The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is more than a tournament—it is a stage where careers are defined, legends are forged, and national pride burns brightest.
Organized by the Confederation of African Football, it remains one of the world’s most-watched football competitions, producing unforgettable moments and heroes celebrated across the continent.
Egypt stands unrivaled as AFCON’s most successful nation, boasting seven titles, followed by Cameroon with five, Ghana with four, and Nigeria with three. Yet, despite the fame and brilliance of some of Africa’s greatest footballers, the ultimate prize has eluded many of them.
As the 35th edition of AFCON looms in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, attention turns to those stars whose legacies on the international stage remain incomplete.
Mohamed Salah: The Pharaoh’s Elusive Crown
At 33, Mohamed Salah is undoubtedly one of Africa’s finest footballers, a global superstar with Liverpool and the captain of Egypt. Yet, AFCON glory remains just out of reach.
Salah’s international debut in the tournament came relatively late due to Egypt missing three consecutive editions from 2012 to 2015. In 2017, he reached the final, only to lose to Cameroon. Four years later, fate repeated itself when Egypt fell to Senegal in a penalty shootout—Salah’s chance to take the decisive kick never came as the shootout ended before he could step forward. AFCON 2023 brought further heartbreak with an injury sidelining him as Egypt exited in the round of 16.
With time running out, AFCON 2025 may represent Salah’s last shot at adding the continental crown to his illustrious career.
Didier Drogba: Hero on Club Stage, Heartbreak in Africa
Few players could inspire like Didier Drogba. The Ivorian legend thrived in pressure-cooker matches for Chelsea but struggled to replicate that magic at AFCON finals.
Drogba captained Ivory Coast to two finals, in 2006 and 2012, but cruelly missed penalties on both occasions. Against Egypt in 2006, a spot-kick miss helped deny the Elephants the title, and six years later, a missed late penalty contributed to another defeat, this time against Zambia.
Ivory Coast finally lifted the trophy in 2015, a triumph that came after Drogba had retired from international football—proof of the bitter timing that has often defined his AFCON story.
George Weah: A Ballon d’Or Winner Without Continental Glory
George Weah’s name is etched in football history as Africa’s only Ballon d’Or winner, celebrated for dazzling performances at PSG and AC Milan. But international success remained elusive for Liberia’s iconic striker.
Liberia qualified for AFCON only twice during Weah’s career (1996 and 2002), failing to progress past the group stage both times. Weah scored just once in the tournament, a solitary goal in a 2002 draw with Mali. While the trophy slipped through his fingers, Weah later made history off the pitch as Liberia’s president from 2018 to 2024.
Nwankwo Kanu: Olympic Gold, AFCON Silver
Nwankwo Kanu’s career sparkled with club and Olympic success, including a UEFA Champions League title with Ajax and an Olympic gold medal with Nigeria in 1996. Yet AFCON proved a different challenge.
His closest chance came in 2000 when Nigeria reached the final on home soil. Facing Cameroon in a penalty shootout, Kanu missed his kick, leaving Nigeria to settle for silver. Despite multiple semi-final appearances, the Super Eagles never returned to a final during his tenure, leaving Kanu without the ultimate continental accolade.
Michael Essien: Ghana’s Midfield General, Hampered by Injuries
Michael Essien was the heartbeat of a talented Ghanaian generation, mirroring his club dominance at Chelsea with leadership for the Black Stars. But injuries repeatedly denied him AFCON glory.
He missed the 2006 tournament entirely, led Ghana to third place in 2008, and was forced off midway through the 2010 final against Egypt. Persistent fitness setbacks prevented Essien from ever lifting the trophy, highlighting how cruel timing can shape even the most gifted careers.
These stories underscore a simple truth: greatness in football is not measured solely by silverware. Legacy is defined by impact, inspiration, and moments that live forever in fans’ memories.
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As AFCON 2025 approaches, the stage is set for a new generation to chase glory, while legends of the past remain reminders that even the brightest stars sometimes shine without lifting the crown.
