The top 5 African players in Ligue 1 in 2024-2025
The 2024-2025 Ligue 1 season ended on Saturday 17 May with PSG winning the title. Over the course of the 34 matchdays, several African players
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Achraf Hakimi
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Winner of the Marc-Vivien Foé Trophy from RFI/France 24, Achraf Hakimi again made a real impression in Ligue 1 this season. Under Luis Enrique, the Morocco international right-back showed new sides to his game. More solid defensively and a bright attacking presence, the Atlas Lion played his part in his club's league title win. In Ligue 1 this season, Achraf Hakimi played 25 games, scoring 4 goals and providing 8 assists.
Read also: Achraf Hakimi, a huge season and individual awards on the horizon
Evann Guessand
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Evann Guessand is clearly the revelation of Ligue 1. Winner of OGC Nice's Player of the Season award, the Ivory Coast international forward has surprised more than a few. It is also his best season personally, with impressive numbers. The 23-year-old scored 12 goals and provided 9 assists in 33 games. He was involved in 21 goals for the Aiglons.
Read also: Which destination for Evann Guessand?
Evann Guessand tipped the balance in OGC Nice's 4th-place finish at the end of the season. A 4th-place finish that lets the Aiglons play in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
Read also: SNA off-season: Evann Guessand, the Elephant flying with the Eagles
Abdoulaye Touré
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Abdoulaye Touré carried Le Havre AC to safety. The club battled against relegation and ultimately stayed up in Ligue 1 by the skin of their teeth, finishing 15th with 34 points. That was largely thanks to the Guinea international defensive midfielder. He was a key figure in midfield, but not only that. He surprised more than a few by scoring decisive goals. The two penalties he scored on the final day against Strasbourg, officially confirming his team's survival, are proof of that.
Read also: Abdoulaye Touré recounts his incredible penalty
Aged 31 and out of contract in June 2025, Abdoulaye Touré had a phenomenal season, with 10 goals and one assist in 28 appearances. He was Le Havre AC's X-factor.
Amine Gouiri
Amine Gouiri had a big second half of the season. Less prominent at Stade Rennais, the Algeria international striker was transferred to Olympique de Marseille in the winter transfer window. Backed by his manager Roberto De Zerbi, the Fennec completely let loose, adapting extremely quickly. He scored key goals at important moments of the season that helped the Phocéens qualify directly for the Champions League by finishing second in the table.
Read also: AFCON 2025: Amine Gouiri aims for glory in his first tournament with Algeria
In 14 Ligue 1 games with OM, Amine Gouiri hammered in 10 goals and provided 3 assists. Across Rennes and Marseille, the 25-year-old striker played 33 league games, scoring 13 goals and providing 5 assists.
Hamed Junior Traorè
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Hamed Junior Traorè was one of the most effective attacking midfielders in Ligue 1 this season. On loan from Bournemouth at AJ Auxerre until 30 June 2025, the Ivory Coast international rediscovered his old form. He became very competitive, producing high-quality performances. His club finished the season 11th with 42 points on the board.
Read also: Hamed Junior Traoré, back at the top level at AJ Auxerre
Hamed Junior Traorè made 26 appearances for the Auxerre club, scoring 10 goals and providing 2 assists.