Ademola Lookman has topped Africa Cup of Nations 2025 performance ratings after group stage matches, outscoring Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez in Opta-powered data released on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
The WhoScored rankings have placed the Nigeria forward first with an 8.36 rating, reflecting goals, chance creation, dribbles, and off-ball work.
The figures have captured a tournament early played with wide attackers, tempo football, and aggressive transitions.
Lookman’s performance anchored Nigeria’s strong start, with two goals, two assists, and sustained pressure defining group play displays.
His form has eclipsed several established stars. Riyad Mahrez has followed closely with an 8.02 rating, having scored three goals for Algeria. The 34-year-old captain has carried Algeria through tight moments.
Samu ranked 3rd
Samuel Chukwueze was ranked third on 7.92, showing Nigeria’s wing strength and squad depth.
Mohamed Salah has placed fourth on 7.85, maintaining elite consistency through goals and match-winning influence for Egypt.
Amad Diallo has completed the top five on 7.73, providing Ivory Coast pace, ball progression, and composure under pressure.
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Collectively, four of the top five players operate primarily from wide attacking roles.
The tournament, hosted by Morocco from December 21 to January 18, has been met with much excitement as well as criticism. Interestingly, group matches have delivered standout performances across the field.
Nigeria’s performance stood out with hundred percent record, with good, explosive wing play.
Opta data weighted goals, assists, duels, passes, and defensive actions to determine ratings. Such metrics gives clarity without settling long-term arguments.
Group stage dominance rarely guarantees knockout success at AFCON. Yet early performance often reveal the players making waves in the tournament.
So far, AFCON 2025 belongs to the wingers. And at the front of them all stands 2024 Africa Player of the Year Ademola Lookman.
