MBABANE – The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is rapidly evolving into more than just a continental showdown.
Just a week after the biggest football fiesta in Africa kicked off on December 21, the host nation has become a global magnet, blending high-stakes drama with high-society glamour.
Official figures reveal that attendance has already surged past the 500 000 mark across the seven host stadiums during the opening two days. While the stands are vibrating with the passion of half a million fans, the VIP boxes have become a ‘who’s who’ of world football, as stars of big leagues in Europe fly in to witness the unique rhythm of the African game.
Among the most distinguished guests is French icon and former Real Madrid Manager Zinedine Zidane. Famously known as ‘Zizou’, he was spotted in the Rabat VIP tribune alongside his wife, Veronique. On this occasion, Zidane was in ‘proud parent’ mode, watching his son, Luca, secure a second consecutive clean sheet to book Algeria’s place in the round of 16. While Luca was born in France, he is of Algerian descent through his paternal grandparents, who were originally from the Kabylie region. Under FIFA rules, since he had not played a competitive senior match for France, he remained eligible to switch to Algeria based on his ancestry.
The star power does not end there. Real Madrid’s current talisman, Kylian Mbappé, has become a regular fixture in the stands. The French captain has been seen supporting his former teammate and close friend, Achraf Hakimi. Morocco’s star defender, widely regarded as the best on the continent, is expected to return from injury for the Atlas Lions’ final group clash against Zambia today, Monday, December 29.
Mbappé was also seen enjoying the pulsating 1-1 draw between Ivory Coast and Cameroon. He was accompanied by his younger brother, Ethan, who currently plays for Lille. The pair share a personal connection to the tournament; their father of Cameroonian descent.
The allure of the competition has even bridged club rivalries. Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni and Barcelona defender Jules Koundé were seen together, putting El Clásico tensions aside to take in the action.
As the tournament reaches its crescendo, the footballing world remains captivated. While the powerhouses celebrate early progression, Southern African hopefuls Mozambique and South Africa face a nervous wait to discover their fate in the competition.
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