African players have a strong tradition of excellence in the UEFA Champions League, and the
following five stars from our continent are set to light up the 2025/26 edition of the tournament.
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League will be the second edition of the competition since
adopting a new format last season.
Here are the top African Stars to watch in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.
Achraf Hakimi: Achraf Hakimi is pivotal to Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League title defence. His explosive pace, attacking thrust and defensive recovery make him indispensable at right wing-back in Luis Enrique’s fluid system.
Hakimi stretches defences wide, creating overloads and linking seamlessly with the team’s forwards. His ability to transition quickly from defence to attack gives PSG a vital edge in high-stakes European matches.
Off the ball, his positional intelligence and pressing contributes to PSG’s compact shape. With tough opponents ahead, Hakimi’s blend of athleticism, tactical discipline, and Champions League experience will be crucial in maintaining the Parisians’ continental dominance.
Ademola Lookman: Ademola Lookman is central to Atalanta’s ambitions in the UEFA
Champions League. His directness, creativity and clinical finishing make him a constant
threat to La Dea’s high-intensity system.
Lookman’s ability to beat defenders one-on-one and operate in tight spaces adds a vital spark to Atalanta’s attack, especially in transition. After his standout performances in the previous (2023/24) season’s Europa League triumph, including a historic hat-trick in the final, he enters the Champions League with confidence and form.
Against elite opposition, Lookman’s flair and unpredictability could be decisive, offering Atalanta a cutting edge as they aim to surprise Europe’s biggest clubs.
Serhou Guirassy: Guirassy brings a powerful new dimension to Borussia Dortmund’s attack ahead of their UEFA Champions League campaign. Guirassy’s clinical finishing, aerial strength and intelligent movement offer Dortmund a true No. 9 presence they’ve lacked since Erling Haaland’s departure.
His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game complements Dortmund’s youthful wingers and attacking midfielders. In high-pressure European ties, Guirassy’s composure in front of goal and physicality can unsettle elite defences.
If he settles quickly, he could be the key difference-maker in Dortmund’s push for another deep Champions League run.
Mohamed Salah: Salah remains Liverpool’s talisman as they turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League. His experience, consistency and elite goal-scoring record make him a critical figure in Arne Slot’s revamped side.
Salah’s sharp movement, left-footed precision, and ability to deliver in clutch moments are vital in
navigating tough league-phase ties and knockout clashes. Beyond goals, his leadership and work rate set the tone for Liverpool’s high-pressing system.
With younger attackers emerging around him, Salah’s presence ensures both stability and a cutting edge in Europe. If Liverpool are to contend seriously, Salah’s form and fitness will be absolutely essential.
Wilfried Singo: Singo is set to play a crucial role in Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League campaign, offering pace, power, and versatility down the right flank. Operating primarily as a wing-back or full-back, Singo adds athleticism and defensive solidity, key traits against Europe’s elite wingers.
His ability to burst forward and deliver quality crosses gives Galatasaray an extra dimension in attack, while his strength and aerial presence bolster the team defensively. In a squad full of experienced names, Singo brings youthful energy and dynamism.
For Galatasaray to compete at the highest level, his performances in both transition and one-on-one duels will be vital.
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Europe’s elite head-to-head from the outset, while inviting fresh, far-flung challengers into the fray. It’s a bold blend: traditional powerhouses battling in high-voltage encounters, while underdog journeys and once-in-a-lifetime trips add a compelling human element.
With this format, every matchday matters, every road leads somewhere unpredictable… and it all begins with the unforgettable drama of a draw that promises to reshape how we experience the
Champions League.
