Five African football icons who never won AFCON
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s premier football tournament, drawing millions of viewers across the continent. Despite their incredible club and international careers, some of Africa’s greatest players have never lifted the coveted trophy. Legends like Mohamed Salah and Didier Drogba have come heartbreakingly close but fell short. With the next AFCON set for December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, these stars’ stories remain a reminder of football’s unpredictability.
Match highlights
- Mohamed Salah has twice finished as AFCON runner-up with Egypt, in 2017 and 2021, and missed the 2023 knockout stages due to injury.
- Didier Drogba lost two finals with Ivory Coast, in 2006 and 2012, both times on penalties, and retired just before his nation’s 2015 triumph.
- George Weah, Africa’s only Ballon d’Or winner, never advanced past the group stage with Liberia in their only two AFCON appearances during his career.
- Nwankwo Kanu came closest in 2000 when Nigeria lost the final to Cameroon on penalties; he never won AFCON despite multiple semi-final runs.
- Michael Essien was hampered by injuries at crucial moments, missing key tournaments and finals as Ghana failed to win AFCON during his era.
