The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is here and African teams – Al Ahly (Egypt), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia) and Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) – have brought with their best players. These are 8 of them that you will not want to miss:
8. Wissam Abou Ali (Al Ahly, Egypt)
Ali arrived in Cairo in January 2024 but by May 2025 this Danish-Palestinian striker had already scored 16 goals in league and continental games. Plus a Champions League hat-trick. Strong in the air, slick on the deck and always ready to pounce, he’s looks ready to lead Al Ahly’s charge in the US.
7. Nordin Amrabat (Wydad AC, Morocco)
Nordin Amrabat, at 38, continues to play like he has something to prove. The former LALIGA and Eredivisie winger has just joined Wydad last month. He brings high football IQ, physical strength and a wicked right foot to Wydad’s frontline. A transition-game weapon who can punish defenders with crosses or cut inside to shoot, Amrabat’s veteran presence could be vital for Wydad.
6. Amenallah Memmiche (Espérance de Tunis, Tunisia)
Just 20 years old and Amenallah Memmiche is already known as the “clean-sheet prince” (nicknamed by FIFA). He kept 10 clean sheets in 11 Champions League matches, and about 30 in 37 games overall. He’s cool under pressure, lightning off his line and commanding his area. Memmiche could be the breakout goalkeeper of the tournament.
5. Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
With over 400 club appearances, nine league titles and over 50 caps with South Africa, Themba Zwane is a player who has achieved a lot. He tends to take a seat on the left-hand side of midfield (or even attacking midfielder depending on the playing system). Zwane dictates the play with his intelligent movement, good pace and an actual ability to pick out those key passes that change the game.
4. Youcef Belaïli (Esperance de Tunis, Tunisia)
Youcef Belaïli is back at Espérance and picking up things right where he left them. He usually starts on the left but drifts inside, brings flair, sharp dribbling, vision and a real threat from distance. 34 goals in 34 games (18 goals and 16 assists) and he’s the one breaking down defences. Espérance’s third kit was voted the best of the tournament by ESPN, so Belaïli has the talent and the shirt to turn heads this summer.
3. Emam Ashour (Al Ahly, Egypt)
Splitting lines with deadly diagonals and regaining possession of the ball with his teeth, Emam Ashour is the pulse of the Al Ahly midfield. He finished off the season with 19 goals and nine assists in 39 games. With new manager Jose Riveiro, Ashour’s aggression and intelligence combination is tailor-made for a press-based and build-up oriented.
2. Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
CAF Goalkeeper of the Year and 2024 Yashin Trophy candidate, Ronwen Williams is the contemporary sweeper-keeper. He kept 30 clean sheets across domestic and continental competitions last season, commanding his box. Expect a Neuer-like territory control and execution against top teams. To make a good run in the Club World Cup, Sundowns will require their captain and last line to be at their best.
1. Hussein El Shahat (Al Ahly, Egypt)
A Club World Cup legend. Hussein El Shahat has scored in four editions of the tournament, only matched by Karim Benzema. He also broke the record with 15 game appearances. Fast, clinical and deadly from wide areas, El Shahat is built for these moments and should lead the way for Al Ahly.
