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast)
Willy Boly (Ivory Coast)
Brentford (2):
Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso)
Frank Onyeka (Nigeria)
Manchester City (1):
Omar Marmoush (Egypt)
West Ham United (1):
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)
Wolves (2):
Tawanda Chirewa (Zimbabwe)
Emmanuel Agbadou (Ivory Coast)
Brighton & Hove Albion (1):
Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)
Crystal Palace (2):
Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal)
Cheick Doucouré (Mali)
Liverpool (1):
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Opinion: AFCON’s Growing Influence Can No Longer Be Ignored
Once again, AFCON proves its growing relevance on the global football stage. The fact that top Premier League clubs are releasing key players during a crucial phase of the season underlines just how influential African football has become.
While some managers may grumble about squad disruption, tournaments like AFCON remain a source of pride, identity, and global recognition for African nations. Players such as Mohamed Salah, Alex Iwobi, and Amad Diallo are not just representing their countries—they are carrying the hopes of millions.
The challenge now lies with clubs to plan better squad depth and rotation, rather than view AFCON as an inconvenience. African players are central to the Premier League’s success, and international duty is part of that responsibility.
As December approaches, fans across England and Africa will be watching closely—some with concern, others with excitement—but all aware that AFCON 2025 will once again command the football world’s attention.
