Former Africa Cup of Nations winner Salomon Kalou has singled out Ademola Lookman and Brahim Díaz as the attacking players who have most shaped the narrative of the 2025 AFCON, stressing that their influence extends far beyond goals and statistics. According to the former Ivory Coast star, both players have embodied the qualities needed to thrive in a tournament defined by tactical rigidity, limited space, and immense pressure.
Kalou, who played a pivotal role in Ivory Coast’s historic continental triumph, believes AFCON 2025 has been one of the most demanding editions in recent memory. With teams showing greater defensive organisation and physical intensity, he noted that only players capable of shifting momentum and unsettling structured backlines have truly stood out.
“For me, two attacking players have really defined this tournament: Brahim Díaz and Ademola Lookman,” Kalou explained. “People often focus on goals alone, but these two have offered much more. They change the tempo of games, take defenders on, create numerical advantages, and open up spaces that didn’t exist before. Those are the moments that decide matches.”
The former Chelsea winger was particularly impressed by Lookman’s role in Nigeria’s campaign, highlighting his bravery and leadership in high-stakes situations. Kalou praised the Super Eagles forward for consistently stepping up when his team needed inspiration, using his pace and direct approach to unsettle opposing defences.
“At certain points, Lookman carried Nigeria with his confidence and willingness to take responsibility,” Kalou said. “He never hid from the ball and always looked to make something happen.”
Kalou also spoke highly of Brahim Díaz, whose technical quality and attacking intelligence have been central to Morocco’s run to the final. He described the midfielder as a player who remains positive and proactive even under heavy pressure, constantly searching for ways to break defensive lines.
“Díaz has been outstanding—technically excellent, always forward-thinking, always dangerous,” Kalou added. “In a tournament where space is scarce and mistakes are punished instantly, players like him are the ones who make the real difference.”
Díaz currently tops the Golden Boot standings with five goals as Morocco prepare for a blockbuster final against reigning champions Senegal. His contributions have gone beyond scoring, with his movement and creativity helping the Atlas Lions control matches at crucial moments.
Lookman, meanwhile, has been equally vital for Nigeria, whose impressive unbeaten run came to an end in the semi-finals against Morocco. In a tightly contested encounter, the Atlas Lions delivered a disciplined defensive display, restricting the Super Eagles to just 20 attempts over 120 minutes before edging the contest 4–2 on penalties.
Despite the defeat, Kalou believes Lookman’s performances throughout the tournament reinforced his status as one of Africa’s most decisive attackers, alongside Díaz, in an AFCON edition that has rewarded courage, intelligence, and attacking initiative.
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