Five Young Ligue 1 Players to Watch at AFCON 2025
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will once again highlight the deep links between African football and the French game. While established stars will inevitably dominate the spotlight, AFCON has long served as a proving ground for young players, particularly those developing in Ligue 1 McDonald's and Ligue 2 BKT.
This winter, several emerging talents based in France arrive at the tournament at pivotal moments in their careers — some seeking confirmation, others valuable exposure, and a few aiming to announce themselves on the continental stage.
Here are five young French-based players to watch closely at AFCON 2025.
Arthur Avom (FC Lorient, Cameroon)
Age: 21 | Position: Central midfielder
Cameroon have seen their fair share of box-to-box midfield engines, but Arthur Avom's rise with Lorient has to be in the conversation when discussing the top young players who are heading to Morocco this winter. After helping Les Merlus earn promotion to Ligue 1 McDonald's, he has played almost every game back in the top flight this season. Energetic, and great in duels, Avom could be the perfect midfield partner for Brighton's Carlos Baleba for Cameroon.
Mamadou Sangaré (RC Lens, Mali)
Age: 21 | Position: Central midfielder
A high-output midfielder well suited to AFCON’s physical demands. Sangaré offers Mali a blend of ball recovery, energy and tactical reliability. Comfortable in duels and disciplined without possession, he provides balance in midfield — a vital trait over the course of a condensed international tournament. He's been one of the figures behind Lens' rise to the top of Ligue 1 McDonald's this season so far.
Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain, Senegal)
Age: 17 | Position: Forward
It's not often at the age of 17 that you can say you've already featured in a UEFA Champions League final and that you are on your way to the AFCON with Senegal. Mbaye is one of the youngest players at the tournament, and will be one of the most intriguing. Despite his age, the PSG forward has already shown composure, intelligent movement and technical quality well beyond his years. Just ask Paris Saint-Germain supporters...
Lamine Camara (AS Monaco, Senegal)
Age: 21 | Position: Central midfielder
Lamine Camara is already a leader despite his age. The all-action midfielder has established himself as an indisputable force at AS Monaco. Camara has high tactical maturity, and intelligence given his age - and can be calm progressive ball carrier. Surrounded by experienced internationals, Camara has the platform to confirm his status as one of Africa’s most promising midfielders at AFCON 2025.
Rayan Lutin (Amiens SC, Comoros)
Age: 22 | Position: Attacking midfielder
AFCON’s classic wildcard profile. Small in stature but explosive in movement, Lutin is a “now you see me, now you don’t” playmaker who thrives on the half-turn and drifts intelligently into wide spaces. His agility, acceleration and confidence make him a constant threat in tight areas.
With Comoros facing long odds in the group stage, Lutin embodies the type of maverick capable of carrying belief, entertaining neutrals and stealing the spotlight — a role AFCON has often rewarded.
Honourable Mentions
AFCON 2025 will also feature several other young, French-based players capable of making an impact if opportunities arise:
Mamadou Sarr (RC Strasbourg, Senegal, 19)
Guela Doué (RC Strasbourg, Côte d’Ivoire, 22)
Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier HSC, DR Congo, 23)
Shavy Babicka (Toulouse FC, Gabon, 24)
Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal (Stade Rennais, Morocco, 22)
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