France produces largest number of players in African Nations Cup 2025
A recent study by Foot Mercato reveals that among the 658 players representing the 24 national teams in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), 107 were born in France, making the country the most represented outside Africa.
This includes rising Senegalese star Ibrahim Mbaye, a 17-year-old PSG player born in Trappes, France. France is followed by Ivory Coast (29 players), Egypt (25), and South Africa (8) in terms of player origins. Overall, 186 players in the tournament were born in Europe.
The study also details regional origins within France: Île-de-France (4), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (18), Hauts-de-France (8), Normandy (4), Pays de la Loire (4), and Brittany (1).
Interestingly, host nation Morocco, considered a favorite, has the most internationally diverse squad. Of its 28 players, 14 were born in Morocco, 5 in Spain, 3 in France, 3 in the Netherlands, 2 in Belgium, and 1 in Canada.
These statistics highlight the influence of French football development and the international backgrounds of African national teams, showing the growing role of players born in Europe in shaping the continent’s top competition.
-
18:18
-
17:50
-
15:33
-
14:18
-
13:31
-
13:15
-
13:00
-
11:25
-
10:54