Every Premier League Player at AFCON as Mohamed Salah Tries to Silence Jamie Carragher

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has kicked off with a commanding Premier League presence — and at the centre of the narrative is Mohamed Salah. As Egypt’s talisman departs to lead his nation, he’s facing widespread scrutiny from pundits like Jamie Carragher, making this tournament one of the most intriguing storylines of the season. Alongside Salah, dozens of Premier League stars will represent their countries, impacting club fortunes during one of the busiest periods in domestic football. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

AFCON 2025 and the Premier League Connection

AFCON 2025 runs from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 in host nation Morocco, with 24 African footballing nations competing for continental honours. With Premier League teams deep into the festive and winter schedule, clubs will feel the absence of key figures as they depart for international duty. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Why This AFCON Matters to Premier League Fans

Unlike European Championships or the World Cup, AFCON takes place in the middle of the European season — meaning Premier League clubs lose star players during a vital stretch of fixtures. For some clubs, this could define title aspirations, European qualification hopes, or survival battles. The players heading to Morocco will not only fight for national glory but also aim to sharpen their reputations on the global stage. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Speaking of Big Names: Mohamed Salah’s Mission

Mohamed Salah’s departure for Egypt has been a hot topic. After an up‑and‑down club season with Liverpool — including disputes with manager Arne Slot and public criticism from pundits — Salah’s assignment at AFCON is about more than football. He is determined to silence critics like Jamie Carragher and prove that when it matters most, he is still one of the leading figures in world football. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

The Full Premier League Player List at AFCON 2025

Based on official squad announcements and well‑sourced reports, here is the comprehensive list of Premier League players participating in AFCON 2025 — grouped by club. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Brentford

• Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso)
• Frank Onyeka (Nigeria)

Brighton & Hove Albion

• Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)

Burnley

• Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo)
• Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)
• Lyle Foster (South Africa)

Crystal Palace

• Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal)

Everton

• Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)
• Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)

Fulham

• Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)
• Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)
• Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)

Liverpool

• Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Manchester City

• Rayan Aït‑Nouri (Algeria)
• Omar Marmoush (Egypt)

Manchester United

• Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
• Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
• Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)

Nottingham Forest

• Willy Boly (Ivory Coast)
• Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast)

Sunderland

• Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)
• Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)
• Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso)
• Habib Diarra (Senegal)
• Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco)
• Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique)

Tottenham Hotspur

• Yves Bissouma (Mali)
• Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)

West Ham United

• Aaron Wan‑Bissaka (DR Congo)
• El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

• Emmanuel Agbadou (Ivory Coast)
• Tawanda Chirewa (Zimbabwe)

This list shows the wide spread of talent across the Premier League eager to make an impact on African soil — from established stars to rising talents. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

How Clubs Are Affected During the Festive Season

Premier League clubs face a logistical challenge as they compete in one of the most congested parts of the fixture calendar. With star players departing mid‑December, teams like Liverpool, Manchester United, Fulham, and Sunderland will need to adapt their plans. Arsenal and Aston Villa are among the clubs lucky enough to have no AFCON call‑ups, giving them a relative advantage during this period. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Liverpool Without Their Star

Salah’s absence is arguably the biggest blow. His departure leaves a hole in Liverpool’s attacking structure at a key moment in the title race — a situation amplified by his desire to prove critics like Carragher wrong on the international stage. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Man United’s Dual Loss.

Manchester United will miss Bryan Mbeumo’s creativity along with Amad Diallo’s pace and Noussair Mazraoui’s defensive stability. The trio represent key offensive and midfield output that United must replace during their absence. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

The Sunderland Story

Sunderland, a newly promoted side having impressed this season, suffers the most with six players away. The Black Cats’ momentum could be severely tested, forcing the squad depth to respond under pressure. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Mohamed Salah: The Central Narrative

Salah’s trip to AFCON is more than just another international duty — it’s a chance to elevate his legendary status. Despite ongoing debate about his current form at club level and vocal comments from pundits like Jamie Carragher, Salah remains Egypt’s leading figure and Nile’s greatest hope for continental glory. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

The tension between club challenges and international ambition adds a compelling subplot to AFCON 2025. Salah wants to deliver goals, inspire Egypt, and remind the world why he is regarded among Africa’s elite footballers. Should he lead Egypt deep into the tournament, the narrative among critics may shift dramatically. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Fans and Pundits React

Across social media and traditional sports coverage, fans are divided. Some supporters defend Salah’s stature and emphasize his ability to change games with sheer brilliance. Others echo Carragher’s criticism, focusing on his recent form and perceived lack of influence in clutch moments. This clash of opinion fuels intense discussion as AFCON gets underway. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Looking Ahead: What to Expect at AFCON 2025

With squads now confirmed and African football’s biggest stage set, anticipation is building for dynamic group stages and compelling knockout rounds. For Premier League fans, this tournament offers the opportunity to see familiar faces in new tactical contexts — and potentially witness history as Salah and others chase international success. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Conclusion

The impact of AFCON 2025 on the Premier League cannot be understated. From Liverpool’s tactical recalibrations without Salah to Sunderland absorbing six absences, the ripple effects will be felt across stadiums and pundit panels alike. Most captivating of all is Salah’s challenge — both on desert pitches in Morocco and in the court of public opinion. Whether he silences critics or fuels further debate, his journey at AFCON will be a story football fans won’t forget. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Author: Trendy News