5 La Liga Players To Watch Out For at AFCON 2025 | OneFootball

AFCON 2025, or the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, has arrived, putting a spotlight on Africa’s best and brightest stars in a month-long celebration of African soccer. As players from all around the globe fly to Morocco to claim this trophy, we take a look at five players to watch out for who took the rather short flight from playing in Spain’s La Liga to the tournament in Morocco.

Brahim Díaz

Brahim Díaz is undoubtedly one of the standout La Liga players to watch at AFCON 2025. The Real Madrid forward was born in Spain but is representing Morocco through his mother’s heritage. Díaz, having played for the senior Spanish national side as well, made the switch just after the 2023 AFCON, missing out on making his debut for Morocco at that tournament. However, he has quickly become a key figure for the Atlas Lions since switching allegiance.

At Real Madrid, he is not a guaranteed starter but often comes off the bench to deliver well-rounded performances. For Morocco, he is one of their key men. He has scored 10 goals in 17 matches for his country, including a hat trick against Lesotho in the AFCON qualifiers. He was instrumental in helping Morocco break the world record for the longest winning streak in international soccer, surpassing Spain’s previous mark of 15 consecutive victories.

As of writing, he has already scored twice at AFCON 2025, including the tournament’s opening goal, and has helped Morocco qualify for the knockout stages.

Karl Etta Eyong

Karl Etta Eyong, the rising 22-year-old forward from Levante, has emerged as one of the breakout La Liga talents to watch at AFCON 2025. The Cameroonian joined Levante in September 2025 after stints with Villarreal B and its senior side, and has impressed with six goals and three assists in La Liga this season. He is renowned as one of the best in the league in terms of movement, finishing, and ability to exploit spaces.

Eyong made an instant impact on his AFCON debut, scoring the decisive goal in Cameroon’s tense 1-0 victory over Gabon. It was a well-taken finish assisted by Bryan Mbeumo after a VAR check. This strike secured three points for Les Lions Indomptables in Group F and drew widespread praise for his performance on a high-stakes AFCON stage.

With Cameroon navigating internal turmoil and adjusting to a new coach, Eyong’s emergence provides a much-needed attacking spark alongside stars like Bryan Mbeumo. His form has already attracted attention from clubs such as FC Barcelona, as well as several Premier League sides monitoring him closely.

Akor Adams

Akor Adams, the powerful Nigerian striker playing for Sevilla, is a key attacking option for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2025. After joining Sevilla from Montpellier in January 2025, the 25-year-old has adapted quickly to La Liga, scoring crucial late winners against Rayo Vallecano and even netting in a four-goal thrashing of Barcelona.

He is a dominant forward with strong physical presence, good aerial ability, possessing clinical finishing. Adams adds depth and variety to Nigeria’s forward line alongside Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. His first international goal came on his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. He has been vocal about using AFCON as redemption following Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying disappointment.

In a talented Super Eagles squad aiming for a fourth AFCON title, Adams provides competition up front and impact either from the bench or as a starter. His hold-up play and goal-scoring instincts could prove vital in the knockout stages. With Sevilla teammate Chidera Ejuke also in the squad, Adams benefits from club familiarity, and a strong tournament could solidify his place in Nigeria’s long-term plans. So far, he has featured in both group games and has helped Nigeria qualify for the knockout stages.

Azzedine Ounahi

Azzedine Ounahi is a dynamic midfielder thriving at Girona and looks like another La Liga gem set to shine at AFCON 2025. The 25-year-old burst onto the global scene with standout performances for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup and is now playing in his third AFCON tournament.

After a challenging spell at Marseille, Ounahi’s move to Girona in 2025 reignited his career. Playing in a system that suits his strengths, he has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult Girona season. His recent performances against elite La Liga sides, including a goal that helped Girona secure a draw against Real Madrid, have made him indispensable for both club and country.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has called him the team’s metronome, highlighting how Ounahi elevates the side when at his best. In the national team, he links defence and attack effortlessly and provides balance in a star-studded squad. He has already scored nine goals in 45 appearances for his country and will be looking to boost the hosts’ chances of winning their second Africa Cup of Nations title in history.

Enzo Boyomo

Flavien Enzo Thiedort Boyomo has rapidly risen as one of the most promising defenders in La Liga and is set to play a pivotal role for Cameroon at AFCON 2025. Born in Toulouse, France, in October 2001 to Cameroonian heritage, Boyomo began his soccer journey in Toulouse FC’s youth academy before moving to the Blackburn Rovers academy in England. He has played all his senior soccer in Spain and established himself as a reliable centre-back in the country.

Boyomo made over 100 appearances in Spain’s lower divisions with Albacete, helped Real Valladolid achieve promotion to La Liga, and in August 2024 earned a move to CA Osasuna, where he has become a mainstay in defence.

He is not a passive centre-back. Boyomo regularly steps out to stop attacks and does so more often than almost every defender in his peer group. According to FBref, he averages 2.33 successful tackles per 90 minutes, placing him in the 95th percentile among defenders worldwide. His success rate in one-on-one situations, at 76.8 percent, ranks among the best in La Liga.

Credits: FBREF + FBCHARTS

At AFCON 2025, Boyomo’s presence will be crucial for Cameroon’s defensive stability. While he has limited international experience, if called upon in key moments, he has the profile to deliver.