04/01/2026
AFCON Morocco 2025: France, the most represented country of birth among players, despite not taking part
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is currently underway, a rather surprising statistic highlights the significant role of diasporas in African football. According to a study published by Foot Mercato, France is the most represented country of birth among players competing in the tournament, even though it is not participating.
In total, 107 players selected for AFCON 2025 were born in France—a figure far higher than that of any other country. Côte d’Ivoire ranks second with 29 players born on its soil, followed by South Africa (28), Egypt (25), and Nigeria, Botswana, and Spain (24 each).
Behind this group are Zambia (23), Uganda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe (22 each), then Benin, Sudan, and Mozambique (20). Cameroon and Senegal each have 15 players born on their territory, while Morocco and Tunisia each total 14.
Overall, 186 players taking part in AFCON 2025 were born in Europe—more than a quarter of all players involved—confirming the major influence of African communities established outside the continent.
Another striking fact: 45 players were born in the Île-de-France region, making it the most prolific region in the world for this edition of AFCON, well ahead of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region (18 players) and even ahead of African football capitals such as Bamako or Abidjan.
As for national teams, Morocco stands out as the squad whose players were born in the widest range of countries. Among the Atlas Lions, 14 players were born in Morocco and another 14 abroad, notably in France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada.
Source: Foot Mercato
