10 AFCON 2025 stars rated world-class ahead Super Eagles duo Victor Osimhen and Lookman

Rigobert Song has ignited one of the most bewildering football debates of 2025. In a viral TikTok video, the former Cameroon captain was asked to identify which African players he considers ‘world-class’ and his answers have left the football community absolutely stunned.

Most shocking? Song declared that former African Player of the Year winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman don't make the cut.

But these 10 players apparently do. Here's the full list of stars Song ranked above Nigeria's finest duo:

The Cameroonian winger has been impressive in the Premier League, but world-class? Mbeumo has never won a major trophy, never played Champions League football, and has 12 Cameroon caps.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles main man and Nigeria's second highest scorer ever Osimhen won Serie A and the African Player of the Year award. The math isn't mathing.

The young Ivorian has undeniable talent and has recently broken into United's first team after several loan moves across the UK.

But with limited top-level experience and no major honours to his name yet, calling him world-class ahead of Lookman, who demolished Bayer Leverkusen in a European final, is a stretch of epic proportions.

The Egyptian striker joined Manchester City after two successful seasons in Germany with 37 goals and 19 assists. He's certainly one to watch.

But world-class over Osimhen, who's scored 76 goals in 133 Serie A games? That's a hot take that could melt steel.

A solid Premier League defender known for his tackling, sure. World-class? Even Manchester United decided to move him on.

Wan-Bissaka has struggled to be in the conversation for best right-back in the world, yet somehow he's ranked above players who've won continental Player of the Year awards.

South Africa's goalkeeper had a phenomenal AFCON 2023 and is a legend in the PSL.

But playing in the South African league, with all due respect, doesn't typically define world-class status in the same way dominating in Europe's top five leagues does.

Once a Premier League star, Crystal Palace legend Zaha now plies his trade in the Major League Soccer, MLS, after leaving Turkish champions Galatasaray via Lyon.

He's 32, hasn't played Champions League football consistently, and never broke into the absolute elite tier even during his peak years at Palace. World-class? Palace fans might disagree.

The Tanzanian striker is a national hero and made history as the first Tanzanian to score in the Premier League and Champions League during his time at Aston Villa.

But he's currently playing for modest Ligue 1 side Le Havre, with zero goals in 11 matches. Putting him above Osimhen, who is one of the top scorers in Europe's biggest club competition, UCL, is genuinely mystifying.

Zambian hero against Mali in the AFCON 2025 Daka has pace and potential, but his Leicester career has been inconsistent at best.

With just 24 goals in over 80 appearances across all competitions for the Foxes, his output doesn't remotely compare to Osimhen's elite-level scoring record.

Now this one's tricky. Gabon's superstar Auba was world-class during his Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund days.

But at 35, his best years are clearly behind him, even though he continues to impress for Marseille.

But if we're talking current ability, even Aubameyang would probably tip his hat to Osimhen.

The Spanish-Moroccan playmaker is talented and plays for Real Madrid, which counts for something.

But he's largely been a rotational player throughout his career, with only fleeting moments of brilliance.

Lookman, meanwhile, led Atalanta's first European trophy in decades with a legendary final performance.

The verdict? Song's list, which alos included Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Riyah Mahrez, has provided endless entertainment and meme material, but it's also handed Osimhen and Lookman all the motivation they need heading into AFCON 2025.