World Cup 2025: the Top 5 African players in the FIFA Power Rankings

5. Nicolas Pépé (Côte d’Ivoire): 6.41

The revival of a talent that had long been dormant. For his first participation in a World Cup finals, the Villarreal winger scored a brace against Curaçao (2-0), becoming the first Ivorian player to achieve this feat in the competition, thus surpassing icons like Didier Drogba or Yaya Touré in this particular regard. Starting under Émerse Faé, Pépé responded in the best way to his coach’s trust by opening the scoring as early as the 7th minute before sealing the victory after the hour mark with a curling shot into the top corner.

4. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal): 6.44

Three goals and one assist in three matches: the Crystal Palace winger confirms his status as a key attacking asset for the Lions. Decisive against Norway with a brace and involved in every key moment for Senegal in the group stage, he joins Ismael Saibari and Yoane Wissa in the very exclusive club of African players to have scored three goals in the group stage of a World Cup. The Lions head into the round of 16 with confidence, notably thanks to his consistency.

3. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria): 6.46

At 35, the Fennecs’ captain is writing one of the most beautiful chapters of his international career. Scoring a brace against Austria in the final group match (3-3), he netted the first World Cup goals of his career, guiding Algeria to the round of 16 for only the second time in its history. At the same time, he became the second-oldest African player to score a brace in a World Cup, behind the legend Roger Milla. An immense achievement for a player who has announced he will retire from international football at the end of this tournament.

2. Yoane Wissa (DR Congo): 6.55

Three goals in three matches for the Newcastle United forward, who single-handedly drove the Leopards’ historic run. He scored DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal in the draw against Portugal (1-1), before netting a brace and being named man of the match against Uzbekistan (3-1), delivering his country its first victory and first qualification for the second round. A defining World Cup, propelled by a striker in a state of grace.

1. Ismael Saibari (Morocco): 7.08

The Moroccan has emerged as the breakout attacking star of the group stage. Repositioned as a false number 9 by coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the PSV Eindhoven player scored in each of his three appearances, against Brazil (1-1), Scotland (1-0), and Haiti (4-2). He thus became the first African player to score in each group stage match of a single World Cup edition. His goal against Scotland, found in the opening minutes, is so far the fastest of the tournament. Behind the scenes, his imminent transfer to Bayern Munich is taking shape.