One year to go before TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Celebrating the legends of the competition

The countdown has begun for the 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

The continental showpiece headed to Morocco for the second time since 1988 promises to produce more memorable moments as previously done by Africa’s most treasured stars.

CAFOnline highlights four many legends of the tournament who have left their mark in the competition over the years.

Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

Former Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o is considered one of the greatest legends of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations finals. He is among the most prominent players to have left their mark on the continental competition, with his name etched in gold letters in the history of the tournament.

Eto’o is the all-time top scorer in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, having netted 18 goals across six editions between 2000 and 2010. He has also won two TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations titles, being part of the Indomitable Lions’ winning teams in 2000 and 2022.

Ahmed Hassan (Egypt)

Ahmed Hassan was named the best player in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations twice, in 2006 and 2010, underscoring his brilliance during his participation with the Pharaohs.

Hassan boasts four TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations titles, having reached the finals with Egypt in 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010.

He shares the record for most appearances in the competition (8) with Cameroonian Rigobert Song, Tunisia’s Youssef Msakni, and Ghana’s Didier Ayew. Hassan ended his international career with 184 caps.

Didier Drogba (Cote d’Ivoire)

Former Ivorian striker Didier Drogba stood out in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations finals with his national team, Côte d’Ivoire.

Drogba is one of the few players who shone in the African football tournament finals but failed to lead his country to victory, particularly during the peak of his career when he was a key player for his English club, Chelsea.

Drogba was instrumental in helping Côte d’Ivoire reach the finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in 2006 and 2012, but the Elephants were unable to win the continental title.

Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria)

Former Nigerian international Jay-Jay Okocha remains one of the brightest and most prominent African players to have starred for his national team during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Okocha was known for his incredible skill, dribbling, and overall play, making him one of the most dangerous players on the pitch during matches.

The Nigerian legend won the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in 1994, reached the final with Nigeria in 2000, and helped his country secure the bronze medal three times— in 2002, 2004, and 2006.