As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco enters its decisive knockout phase, a compelling subplot has emerged, connecting the tournament to a profound shift in global football’s geopolitical landscape. The catalyst? Saudi Arabia’s ambitious and calculated sporting surge, which is adding unexpected strategic depth to Africa’s premier football event.
Saudi Arabia’s approach transcends mere spectacle. As articulated by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, the Kingdom’s Minister of Sports, the mission is legacy-driven: “We don’t host global sports events just to host them, but to leave a legacy that will impact society and create a better future.” This philosophy positions football as a core instrument of Vision 2030—the national blueprint for economic diversification. It’s a strategic tool for infrastructure development, international diplomacy, and soft power projection, aimed at securing long-term global relevance beyond an oil-based economy.
The Kingdom’s influence at AFCON 2025 is indirect yet unmistakable, channeled through the growing contingent of African stars who now ply their trade in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL). A total of 14 RSL-based players are competing in Morocco, representing nine different nations. This creates a fascinating dynamic where weekly club rivalries in Riyadh or Jeddah transform into international alliances or showdowns on the AFCON stage.
The talent pipeline is elite. Hosts Morocco are anchored by goalkeeper Yassine “Bono” Bounou and defender Jawad El Yamiq. Senegal’s challenge is powered by the RSL trio of Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and the iconic Sadio Mané. Meanwhile, Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessié, and Zambia’s Fashion Sakala further illustrate the league’s reach. This concentration of talent means tactical systems and player fitness levels honed in Saudi Arabia are now on display in Africa’s most pressurized matches.
“AFCON 2025 acts as a powerful showcase for the RSL’s growing credibility,” explains Youssef el Fassi, a Riyadh-based football analyst. “When fans see Mendy making crucial saves or Mané scoring decisive goals, it validates the league’s competitive quality. It demonstrates that Saudi football is no longer an isolated project but a serious global platform that touches every continent and influences major tournaments.”
Beyond the players, AFCON 2025 serves as a critical dress rehearsal for the future of global football hosting—a future increasingly shaped by Arab nations. Morocco, the current host, is a co-host for the unprecedented tri-continental 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Saudi Arabia, having secured the 2034 World Cup as the sole bidder, is watching closely. The tournament is a live case study in regional organization, fan experience, and logistical delivery.
Saudi sports journalist Abdallah Alabidi points to Morocco’s readiness: “Morocco is sophisticated. Its logistics, roads, tourism, and sports infrastructure are world-class, largely due to the reforms of King Mohammed VI.” He highlights a significant geopolitical shift: “Gulf countries now see Morocco differently. It’s no longer just a neighbor but a strategic sports and economic partner.” This mutual recognition underscores a broader alignment where sport fuels diplomacy and regional cooperation.
In essence, AFCON 2025 is a convergence point for these ambitious visions. From Riyadh’s economic diversification goals to Rabat’s desire for global stature, football has become the medium through which policy, branding, and influence are projected. The knockout matches in Morocco are thus more than just a quest for continental glory; they are a vivid tableau of a fast-evolving football world order, where Saudi Arabia’s sporting surge is providing both the spark and the strategic connective tissue.
By Muhyideen Jimoh, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani. If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
