As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off this Sunday evening in Morocco, attention isn't limited to the competing teams. A notable phenomenon is the strong presence of Saudi Pro League stars. This edition features 14 professional players from various Saudi clubs, reflecting the significant progress Saudi football has made and its ability to attract top African players and maintain their readiness for major international tournaments.
Morocco 2025: A new stage for the brilliance of Roshan's stars
This edition of the tournament is of exceptional importance, as it is being held on Moroccan soil, which puts it under the global spotlight as a real test for Morocco's preparations to host the 2030 World Cup. In this context, the presence of Saudi League stars enhances the market and technical value of the tournament, confirming that the Roshan League is no longer just a passing stop, but has become a preferred destination for top-tier stars who aspire to continue winning continental and international titles.
Atlas Lions... Bono, Yamiq, and the Ground Weapon
Leading the Moroccan scene is the towering goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Al-Hilal's guardian of the net, who enters the tournament bolstered by home advantage and the ambition to replicate the historic feat achieved at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Bounou is not only the linchpin of the "Atlas Lions" but also an inspirational icon for Moroccan fans. Alongside him stands Jawad El Yamiq, the Al-Najma defender, a key defensive pillar upon whom coach Walid Regragui relies to neutralize the threat of opposing strikers in the quest for the continental title, which has eluded Moroccan trophies for decades.
The Senegalese and Algerian squads... the experience of professionals in Saudi Arabia
In the "Lions of Teranga" camp, the technical prowess of the Roshan League is strongly present through the golden trio: Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), and Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli). These stars, who have contributed to writing the history of modern Senegal, are now relying on the high level of competition they experience in Saudi Arabia to lead their national team towards maintaining its continental prestige.
On the other side, all eyes are on the "Desert Warriors," led by Riyad Mahrez, the star of Al-Ahli Saudi FC. Mahrez, carrying the hopes of the Algerian people, seeks to overcome past disappointments and return to winning ways, bolstered by the high level of skill he has honed through his consistent participation in the Saudi league. Franck Kessié (also of Al-Ahli) is equally important to the Ivory Coast squad, aiming to lead the "Elephants" to dominate the midfield and dictate the tempo of the tournament.
An ambition that surpasses the greats... possible surprises
The impact of the Roshan League isn't limited to title contenders; it extends to bolstering the ambitions of teams seeking to cause an upset. The Comoros national team is relying on Meziani Maoulida (Al-Kholoud) and Zaidou Youssouf (Al-Fateh) to continue their impressive development. The tournament also features notable performances from Mohamed Doumbia (Mali – Al-Ittihad), Fashion Sakala (Zambia – Al-Fayha), and Christian Bassogog (Cameroon – Al-Akhdoud), in addition to the South African duo Elias Mokwana (Al-Hazm) and Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq).
This strong presence confirms that the Saudi League has become a real platform for developing talents and maintaining the brilliance of stars, which adds a special flavor to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and makes its matches direct confrontations between yesterday’s teammates in the Saudi League and today’s rivals in the African celebration.
List of Roshan League stars in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations:
- Yassine Bounou (Morocco): Goalkeeper for Al-Hilal Club.
- Sadio Mane (Senegal): Al-Nassr striker.
- Riyad Mahrez (Algeria): Al Ahly winger.
- Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal): Defender for Al-Hilal club.
- Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast): Midfielder for Al Ahly.
- Edward Mendy (Senegal): Goalkeeper for Al Ahly club.
- Jawad El Yamiq (Morocco): Defender for Al Najma Club.
- Meziani Maoulida (Comoros): Player for Al-Kholoud Club.
- Elias Mokwana (South Africa): Al-Hazm player.
- Mohau Nkota (South Africa): Al-Ettifaq Club player.
- Mohamed Doumbia (Mali): Al-Ittihad player.
- Fashion Sakala (Zambia): Player for Al-Fayha Club.
- Christian Bassogog (Cameroon): Player for Al-Akhdoud Club.
- Zaidou Youssef (Comoros): Al-Fateh Club player.
