From ruthless finishers to clever creators, the numbers so far tell the story of who has truly stamped their authority on the tournament.

At the top of the goal charts sits Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, who has been in devastating form throughout the group stage. With five goals in five matches, the attacker has consistently delivered when it matters most, making him the current leading scorer of the competition.

Close behind is Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, whose presence in the box has once again proven decisive. The Super Eagles striker has found the net four times in five games, continuing his reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable goal scorers on the big stage.

Nigeria also boasts another strong contender in Ademola Lookman, who has contributed three goals from five appearances. He shares this tally with Lassine Sinayoko (Mali), Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco), Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), all of whom have delivered crucial goals for their nations.

Perhaps the most eye-catching efficiency belongs to Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian captain has scored three goals in just two matches, underlining his impact whenever he steps onto the pitch.

Highest goal scorers at AFCON 2025

• Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – 5 goals (5 matches)
• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – 4 goals (5 matches)
• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – 3 goals (5 matches)
• Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) – 3 goals (5 matches)
• Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco) – 3 goals (5 matches)
• Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 3 goals (5 matches)
• Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – 3 goals (2 matches)
• Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) – 3 goals (5 matches)

Beyond the goals, creativity has been just as influential. Ademola Lookman has stood out not only as a scorer but also as the tournament’s leading provider, recording four assists to underline his all-round attacking influence for Nigeria.

Senegal’s talisman Sadio Mané follows closely with three assists, while Nigeria continues to dominate the assist charts through Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, who have both contributed two assists each. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco) and Anis Hadj-Moussa (Algeria) complete the list, also registering two assists apiece.

Players with the highest assists at AFCON 2025

• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – 4 assists
• Sadio Mané (Senegal) – 3 assists
• Alex Iwobi (Nigeria) – 2 assists
• Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria) – 2 assists
• Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco) – 2 assists
• Anis Hadj-Moussa (Algeria) – 2 assists

With qualification spots still on the line and knockout football fast approaching, these goal scorers and playmakers are expected to play even bigger roles.

As AFCON 2025 enters its most critical phase, their boots and their vision could be the difference between an early exit and a march toward continental glory.

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EA Sports has released its updated player ratings for the top African footballers ahead of the 2024/25 season. Among the standout names, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen (Napoli), and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli) have all been recognized for their exceptional abilities.

Salah leads the pack with a rating of 89, maintaining his status as one of the best African footballers. Osimhen, coming off a stellar season, has earned an impressive 88 rating. Mahrez follows with an 86 rating.

The list also includes other highly-rated African talents, such as Senegal’s Sadio Mane (86) and André Onana of Cameroon (Manchester United, 85). In total, players from leading African nations such as Egypt, Nigeria, and Senegal dominate the rankings, reflecting their strength in world football.

These ratings highlight the contributions of African stars who continue to make their mark on the global stage.

Here’s a sneak peek at the top 20 highest-rated African players in EA Sports:

1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 89

2. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – 88

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After joining Al Ittihad during the summer, Karim Benzema stated that he “always wanted” to live in Saudi Arabia.

The famous forward was widely anticipated to sign a one-year agreement with Real Madrid after the 2022–23 season, but he suddenly decided to join Saudi Pro League team Al Ittihad instead, agreeing to a deal for an astounding £172 million annually.

Benzema has made 11 appearances for his new teams so far, scoring six goals in those contests to help the defending champions climb the Saudi Pro League standings.

Speaking to the league’s official media outlets, Benzema spent time explaining why he chose to go to the Middle East, citing his faith as a major motivator.

“Well with everything I’ve made and gained with Real Madrid, I think it was for me the good moment to try a new challenge,” he said. “For a really long time, even before football, I always wanted to come here. Also, it’s a Muslim country. Straight away I felt this love for me. On and off the pitch I feel good.

“This country welcomed me with open arms. I feel the love of the people here so obviously that makes me happy.”

“I really want to help Saudi football grow. [Al Ittihad] was a project that was just starting to burst from everywhere so from my side I wanted to be part of the story. That’s the reason why I came here.”

Benzema also discussed how surprised he’s been by the standard of play in the Saudi Pro League. A huge number of top level players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez have all made the move to the league over the last 12 months, greatly improving the product.

“I’m really surprised and pleased about the level of the game here,” he went on to explain. “Really surprised because in Europe we don’t watch much football from here. Nowadays we are watching more and more because of the big names they signed.”

"I really wanted to be part of the story and to help Saudi football grow" 🎙️@Benzema discusses his move and start to life in the RSL 🇫🇷#yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/67VysqGDMM

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) October 11, 2023

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In order to facilitate their third senior departure of the summer, Manchester City have accepted a bid for Aymeric Laporte.

The player is now free to negotiate terms with Saudi club Al Nassr with the goal of persuading him to leave the Treble champions for a different challenge.

Former City teammate Riyad Mahrez has already left this summer to join the emerging league, signing for Al Ahli for £30m.

Laporte had been considering leaving the team the entire summer after feeling let down by the lack of starts he received as Pep Guardiola’s team made history the previous campaign.

He has trained with the Blues and appeared off the bench in their Premier League opener at Burnley, though there hasn’t been much interest in him this summer.

The City defender is now in Greece with the team as they get ready for Wednesday night’s Super Cup match against Sevilla. After losing 2-1 to Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq in their league opener this week, Al Nassr, a team that includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, are expecting to close the deal quickly.

City is aiming to strengthen in the remaining two weeks of the window after losing Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan this summer, but they might not attempt to replace Laporte considering that they already paid £78 million on the promising 21-year-old defender Josko Gvardiol.

Although Guardiola said that the Super Cup may be too soon for a complete debut considering Gvardiol’s lack of preseason training with the team thus far, Manu Akanji expressed this week his confidence that Gvardiol will soon demonstrate his talent for the Blues.

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Riyad Mahrez has joined Saudi Pro League team Al Ahli, and Manchester City has officially announced his exit.

The winger arrived from Leicester City in 2018 and enjoyed an illustrious tenure at the Etihad Stadium, winning four Premier League titles and the Champions League trophy as part of the treble last season.

He managed 236 appearances in all competitions for City, scoring 78 goals and dishing out 59 assists for Pep Guardiola’s team.

Thank you, @Mahrez22! 💫🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/omGQFqfkzl

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 28, 2023

“To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege,” Mahrez told club media. “I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football and I achieved all that and so much more.

“I have had five unforgettable years with this football club, working with unbelievable players, fantastic supporters, and the best manager in the world. I’ve made a lifetime of wonderful memories and the manner of our Premier League title wins and the battles we’ve had with Liverpool and, last year, Arsenal, underlined our collective desire and mentality to be the best.

“Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.”

🩵 https://t.co/Fz9ikEh7BT

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 28, 2023

Club director Txiki Begiristain added: “Riyad has been a major factor in our amazing successes over the past five years and his contribution will not be forgotten. He is a wonderful footballer to watch and leaves us with so many great memories.

“There are few wingers that possess his levels of skill and technique in world football, and he will be missed, but everyone will wish him all the best as he begins a new chapter in his career.”

Mahrez, who had previously shown Pep Guardiola his value in big games, was devastated by his exclusion from both the Champions League and FA Cup finals, as was previously mentioned. Instead, he was content to observe as City went on to win both of the finals and a famous treble by beating Arsenal to win the Premier League.

At Al Ahli, Mahrez will team up with Roberto Firmino and Edouard Mendy, while a transfer for Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin is reportedly on the horizon.

.@Mahrez22 joins Al-Ahli Saudi Football Club 👇

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 28, 2023

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Riyad Mahrez will be sold by Manchester City to Al-Ahli for €40 million (£34.7 million).

The 32-year-old will now miss City’s preseason trip to South Korea and Japan and will have a medical on Thursday with the Saudi Pro League team.

Al-Ahli and Mahrez have agreed to a three-year contract, and according to The Athletic, Al-Ahli will pay City €35 million (£30.4 million) and an additional €5 million (£4.3 million) in add-ons.

Edouard Mendy from Chelsea and Roberto Firmino from Liverpool have already been acquired by Al-Ahli this summer.

They are also nearing an agreement to sign Allan Saint-Maximin from Newcastle United for €25 million (£21.5 million).

Mahrez, meanwhile, finishes his nine-year stay in England after winning five Premier League titles, including one with Leicester City in 2016 and four with Manchester City.

The international from Algeria has 10 trophies to his name while playing for City, and he contributed to the team’s treble-winning campaign last year.

Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan, who joined Barcelona earlier this summer on a free transfer, are now no longer at City.

Kyle Walker is also expected to complete his move to Bayern Munich before the end of the window, while City remain open to offloading Joao Cancelo after allowing him to leave on loan in January.

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Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has bagged the Best African International award at the 5th edition of the Ghana Football Awards.

At the awards ceremony conducted on Sunday at the Accra International Conference Center, Osimhen was declared the winner.

The 24-year-old defeated Riyad Mahrez, a triple winner, and Mohamed Salah, a star for Liverpool and Egypt.

Osimhen contributed to Napoli’s 2022–23 Serie A championship, their first since the 1989–1990 campaign.

He became the first African to accomplish the mark by tallying 26 goals in the Italian top division.

He received the Serie A Best Striker award for the recently finished season.

He contributed with two goals when the Super Eagles defeated Sierra Leone 3-2 to earn a spot in Côte d’Ivoire for the 2023 AFCON.

Victor Osimhen wins Best African International Player of the Year. #GFAwards23 #GhanaFootballAwards23 pic.twitter.com/pHc05EiIO1

— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) June 26, 2023

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With his two goals against Leeds on Monday, Mohamed Salah surpassed Robbie Fowler’s Premier League record for the most left-footed goals.

The Egyptian international scored twice as Liverpool defeated Leeds United 6-1 at Elland Road to end a winless streak of five games.

From the edge of the penalty area, he scored his first goal in the 39th minute with a left-footed shot that found the top corner.

It was his 106th Premier League goal with his left foot, which dethroned former Reds striker Fowler from the summit, who had held the record for 16 years. Salah did not have to wait long for the second as he completed his brace in the 64th minute after being set up by Cody Gakpo to take his tally of left-foot goals up to 107.

In terms of active players, Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City is Salah’s closest rival, although the Algerian has already scored 65 goals with his left foot. The other top ten players no longer compete in the Premier League.

This Premier League season, Salah has been on a streak that has broken records. He surpassed Fowler’s record of 128 Premier League goals for Liverpool and became the team’s first player to score in six successive games against Manchester United back in March.

He scored the opening goal in a more recent match against Manchester City to surpass Michael Owen’s 55-goal record and become Liverpool’s all-time best away scorer in the Premier League.

When Liverpool hosts Nottingham Forest in their Premier League game on Saturday, Salah will look to keep up his strong run of play as Jurgen Klopp’s team keeps pushing for a top-four spot.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Mo Salah surpasses Premier League record held by Robbie Fowler for 16 years..

After putting up exceptional performances in January 2023, seven players were shortlisted for the Premier League Player of the Month award.

Fans and football enthusiasts have cast their votes for their favourite players for the Premier League Player of the Month award via the EA SPORTS website.

Marcus Rashford has won January’s EA SPORTS Player of the Month award, earning the prize for the second time this season.

For the second time this season 👏

Marcus Rashford is your @premierleague #POTM for January 🔥#FIFA23 #FUT pic.twitter.com/v10o674jIk

— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) February 3, 2023

With goals in three of Manchester United’s four games last month, Rashford maintained his outstanding run.

United won seven points out of a possible 12 in four league games this month, including a stunning come-from-behind victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford.

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Rashford scored the game-winning goal in that derby, as well as in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth and the 3-2 defeat at Arsenal. Marcus also appeared in our 1-1 tie against Crystal Palace.

His tally for the season is at 18 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions, with nine of those goals coming in our league campaign.

The 25-year-old was nominated for the January Budweiser Goal of the Month award after scoring a magnificent long-range goal against Arsenal. The winner will be revealed later today.

In his career, Rashford has won the award three times, previously in January 2019 and September 2022.

He was chosen from a shortlist of seven candidates that also included David Raya, Bukayo Saka, Brennan Johnson, Riyad Mahrez, Solly March, and Burnan Johnson.

It just had to be him 👉😄
 
Marcus Rashford is @EASPORTSFIFA Player of the Month for the second time this season!
 #PLAwards | @MarcusRashford pic.twitter.com/0ZpUg0lswa

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 3, 2023

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Premier League announce Player of the month in January 2023..

The Premier League has announced the full official list of nominees for the player of the month award for January 2023.

A full list of nominees for the player of the month award has been revealed by the premier league’s organizers following a competitive month of January 2023.

After evaluating their great contributions to their individual club teams during all of the game weeks in January 2022, the league selected these football players. Seven players have been shortlisted for the January EA SPORTS Player of the Month award

This list was released earlier today, January 26, 2022, on the official website of the Premier League.

After putting in excellent performances throughout January, eight players have been shortlisted for the EA SPORTS Player of the Month award.

The public votes will be combined with those of a panel of football experts to decide the winner, who will be revealed next week.

Shortlist of EA SPORTS players:

• P3 W1 D2 L0 G0 A0 CS3 Dan Burn (NEW)

The versatile defender shone for a Newcastle United defence that went the entire season without giving up a goal, even visiting league leaders Arsenal during that stretch.

• P4 W2 D2 L0 G2 A2 Brennan Johnson (NFO)

The forward for Nottingham Forest was instrumental in their comeback in January, scoring twice against Leicester City in a local derby game and providing two assists overall.

RELATED:

• Premier League Announce The Winner For 2022 November/December Manager Of The Month
• Premier League Announce Nominees for Manager of the Month for November/December 2022.
• Premier League Player Of The Month For November/December 2022

• P4 W3 D0 L1 G3 A2 Riyad Mahrez (MCI)

The winger’s five-goal involvements in January were the most of any player. In a string of games against Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, he scored three goals and provided two assists.

Introducing the first @premierleague Player of the Month nominees for 2023 🙌

Vote for January's #POTM now ➡ https://t.co/xz2IGc9jvn#FIFA23 #FUT pic.twitter.com/PT1BmvBGab

— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) January 26, 2023

• P3 W2 D1 L0 G3 A1 Solly March (BHA)

Under Roberto De Zerbi, the winger for Brighton & Hove Albion is flourishing. His three goals included his first brace as a senior and an assist in a 3-0 win over Liverpool.

• P4 W2 D1 L1 G3 A0 Marcus Rashford (MUN)

The Manchester United star scored in three of his four games, including the Manchester derby’s deciding goal, continuing his scorching form. Having already won the award in September 2022, he is trying to take home the honour this season a second time.

• P3 W2 D1 L0 CS2 S11 David Raya (BRE)

Brentford conceded only one goal all month and that was in part thanks to the heroics of their goalkeeper, who made 11 saves.

• P3 W2 D1 L0 G1 A1 Bukayo Saka (ARS)

The 21-year-old winger has excelled for an Arsenal team that leads the league by five points. His two-goal contributions were in important victories; he provided an assist in the north London derby before scoring against Man Utd.

The nominees for January 2023 @EASPORTSFIFA Player of the Month are:

⚫ Dan Burn
🌳 Brennan Johnson
🔷 @Mahrez22
🔵 Solly March
👹 @MarcusRashford
🐝 @DaviidRaya1
🔴 @BukayoSaka87#PLAwards | https://t.co/znr3agsAF0 pic.twitter.com/iHDkOU5fFJ

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 26, 2023

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After Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Manchester City on Thursday night, Graham Potter’s poor luck with injuries persisted as both Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic were taken out in the first half.

Riyad Mahrez scored the game’s lone goal at Stamford Bridge, and despite the Blues’ heroic efforts against the Premier League champions that evening, they were defeated.

However, Sterling and Pulisic had to be substituted throughout the first 20 minutes of the game because of injuries. Due to an injury sustained in training on Wednesday, Mason Mount also missed the game.

With Chelsea struggling to find their form, these three join a long list of absentees for Potter, including Reece James and Wesley Fofana.

“It’s tough at the moment I must admit, I feel for the boys,” said Potter on Sky Sports after the loss.

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“We have to stick together. It’s disappointing to lose those guys but the players on the pitch, those that came in gave everything and that’s all you can ask for.”

It’s been difficult for The Blues manager since taking over at The Bridge but he stated that they cannot grumble about having so many first-team players out of action.

“We can’t complain about it, we just have to get on with it,” Potter responded when asked about the growing list of injuries. “The boys on the pitch gave everything and did what we asked them to do and Manchester City don’t give you much.

“When you consider everything, losing Raheem [Sterling] and Christian [Pulisic] so early, the lads gave everything. It was a spirited performance against a top team, so apart from the result I’m proud of the players.”

Chelsea is now ranked 10th in the Premier League and will play Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Liverpool later this month.

In the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday, Pep Guardiola’s team will face Potter’s team in Manchester for the second straight time.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Graham Potter addresses Chelsea’s massive injury list after Man City’s loss..

Ahead of the World Cup break, Pep Guardiola has lauded Arsenal and believes they are the rightful Premier League leaders. He also claims that Manchester City’s Carabao Cup victory is a plus rather than a detriment.

With Chelsea visiting in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, the Spaniard, whose team is presently second in the Premier League, two points behind Arsenal, altered his lineup and managed to defeat Chelsea 2-0 with goals from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.

On Saturday, they visit Brentford in the last game before the World Cup, while Arsenal travels to Wolves after losing to Brighton at home in their own Carabao Cup match.

With the next round taking place two days after the World Cup final, it had been suggested that it could be a blessing in disguise to exit the competition now.

However, Guardiola is quite happy with City’s start to the season and believes the fourth-round encounter will be a huge help to the players in his squad who won’t play for the next six weeks – even if his side stays in second place behind Arsenal after the weekend.

When it was suggested that he couldn’t have asked for much more from the first part of the season, Guardiola replied: ‘We could be top of the league! But Arsenal have been exceptional.

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‘So I think yesterday one guy on my staff told me that we had more points in the Premier League [at this stage of the season] than I think in the last four seasons.

‘So that means we have been really good, but another team has been better. We have to accept it. This is the level, the bar, the standards.

‘But of course to manage Champions League qualification in this period and not be far, far away from the top of the league, this is the situation.

‘Yesterday I could say “Oh if we are not qualified, we have one more week of holiday” but it will be good for Sergio [Gomez], Riyad [Mahrez], Erling [Haaland] who don’t go to the World Cup.

‘Before we go to Leeds in the first [Premier League] game after the World Cup, they will have a rhythm of one game [from the Carabao Cup].’

Guardiola was also asked about Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham all exiting the competition, and replied sarcastically: ‘Yeah we’ll be champions already, yeah. Thank you.

‘We’re confident for the fact that it doesn’t matter. I’ve said from day one, if we play a friendly game, Carabao Cup, Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup: we play to win the game.

‘And this is the standard we are going to set in this club. Consistency in every competition, we have to do our job. After we can lose, of course, but we played today to win the game, being who we are.’

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