Brahim Díaz has emerged as the standout marksman of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, holding a narrow but significant advantage in the Golden Boot race as the tournament heads into its final act.
The Morocco forward remains top of the scoring charts with five goals, despite failing to find the net in Wednesday night’s tense semi-final victory over Nigeria.
Even so, Díaz’s consistent output across six matches has set him apart, underlining his importance to the hosts’ historic run to the final.
The Real Madrid attacker has been a constant threat throughout the competition, combining intelligent movement with clinical finishing.
His five-goal haul is the best return of any player at AFCON 2025 so far, and he will have one more opportunity to add to that tally when Morocco face Senegal in Sunday’s final.
Close behind him, the chase for individual honours remains fiercely competitive. Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah are locked on four goals apiece, keeping the pressure firmly on Díaz as the tournament reaches its climax.
A tightly packed group follows on three goals, featuring some of Africa’s most recognisable attacking names.
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, Côte d’Ivoire winger Amad Diallo, Algeria skipper Riyad Mahrez, Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi and Mali forward Lassine Sinayoko are all within striking distance should events swing their way in the remaining fixtures.
Several players are also tied on two goals, representing a wide mix of nations still involved or recently eliminated.
Among them are Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson and Chérif Ndiaye, Nigeria duo Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams, Cameroon’s Christian Kofane and DR Congo’s Gaël Kakuta.
Beyond the leading contenders, AFCON 2025 has showcased remarkable attacking depth. A total of 63 players have scored exactly once, reflecting both the tournament’s competitive balance and the spread of goal threats across the continent.
As the final approaches, Díaz’s calm decision-making and sharp timing in front of goal have made the difference.
Whether he finishes as the tournament’s top scorer may hinge on one last performance, but his impact on Morocco’s campaign is already undeniable.
