African football’s rise continues to captivate the world, and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is proving to be more than just a tournament.
AFCON 2025 is becoming a mid-season cultural stop for the global football elite during their brief mid-season pause.
Just a week after biggest football fiesta in Africa kicked off on December 21, Morocco has transformed into a magnet for world stars, blending high-octane football with VIP glamour.
The stadiums are alive not only with passionate fans, but also with familiar faces from Europe’s biggest clubs, all drawn to the rhythm and uniqueness of African football.
Among the most notable attendees is French football icon and former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.
Spotted once again in the VIP tribune in Rabat, Zidane was in parent mode as he supported his son Luca, who has been guarding the net for Algeria.
Accompanied by his wife Veronique, Zidane watched on as Luca delivered another important performance, recording his second consecutive clean sheet for the Desert Foxes.
Real Madrid’s current superstar, Kylian Mbappe, has also become a regular presence in the stands.
The French forward was seen enjoying Morocco’s matches, as well as the thrilling 1–1 draw between Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon on Sunday.
For Mbappe, the tournament holds personal meaning because of his Algerian and Cameroonian roots which make AFCON a celebration of heritage.
Adding to the star power, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni was also in attendance, joined by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
The two were spotted watching the Cameroon vs Cote d’Ivoire clash.
