Ligue 1, EPL and Saudi clubs supply most players to the AFCON

Ahead of the tournament kick-off this weekend, CAFOnline has run the rule on the make up of each squad at this year’s AFCON with the French Ligue 1 the dominant league looking across the 628 players at the tournament that is being hosted in the Ivory Coast.

The 34^th AFCON has players plying their trade across the top leagues in Europe, Africa and Asia.

There are 61 players playing in the topflight in France with the standout names including PSG defender Achraf Hakimi and Ghana captain, Andre Ayew, who plays for Le Havre.

Led by Mohammed Salah, there are 31 players from the Premier League and that is without Thomas Partey and Wilfred Ndidi who were injured ahead of the tournament.

With the recent exodus of some of the continent’s top talents from Europe to Saudi Arabian clubs, there are 25 players lining out from the Saudi League including the likes of Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and Kalidou Koulibally.

La Liga in Spain (22) and Germany’s Bundesliga  (17) are next, with 15 players coming from Serie A including reigning Africa footballer of the year Victor Osimhen.

Three African clubs combine to contribute 30 players through Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly and Orlando Pirates, thanks to the qualification of South Africa and Egypt,

And of course the SSE Airtricity League provides one player, with Shamrock Rovers defender Pico Lopes lining out for Cape Verde.

The Crumlin native will line out for the Blue Sharks when they begin their campaign on Sunday against Ghana.

AFCON explainer as tournament kick-offs this weekend https://t.co/yZdIz0zecBpic.twitter.com/IvAjUCKyVj

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) January 13, 2024