The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) will commence on Saturday, January 13, in Abidjan, the capital city of Ivory Coast.
AFCON is Africa's most prestigious tournament where distinguished players from different European clubs are expected to compete.
The 34th edition of the tournament will take place in Cote d’Ivoire with 24 participating countries.
The first game of the tournament will be between the host nation Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau on Saturday at 9:00 p.m. (BST) at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
However, the final match will be played on Sunday, February 11, between the two countries that scale through the group and knockout stages.
The last edition was won by Senegal in 2022, an event which was hosted by Cameroon. It was an exciting final that ended with a penalty kick before Senegal defeated Egypt to become the African champions for the first time in their footballing history.
Yet again, some of the African high-profile players are currently home to grace Africa's most prestigious tournament.
However, in this article, we'll examine the top ten most valuable players currently representing their respective nations at the AFCON, according to Transfermarkt.
1. Victor Osimhen – €110 million (Nigeria)
The 25-year-old is the leading scorer for Napoli and the Super Eagles and is currently at the top of the ranking.
The current African Footballer of the Year is still the only African footballer on the continent valued at more than 100 million euros.
His worth will undoubtedly increase if he fires the Super Eagles to win the tournament.
2. Achraf Hakimi – €65 million (Morocco)
Achraf Hakimi is a tournament favorite coming into the AFCON with his incredible achievements during Morocco’s 2022 World Cup semifinal run in Qatar.
The 25-year-old tremendous market value as an exclusive right-back is a reflection of his stellar status in the transfer market.
His spell at Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund add even more value to his stellar career record.
3. Mohamed Salah – €65 million (Egypt)
The 31-year-old, who is ranked as the third most valuable player on the continent, is a serious contender for the Golden Ball going into the 34th edition of AFCON.
There will be a little pressure on him to lead the Egyptians to the final judging by his recent performance with Liverpool.
Moreover, he's the only player above 30 with that kind of value in the competition.
4. Mohammed Kudus – €45 million (Ghana)
Kudus is one of the most useful weapons coming into the competition. The 23-year-old Ghanaian has been amazing since his move to West Ham.
Without a question, the former Ajax player is an exceptional talent to watch in Ivory Coast.
He bagged four goals in six league outings during his excellent performance in December 2023, which earned him a nomination for the December Premier League Player of the Month award.
5. Ousmane Diomande – €40 million (Ivory Coast)
Diomande is set to be a key player in his country’s project to win a third continental championship this year.
Reports indicate that the Gunners have started negotiations to sign the 20-year-old Sporting Lisbon star this season.
6. Edmond Tapsoba – €40 million (Burkina Faso)
The 24-year-old defender, who is valued at €40 million, is among the hidden weapons of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen team, which is dominating the German top division.
According to Transfermarkt, Tapsoba has bagged three goals in 22 appearances in all competitions while playing in the center of defense.
7. Andre Onana – €40 million (Cameroon)
Despite a disappointing performance for his club side, Manchester United, the Cameroonian shot-stopper is one of Africa’s most significant players.
According to Transfermarkt, Manchester United’s hefty €55 million investment last summer is a testament to his reputation.
8. Serhou Guirassy – €40 million (Guinea)
Serhou Guirassy is another striker from Africa who is lighting up the German Bundesliga with his burning goal-scoring streak. He will be making his AFCON debut this year after changing countries to represent his parents’ nation (Guinea) in 2022.
The 27-year-old market value has been directly impacted by his recent performance at VfB Stuttgart.
9. Nayef Aguerd – €38 million ( Morocco)
After the 27-year-old moved from Rennes to West Ham 18 months ago, his time at the English club has been degraded by inconsistent game time.
Despite this, his recent performance just before AFCON indicated some level of quality.
However, several clubs in France and Saudi Arabia have expressed interest in him after his impressive performance this season.
Therefore, his possible departure would leave a significant void in West Ham’s defense given that he plays for Morocco at the AFCON.
10. Frank Anguissa – €35 million (Cameroon)
The 28-year-old continues to be a key member of the Indomitable Lions. The Napoli midfielder is at the top of his game, and a lot of his teammates will look to him for guidance.
He can motivate Cameroon national team to perform better in Cote d'Ivoire following their third-place finish in 2021. He proved his abilities at the most recent World Cup at the age of 28.
AFCON is Africa's most prestigious tournament where distinguished players from different European clubs are expected to compete.
The 34th edition of the tournament will take place in Cote d’Ivoire with 24 participating countries.
The first game of the tournament will be between the host nation Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau on Saturday at 9:00 p.m. (BST) at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
However, the final match will be played on Sunday, February 11, between the two countries that scale through the group and knockout stages.
The last edition was won by Senegal in 2022, an event which was hosted by Cameroon. It was an exciting final that ended with a penalty kick before Senegal defeated Egypt to become the African champions for the first time in their footballing history.
Yet again, some of the African high-profile players are currently home to grace Africa's most prestigious tournament.
However, in this article, we'll examine the top ten most valuable players currently representing their respective nations at the AFCON, according to Transfermarkt.
1. Victor Osimhen – €110 million (Nigeria)
The 25-year-old is the leading scorer for Napoli and the Super Eagles and is currently at the top of the ranking.
The current African Footballer of the Year is still the only African footballer on the continent valued at more than 100 million euros.
His worth will undoubtedly increase if he fires the Super Eagles to win the tournament.
2. Achraf Hakimi – €65 million (Morocco)
Achraf Hakimi is a tournament favorite coming into the AFCON with his incredible achievements during Morocco’s 2022 World Cup semifinal run in Qatar.
The 25-year-old tremendous market value as an exclusive right-back is a reflection of his stellar status in the transfer market.
His spell at Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund add even more value to his stellar career record.
3. Mohamed Salah – €65 million (Egypt)
The 31-year-old, who is ranked as the third most valuable player on the continent, is a serious contender for the Golden Ball going into the 34th edition of AFCON.
There will be a little pressure on him to lead the Egyptians to the final judging by his recent performance with Liverpool.
Moreover, he's the only player above 30 with that kind of value in the competition.
4. Mohammed Kudus – €45 million (Ghana)
Kudus is one of the most useful weapons coming into the competition. The 23-year-old Ghanaian has been amazing since his move to West Ham.
Without a question, the former Ajax player is an exceptional talent to watch in Ivory Coast.
He bagged four goals in six league outings during his excellent performance in December 2023, which earned him a nomination for the December Premier League Player of the Month award.
5. Ousmane Diomande – €40 million (Ivory Coast)
Diomande is set to be a key player in his country’s project to win a third continental championship this year.
Reports indicate that the Gunners have started negotiations to sign the 20-year-old Sporting Lisbon star this season.
6. Edmond Tapsoba – €40 million (Burkina Faso)
The 24-year-old defender, who is valued at €40 million, is among the hidden weapons of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen team, which is dominating the German top division.
According to Transfermarkt, Tapsoba has bagged three goals in 22 appearances in all competitions while playing in the center of defense.
7. Andre Onana – €40 million (Cameroon)
Despite a disappointing performance for his club side, Manchester United, the Cameroonian shot-stopper is one of Africa’s most significant players.
According to Transfermarkt, Manchester United’s hefty €55 million investment last summer is a testament to his reputation.
8. Serhou Guirassy – €40 million (Guinea)
Serhou Guirassy is another striker from Africa who is lighting up the German Bundesliga with his burning goal-scoring streak. He will be making his AFCON debut this year after changing countries to represent his parents’ nation (Guinea) in 2022.
The 27-year-old market value has been directly impacted by his recent performance at VfB Stuttgart.
9. Nayef Aguerd – €38 million ( Morocco)
After the 27-year-old moved from Rennes to West Ham 18 months ago, his time at the English club has been degraded by inconsistent game time.
Despite this, his recent performance just before AFCON indicated some level of quality.
However, several clubs in France and Saudi Arabia have expressed interest in him after his impressive performance this season.
Therefore, his possible departure would leave a significant void in West Ham’s defense given that he plays for Morocco at the AFCON.
10. Frank Anguissa – €35 million (Cameroon)
The 28-year-old continues to be a key member of the Indomitable Lions. The Napoli midfielder is at the top of his game, and a lot of his teammates will look to him for guidance.
He can motivate Cameroon national team to perform better in Cote d'Ivoire following their third-place finish in 2021. He proved his abilities at the most recent World Cup at the age of 28.
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