Just hours before the kickoff of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the 24 qualified teams are ready for the battle for the African trophy. While Morocco will host most of the continent's biggest stars, several major figures in African football will be absent. Injuries, international retirements, or failure to qualify are the reasons. Here is the starting eleven of these notable absentees who could have lit up AFCON 2025.

André Onana (Cameroon)

Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, André Onana will not participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The reason: ongoing strained relations with the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto'o. Despite his top-level performances at club level, the former Inter Milan and Manchester United goalkeeper was not selected by the new coach of the Indomitable Lions.

Even though Cameroon has competitive goalkeepers, Onana's experience and track record in major international competitions would have been an undeniable asset.

Abdou Diallo (Senegal)

African champion in 2022, Abdou Diallo will not be playing in a third consecutive AFCON with the Lions of Teranga. Having featured in the AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the former Paris Saint-Germain defender is paying the price for the emergence of a new generation (El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mamadou Sarr) as well as increased competition, particularly from Moussa Niakhaté.

A key player under Aliou Cissé, Diallo now hopes to bounce back in order to return to the national team for the 2026 World Cup.

William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria)

Named best player of the last Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, William Troost-Ekong surprised everyone by announcing his international retirement just days before the tournament kicked off. An iconic captain and the true leader of the Nigerian defense, his absence will be sorely felt by the Super Eagles.

His leadership, charisma and experience would have been invaluable to a talented but sometimes inconsistent Nigerian national team.

Wilfried Singo (Ivory Coast)

Ivory Coast's reigning African champion, Wilfried Singo, will miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Injured while playing for AS Monaco, the versatile 25-year-old defender, who had a remarkable tournament during their home triumph, will not be able to help the Elephants defend their title.

Powerful (1.90 m for 80 kg) and reliable, Singo was one of the key players expected by the Ivorian coach.

Mohammed Salisu (Ghana)

Despite his status as one of the best African centre-backs, Mohammed Salisu will not be in Morocco for one simple reason: Ghana did not qualify for the 2025 AFCON.

The AS Monaco defender, formerly of Southampton, will be missed by many African football fans who hoped to see him shine on the continental stage. His absence, however, benefits his club, where coach Sébastien Pocognoli will be able to count on him throughout the tournament.

Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon)

While he was in scintillating form, Frank Zambo Anguissa saw his momentum abruptly halted in mid-November. Suffering a hamstring injury in his left thigh two days before the semi-final of the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, which they lost to DR Congo (0-1), the Napoli midfielder was forced to withdraw.

This injury also deprives him of the 2025 AFCON, a huge blow for the Indomitable Lions who will have to do without a key player with 66 caps and 5 goals.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Having qualified for the 2026 World Cup but missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana will find itself in a paradoxical situation. Mohammed Kudus, Tottenham star and currently Ghana's best player, will be one of the tournament's notable absentees.

Considered the worthy successor of Abedi Ayew Pelé, his talent would undoubtedly have added extra excitement to this AFCON.

Hakim Ziyech (Morocco)

The Atlas Lions' technical leader for over six years, Hakim Ziyech will not be playing in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. A huge surprise. Despite his efforts to rediscover his best form—even joining Wydad Casablanca—the former Ajax Amsterdam and Chelsea player failed to convince coach Walid Regragui.

The Moroccan coach preferred to rely on players who regularly play for their clubs, leaving Ziyech out of the squad for this historic match.

Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon)

Vincent Aboubakar, Cameroon's second-highest scorer in history behind Samuel Eto'o with 45 goals, will also be absent from the tournament in Morocco. The top scorer of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations appears to be paying the price for the internal tensions plaguing the Cameroonian national team.

At 33 years old, the former Coton Sport de Garoua striker could have brought his experience and goal-scoring ability to the Indomitable Lions.

Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)

Serhou Guirassy, the second-highest scorer in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with six goals, will miss the tournament. Despite his immense talent, the Borussia Dortmund striker was unable to help Guinea qualify.

A huge disappointment for African football fans, who were hoping to see one of the continent's most prolific strikers light up the competition.

Sebastian Haller (Ivory Coast)

Sebastian Haller, hero of Ivory Coast's victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, will be one of the notable absentees from this Moroccan edition. Initially selected by coach Emerse Faé, the striker ultimately had to withdraw due to injury.

A major blow for Ivory Coast, but also for the spectacle, given how decisive its impact had been during the last tournament.