Top 10 Young African Football Talents to Watch in 2025

Brief Summary

• African football is entering a golden era with young talents from Sierra Leone, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Tanzania, Algeria, and Senegal making global headlines.
• Rising stars like Lamine Camara, Karim Konaté, and Amad Diallo are already winning continental titles and breaking records in Europe’s biggest leagues.
• With AFCON 2025 approaching, these players are expected to shine both for their clubs and national teams, cementing their status as the future of African football.

Deep Dive!!

Thursday, August 28—As the world reaches its golden era, so does African football. Upcoming young talents in their teens and 20s are changing the game, even in Europe, North Africa, and local leagues. 

In this article, we discuss the top 10 young African football talents that are sure to thrill fans in 2025.

10. Hindolo Mustapha (Sierra Leone, 19 — Crystal Palace)

Mustapha is one of the youngest debutants who has had an impact in the Premier League, receiving nominations for the Premier League 2 Players of the Season award. In a stellar campaign, Mustapha was named Crystal Palace U21s Player of the Season. As he kicks off his first season in the senior team, fans look forward to what the 19-year-old midfielder will bring to the team.

9. Noah Sadiki (DR Congo, 20 —Sunderland)

Noah Sadiki is a versatile footballer who plays as a defender and a defensive midfielder. He recently joined the English Premier League side Sunderland from the Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. He has previously won the Belgian Pro League, the Belgian Cup and Super Cup. Sadiki will be looking to help Sunderland retain their place in the Premier League following their return for the first time since 2017.

8. Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast, 23 —Manchester United)

Amad Diallo has quickly risen through the ranks with his amazing display on the football pitch. His versatility on the pitch has attracted a lot of praise and attention from fans all over the world. Last season, the 23-year-old star player became the second player to score a hat-trick for Manchester United. With support from fellow African star, Bryan Mbuemo, Diallo could become a real threat to defenders in the Premier League this season.

7. Ngal’ayel Mukau (DR Congo, 20 — LOSC Lille)

At a young age of 20, Mukau has turned Lille’s pitch to his playing ground, demonstrating his prowess. During the 2024-25 season, Mukau became the fourth-youngest player to score a two goals in the UEFA Champions League against Bologna. For the new season, all eyes are on the rising star.

ALSO READ: Top 10 African Stars to Watch in 2025-26 Premier League

6. Carlos Baleba (Cameroon, 21 — Brighton & Hove Albion)

Carlos Baleba had such a good season last season that Manchester United were keen to include him in their squad and energise their defence. At just 21 years old, it is safe to say that his tackles and interceptions make him one of the continent’s most effective midfielders. He was named Brighton’s Young Player of the Season for 2024/25 and won the Premier League Goal of the Month for April 2025. All eyes are on him for the new season.

5. Selemani Mwalimu (Tanzania, 19 —Simba SC)

It’s amazing how Mwalimu has impacted football at a very young age. He recently joined Simba SC on loan but he originally plays for Wydad Casablanca. He has previously won the Zanzibar Premier League top scorer in the 2023-24 season and was named Fountain Gate player of the month in 2024. He also appeared in the FIFA Club World Cup with the Moroccan side. There’s so much potential for this player, and fans are eager to see it.

4. Ibrahim Maza (Algeria, 19 —Bayer Leverkusen)

Maza has proved his worth over and over again on the football pitch. He had a good spell at Hertha Berlin, becoming their youngest-ever professional goalscorer. His impressive run caught the eyes of Bayer Leverkusen, who signed him for a reported €12 million. Ibrahim Maza also accepted a call-up to the Algerian national team. AFCON 2025 might serve as his launching platform.

READ MORE: Top 10 Under-25 Players Electrifying CHAN 2024

3. Oumar Diakité (Ivory Coast, 21 — Stade de Reims)

Diakité has grown to be a key player for Reims and his national team, the Ivory Coast. He won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with his national team, scoring the crucial winning goal in the quarter-final against Mali, guaranteeing their semi-final spot. As the AFCON 2025 approaches, he will be looking to replicate his graceful performance while putting on a show for his club.

2. Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, 21 — Red Bull Salzburg)

Konaté is a forward for Salzburg and also won the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with his national team, the Ivory Coast. He has also won several trophies with his club as a prolific goalscorer, who managed 69 goals before turning 21 in March. Before the year runs out, he is sure to deliver even more goals, exciting his fans all around the world.

1. Lamine Camara (Senegal, 21 — AS Monaco)

Wow! That’s the reaction you get at the mention of Lamine Camara’s name. Camara, at just the young age of 21, is already the recipient of the Player of the Tournament at both the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. He was key to Senegal’s triumph in the CHAN title and the U-20 AFCON. He was also named the 2023 CAF Young Player of the Year. When we talk about the future of African football, Lamine Camara is the picture that comes to mind. Watch out for him!