Mohamed Salah prepares to captain Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this week, as speculation persists over his long-term future at Liverpool despite a contract extension earlier this year. The 33-year-old Egyptian forward, who signed a new deal in April 2025 keeping him at Anfield until the summer of 2027, has faced recent tensions with manager Arne Slot. After being benched for several matches and voicing frustrations publicly, Salah returned as a substitute to assist in Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Brighton at the weekend. Slot later stated there was “no issue to resolve,” but reports indicate ongoing interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, who view the player as a potential January target.
As the tournament approaches, set to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco, African players across Europe’s top leagues delivered standout performances in their final club fixtures before international duty.
In England, Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey scored for Fulham in their 3-2 win at Burnley, heading home from close range to secure their first victory at Turf Moor since 1951. Ivory Coast’s Ibrahim Sangare sealed Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 triumph over Tottenham with a fine strike in the 79th minute, his second goal of the season.
Spain saw Nigerian duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke both on target for Sevilla in a 4-0 rout of Real Oviedo in La Liga. Adams opened the scoring early, while Ejuke completed the scoring late on, marking a strong response ahead of their AFCON call-ups.
In Germany, Algeria’s Mohamed Amoura continued his impressive form with Wolfsburg, netting in a 3-1 win at Borussia Moenchengladbach for his sixth league goal this season. Ramy Bensebaini, also Algerian, grabbed Borussia Dortmund’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Freiburg.
France featured Algerian Himad Abdelli converting a penalty and Cameroon’s Harouna Djibirin restoring a two-goal cushion as Angers defeated Nantes 4-1.
These contributions highlight the growing influence of African talent in European football, with many players now shifting focus to national team duties. The AFCON, hosted in Morocco for the first time since 1988, promises high stakes, especially for favourites like the hosts, defending champions Ivory Coast, and seven-time winners Egypt.
Salah, yet to win the tournament despite reaching two finals, remains central to Egypt’s hopes of an eighth title. As players depart their clubs, the event underscores the balance between domestic commitments and international aspirations, often amid evolving club situations.
With renovated stadiums and a festive-season schedule, AFCON 2025 offers a platform for African stars to shine globally, potentially shaping their club futures upon return. The performances in recent weeks demonstrate the depth and quality these players bring, enriching both league and continental competitions.