The most exciting unknown African players to watch in 2025 (Part 2)

Coach Sébastien Desabre has called up 19-year-old Noah Sadiki for his first senior international appearance. Born in Brussels, Sadiki had the option to represent Belgium but has chosen to commit to DR Congo, where he has impressed this season with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. A versatile player, Sadiki excels both in midfield and defense, showcasing a strong sense of positioning, excellent passing skills, and an ability to read the game.

Despite his parents’ objections, the former Belgian youth international made the switch to DR Congo in September 2023, defying the odds. He began his journey with the U21 team before making his senior debut a year later, contributing to a 1-0 victory over Guinea in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. This season, Sadiki has played over 45 games as part of his development. His integration into the Congolese squad has been gradual, with Desabre carefully easing him into the demands of African football. Although he has featured in all six qualifying matches so far, he started the last two. The upcoming games for DR Congo will provide a clearer picture of Sadiki’s potential and how he will evolve in the senior team.

In his first Champions League start, Ngal’ayel Mukau not only scored his first two professional goals but also secured Lille’s victory in Bologna. Signed for €5 million from Mechelen after just one full season (28 appearances in all competitions), Mukau’s performance that night earned Lille €2.1 million for that win. His achievement places him among an elite group of double goal scorers for a French club in the Champions League. After Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema, and David Trezeguet, Mukau becomes the fourth youngest player to accomplish this feat, at just 20 years and 24 days old.

Mukau’s sensational rise at LOSC Lille has caught the eye of several top European clubs. Premier League sides Crystal Palace and West Ham United are reportedly interested in the talented African midfielder, and they may soon make a move to bring him to England.

The 20-year-old Mukau, born in Belgium, has always been determined to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo. He made his debut for the Leopards during the final round of AFCON qualifiers in November. Although he was a second-half substitute in DR Congo’s defeat to Guinea, he impressed in the 30 minutes he played, earning a starting spot for the next match against Ethiopia. Mukau’s versatility and immense potential have quickly put him on the radar of top clubs. While Lille will be reluctant to part with him so soon, a substantial offer could tempt them to let go of the promising midfielder.

Eliesse Ben Seghir made an electrifying debut, scoring a vital brace against Auxerre after coming off the bench—an incredible way to announce himself at the professional level. This memorable performance in December 2022 saw him become Monaco’s fifth youngest scorer, behind legends like Kylian Mbappé, Pietro Pellegri, Thierry Henry, and Benoit Badiashile, and their second youngest ever to score a brace, trailing only Thierry Henry.

The exceptionally talented attacker quickly built on this breakthrough, gaining invaluable experience both domestically and in the Europa League. Rising to the occasion time and again, he has handled the pressures of the highest level with remarkable composure. Joining Monaco’s prestigious academy at 16 has undoubtedly been a wise decision for his development.

In another exciting development, Ben Seghir chose to represent Morocco internationally, despite previously playing for France’s youth teams. Since committing to the Atlas Lions, he has scored three goals in eight appearances for his country.

A true magician with the ball at his feet, it’s been a joy to watch Ben Seghir dazzle with his dribbling skills, bringing life to Monaco’s attacking play. Inspired by Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembélé, his influences are evident in his mesmerizing runs, and his performances not only showcase his talent but also highlight his dream of one day joining FC Barcelona.

Describing himself as “an artist” on his Instagram bio, Ben Seghir truly lives up to that title with his fluid and creative style of play, making him one of the most exciting young talents in European football.

Ibrahim Osman’s 2023 was truly The Right to Dream year for the then 18-year-old. On June 1, he signed his first professional contract with Nordsjaelland. By July 31, he scored his first league goal, and on August 31, he netted his first European goal. Just a few days later, on September 12, he signed with the global sportswear brand, Adidas. A graduate of the Right to Dream academy in Ghana, the versatile attacker made his move to Brighton in 2024 for a €19.5m deal.

Following his transfer, Osman was loaned to Feyenoord, where he has impressed, contributing two goals and two assists from six starts (15 appearances) in the Eredivisie. He has also made six appearances in the Champions League this season.

Osman’s talents go beyond the club level. He has represented Ghana at various youth levels, showcasing his potential as a future key player for the national team. In 2024, he earned his first two caps for Ghana in international friendlies. He was also on the bench for the next four official matches but missed the final four AFCON qualifiers due to a minor injury and thigh problems. Despite Ghana’s disappointing qualification campaign that saw them miss out on Morocco, they will have a chance to redeem themselves in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with matches against Chad, Madagascar, Mali, Central African Republic, and Comoros.

Known for his pace, technical skills, and versatility, Osman’s ability to play across multiple attacking positions makes him a valuable asset to any team. As he continues to gain experience and refine his game, Osman is set to make a major impact on the football world in the years to come.

Orlando Pirates sensation Relebohile Mofokeng is quickly becoming one of South Africa’s brightest prospects, with the world at his feet and a host of top clubs vying for his services. At just 20 years old, he is already making his mark in Buccaneers history, scoring the decisive goal in last October’s MTN8 Cup final and playing a key role in their CAF Champions League campaign. Mofokeng’s three goals helped the Soweto giants top Group C, with MC Alger set to be their next challenge in the knockout stage on April 1.

The buzz around Mofokeng is undeniable, with major clubs like Barcelona reportedly eyeing his potential. Recently, Zamalek saw a €1.3 million (25.8 million Rand) bid rejected for the young star, further highlighting his rising value. There’s little doubt that Mofokeng has the ability to succeed on the European stage should a top club come calling.

The breakout talent has also started to make his mark on the international stage, gradually earning his place in the national team setup with five caps so far. Mofokeng earned his first cap for South Africa in June’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, just days after dazzling with a brilliant individual performance in the South African cup final, where his club secured a dramatic stoppage-time win over Mamelodi Sundowns. Since then, he has become a regular for Bafana Bafana, earning four more caps in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as South Africa topped their group and secured qualification for Morocco.

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has boldly predicted that 2025 will be Mofokeng’s final season in the PSL, such is his talent and potential. With a deceptive turn of pace and exceptional dribbling skills, Mofokeng is a nightmare for defenders and is set to make an impact at both club and international level in the coming year.

As the offers continue to roll in, Orlando Pirates will face an increasingly difficult challenge in holding on to their generational talent.

A true phenomenon, Amara Diouf has already made his full Senegal debut at just 15 years old, becoming the youngest-ever player to represent the nation. This historic appearance came shortly after the forward shattered Victor Osimhen’s record for the most goals scored at a single U17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, setting him on a path to stardom alongside the Napoli superstar.

Currently developing at Senegal’s renowned Generation Foot academy, Diouf has drawn comparisons to former graduate Sadio Mane due to his pace, finishing ability, and flair for dribbling at speed—whether playing out wide or as a central striker. In 2026, he will follow in Mane’s footsteps by joining Metz, beating out top European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, and Arsenal for his signature.

Remember the name—soon, Africa and the world will see this hidden gem shine on the global stage!

Ghana forward Jerry Afriyie is quickly emerging as the new wonderkid for the powerful West African nation. At just 17, the talented forward was already turning heads, with many expecting him to reach global stardom. He made a memorable impact for Ghana’s U-20 team, scoring a stunning goal in their 3-1 victory over Gambia in the 13th All Africa Games Men’s Football competition in Accra on March 12, 2024.

Afriyie was a standout performer for the Satellites, leading them to gold at the African Games and silver at the WAFU Championship. His remarkable form at the WAFU Championship, where he scored five goals in five games, earned him the golden boot. Known for his versatility, Afriyie can play across all positions in attack but thrives in the false nine role, where his mobility and ability to combine with wingers and midfielders shine. His athleticism, powerful shooting, technical skill, excellent ball-carrying, and keen eye for goal make him a generational talent.

Now 18, Afriyie made the leap to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah after a breakthrough season with Thoughts FC in Ghana. His time in Spain, playing for CD Lugo until June 2025, is seen as the perfect opportunity for his development. He made his debut for Lugo in a league match against SD Tarazona, where he earned a penalty after coming off the bench, despite the team’s 2-1 defeat.

Afriyie made history as the first player from Ghana’s third-tier league to earn a call-up to the Black Stars in the modern era. Just shy of his 18th birthday, the teenage striker made an immediate impact, scoring in his Black Stars debut against Niger in the final game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

As a versatile forward, Afriyie is set to be a key figure in Ghana’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar later this month.

With his determination and rapid rise, Afriyie is poised to become one of the most exciting young talents in world football, and it’s hard not to get excited about the emergence of a new superstar.

Don’t forget to check out Part 1. Stay tuned for part 3 of our series on the most exciting unknown African players to watch in 2025! Feel free to leave a comment if you think there are other players who should be featured.

Elume Raymond™ is on Twitter (X): @elumeraymond