Most Valuable Players at AFCON 2023: Who Shone the Brightest
1. Overview
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Ivory Coast saw some of Africa’s most talented players setting the stage on fire. Beyond team success, individual market value played a pivotal role, influencing both on-field performance and off-field interest. Clubs, fans and pundits alike tracked the most valuable African footballers — those with high market worth, big reputations, and potential to impact key matches.
2. Top 10 Most Valuable African Players in AFCON 2023
From the gathered data, here are the most valuable players going into the tournament:
| Rank | Player | Approximate Market Value* | National Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Osimhen | ~ €110 million | Nigeria Businessday NG+2Khel Now+2 |
| 2 | Mohamed Salah | ~ €65 million | Egypt Businessday NG+1 |
| 3 | Achraf Hakimi | ~ €65 million | Morocco Businessday NG+1 |
| 4 | Mohammed Kudus | ~ €45 million | Ghana Businessday NG |
| 5 | Edmond Tapsoba | ~ €40 million | Burkina Faso Businessday NG+1 |
| 6 | Andre Onana | ~ €40 million | Cameroon Khel Now |
| 7 | Serhou Guirassy | ~ €40 million | Guinea Khel Now |
| 8 | Nayef Aguerd | ~ €38 million | Morocco Khel Now |
| 9 | Others (e.g. players from Egypt, Ivory Coast etc.) | Lower but significant values | — Business Insider Africa+1 |
*Values are approximate market valuations at the time of the tournament, derived from transfer market data, analysts and media reports.
Some players’ value may have changed slightly before, during, or after the tournament due to performance or transfers.
3. Why These Players Stood Out
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): As the most expensive player and top-ranked in market value, Osimhen brought goal-scoring instinct, elite club form (with Napoli) and high visibility. His performance in Serie A and Europe elevated his status ahead of AFCON. Business Insider Africa+1
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt): A consistent star over many years, Salah’s leadership for Egypt combined with his Premier League pedigree made him one of the most watched players. Despite being older than many peers, his influence remains strong. Businessday NG+1
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): Known for his speed, versatility, and international reputation, Hakimi’s market value reflects his importance for both club (PSG) and country. Defensive skills plus offensive contribution enhanced his appeal. Businessday NG
- Mohammed Kudus, Edmond Tapsoba, Andre Onana etc. — younger or mid-career players whose market value is growing. They combine club performances, potential, and roles that are critical in their national teams. Businessday NG+1
4. Impact and Implications
- Market Influence: These high value players attract club investment, sponsorships, and media attention, which help raise the profile of AFCON.
- Youth Development Spotlight: Players like Kudus and Tapsoba show that younger talents are gaining value quickly—this encourages academies and federations to invest more in youth development.
- Transfer Market Ripples: Strong AFCON performances can increase a player’s value even further, leading to bigger transfers for them or higher wage demands.
5. Notable Mentions
- Although not always the “most valuable” in dollar/euro terms, players like Yassine Bounou (Morocco), Youssef En-Nesyri, and Sadio Mané had standout performances on the pitch that might have increased their reputations beyond just their market value. beIN Sports+1
- The Best XI of the tournament also reflected a mix of experience and rising stars. For example, William Troost-Ekong was awarded Player of the Tournament, showing that value isn’t always about price but also about impact. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
6. Conclusion
The most valuable players at AFCON 2023 weren’t just those with the highest price tags—they combined talent, consistency, and big-match temperament. Victor Osimhen led in valuation, while Salah, Hakimi, and others balanced reputation and performance. As African football continues to grow, market value and player performance are increasingly intertwined—making AFCON not just a prize for countries, but a showcase for players to earn their next big move.
