AFCON 2025: Salah, Mane, and 5 African legends who could be playing their final CAF tournament

As Morocco prepares to host the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be more than just another continental tournament. This might be the last dance for some legends.

For a generation of African football stars who defined the last decade, Morocco could be the final stage on which they chase unfinished dreams, cement legacies, or say goodbye to the continent’s biggest prize.

From Cairo to Dakar, and Algiers to Libreville, AFCON 2025 appears to be a farewell tour for legendary players whose names are already etched in African football history.

Here are some legendary players who may retire from international football in Morocco.

Mohamed Salah remains Egypt’s talisman and one of world football’s most recognisable stars. Yet, for all his club success with Liverpool, AFCON has been a story of heartbreak.

The 33-year-old has featured in five AFCON tournaments (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025) and reached the final twice, only to lose on both occasions.

The pain of defeat at home in 2019 and the dramatic penalty shootout loss to Senegal in 2021 still lingers.

With Egypt boasting a record seven AFCON titles, Salah’s failure to lift the trophy is a glaring omission from his career. By the time AFCON 2027 arrives, age and evolving squad dynamics may reduce his influence for the Pharaohs.

Unlike Salah, Sadio Mané has already tasted continental glory. His ice-cold penalty sealed Senegal’s maiden AFCON title in 2021.

Now 33 and playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, Mané’s role has evolved. He is no longer just Senegal’s explosive winger; he is the emotional and tactical leader of a new generation bursting with attacking talent.

AFCON 2025 could be Mané’s graceful exit, one final campaign to defend Senegal’s status as a continental powerhouse and possibly bow out with another medal, handing the torch to the next Lions.

Few players embody elegance like Riyad Mahrez. Algeria’s captain and creative heartbeat turns 34 during the tournament against Morocco.

After leading Algeria to glory in 2019, the former Manchester City star suffered group-stage exits in both 2021 and 2023.

Those failures have left scars, as Mahrez has openly acknowledged.

Under new management and with a refreshed squad, AFCON 2025 is Mahrez’s chance at redemption.

His left foot remains Algeria’s most potent weapon, and another deep run could restore his status as one of AFCON’s all-time greats before age inevitably dims his magic.

If AFCON had a symbol of endurance, it would be Youssef Msakni. The Tunisian forward is set to make his ninth AFCON appearance, a historic feat unmatched by most legends of the competition.

Msakni is no longer Tunisia’s primary attacking threat, but his vision, intelligence, and leadership remain irreplaceable.

Having returned to ES Tunis, the 35-year-old is widely expected to be his final chapter, closing a remarkable 15-year AFCON journey.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of the last elite African strikers from the early 2010s still active at the top level.

His AFCON story has been turbulent, with missed tournaments, early exits, and internal federation issues.

Despite those setbacks, the 36-year-oldthe 36-year-old remains Gabon’s most lethal weapon. His nation never progressed beyond the quarter-finals.

While Max-Alain Gradel will not feature, his shadow looms large. The Ivory Coast hero retired after the miraculous 2023 win.

Even more controversial is the absence of Vincent Aboubakar, Cameroon’s 2017 final hero and 2021 top scorer. Omitted at 33, his exclusion feels like an enforced ending to one of AFCON’s most prolific careers.

AFCON 2025 is not just about lifting a trophy; it is about legacy. For Salah, Mané, Mahrez, Msakni, and Aubameyang, this tournament represents a final opportunity to define how history remembers them on African soil.