Ghanaian striker Jerry Afriyie has been named by CAF as one of four rising football talents to watch in 2025. The upcoming year promises to be an exciting one for African stars, with a packed football calendar. The highlight will be the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco at the end of the year. Before that, fans can look forward to annual club competitions, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has identified four young players poised to make a vital impact on the global stage. Leading the list is Jerry Afriyie, who plays for Thoughts FC in Ghana
Afriyie’s rise is a remarkable story. Playing in the relatively obscure third division of Ghanaian football, he earned a surprise call-up to the Black Stars in November. In his debut against Niger, the teenager showcased his potential by scoring a goal. This followed an impressive performance at the WAFU B U-20 qualifying tournament in Togo, where he netted five goals and was named Player of the Tournament.
Joining Jerry Afriyie is Ng’alaye Mukau, a 20-year-old defensive midfielder from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Born in Belgium, Mukau made his international debut in November during the final round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Mukau’s career has seen a meteoric rise. French club Lille recognized his immense talent, outbidding other clubs to secure his signature for a €4 million fee. He quickly transitioned from the Belgian reserve league to making a significant impact in the UEFA Champions League, scoring twice for LOSC against Bologna.
Another rising star is Algerian winger, Anis Hadj Moussa. He made his international debut in March 2024 and quickly impressed, earning three caps. At club level, he moved from Vitesse Arnhem to Feyenoord Rotterdam. His standout performances in the UEFA Champions League, including goals against Salzburg, Sparta Prague, and Manchester City, have garnered significant attention.
Completing the list is South African midfielder, Relebogile Mofokeng. He earned his first cap for South Africa in June 2024, shortly after a stunning display of individual skill in the South African cup final. Mofokeng has since become a regular for Bafana Bafana, contributing to their successful Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
These four young talents represent the bright future of African football. With their exceptional skills, determination, and drive, they are all set to make meaningful contributions to their clubs and national teams in 2025.
