The pipeline to African-born players isn’t slowing down, and the 2025/26 European season is shaping up to be the strongest yet for the continent’s brightest exports.
From Premier League title pushes to Champions League spotlights, these African and African-born players are ready to keep making an impact.
African-born Players Most Likely to Dominate in 2025-26
Mohamed Salah
Egyptian Mohamed Salah may be 32, but his output still speaks for itself. Last season, he notched 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions for Liverpool, leading the league in both.
This might be his final year at Anfield, or the start of a twilight chapter in a new shirt. Either way, he’s not going quietly. He’s entering 2025/26 still as one of the most dangerous forwards in the world – something that bettors in Nigeria are wagering on.
Also Read: The top African goalscorers in Premier League history
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman has gone from under-the-radar to unavoidable.
The Nigerian international finished the season with 15 goals in Serie A and five UEFA Champions League goals, and if you are betting in Nigeria, you might want to keep your eye on him.
In 2024, he earned the African Player of the Year crown, and isn’t too far off from 2025’s top contenders.
Serhou Guirassy
After turning heads with Stuttgart, Serhou Guiriassy continued to make his mark at Borussia Dortmund.
He scored 34 goals and provided six assists for Dortmund in all competitions last season.
The Guinean carried his form into the 2025 Club World Cup, scoring four goals in five matches.
Bryan Mbeumo
After impressing at Troyes and Brentford, Bryan Mbeumo has now joined Manchester United for a reported £71 million.
Known for his professionalism, efficiency, and leadership, he is expected to elevate the performance of those around him at Old Trafford, turning things around.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen hasn’t had it easy. A broken relationship with Napoli, a failed move to Chelsea, and a loan move to Galatasaray looked like a step back. But he responded the only way he knows—with goals.
The Nigerian had 37 of them in all competitions, leading Galatasaray to the title and silencing doubters in Europe. A top-five league return feels inevitable. When he gets it, he’ll be back in the conversation.
Ayoub El Kaabi
Ayoub El Kaabi may not be in a major league yet, but he keeps scoring like he belongs there.
The Moroccan striker powered Olympiacos last season with 25 goals and 5 assists. If a bigger club comes calling, El Kaabi could be the breakout name of the year.
Tolu Arokodare
Genk’s gem, and Belgium’s top African player right now, is Tolu Arokudare.
The Nigerian striker scored 20 league goals and scooped the Ebony Shoe award in the process.
Omar Marmoush
Omar Marmoush is another name to keep a close eye on.
The Egyptian winger’s stint at Eintracht Frankfurt was enough to earn him a £60m switch to Manchester City in January.
His first full season under Pep Guardiola could unlock even more. He has the pace, the press resistance, and the mindset to thrive in a system that demands perfection.
Inaki Williams
Ghana’s ever-reliable wide man, Inaki Williams, helped Athletic Bilbao return to the Champions League with six goals and eight assists.
He’s a consistent attacking threat, and as European nights return to San Mames, he’ll be key to how far they go.
Lucien Agoume
After a rocky start to life in Spain, Agoume turned things around to become a key figure in Sevilla’s midfield, making 35 appearances in all competitions.
The Cameroon-born France youth international is now one of the most sought-after young midfielders in La Liga, and beyond.
Main image credit: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo