By Neilley Claude EBESSA,
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
At just 19 years old, Carlos Baleba has emerged as one of the brightest young stars of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Cameroonian midfielder has been a revelation throughout the group stage, showcasing maturity beyond his years. Known for his powerful runs, tireless work rate, and tactical intelligence, Baleba’s performances have been instrumental in Cameroon’s successful group-stage campaign. As the youngest player in the Best XI, his inclusion marks the arrival of a new generation of talent that is reshaping the landscape of African football.
Baleba’s standout quality is his ability to dominate the midfield with a blend of physicality and composure. His strength in winning duels, recovering possession, and transitioning the ball from defense to attack has made him an indispensable figure in Cameroon’s engine room. While his youth could have been seen as a disadvantage, Baleba has proven that age is no barrier to brilliance, holding his own against some of the continent’s most seasoned players. His impact was felt in every match, providing the balance and dynamism Cameroon needed to progress to the knockout rounds.
Joining Baleba in midfield is Brahim Diaz (Morocco), who provided the creativity and vision to unlock defenses, and Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), whose versatility and directness made him a constant threat. Together, this trio dominated the midfield, combining physicality, vision, and flair to lead their teams through the group stage. Diaz’s dribbling and passing ability, paired with Lookman’s intelligent runs and playmaking, complemented Baleba’s all-around strength and work rate, making them one of the most exciting midfield combinations of the tournament.
Defensively, Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) and Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi (Morocco) were outstanding, providing stability and attacking support from the full-back positions. Mazraoui’s runs down the right flank and Attiat-Allah’s solid defending on the left were vital to Morocco’s defensive solidity. Alongside them, Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo) and Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso) were key figures in their respective backlines, commanding the center of defense with their leadership, aerial dominance, and tactical awareness.
Up front, the attacking trio of Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Sadio Mané (Senegal) provided the firepower. Mahrez’s leadership and playmaking were central to Algeria’s attacking success, while Diallo’s electrifying pace and dribbling created constant problems for opposition defenders. Meanwhile, Mané, the talisman for Senegal, once again showed his world-class finishing and leadership, scoring crucial goals and making decisive contributions when it mattered most.
Between the posts, Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt) continued to prove that experience is key in high-stakes tournaments. The Egyptian captain, at 36 years old, displayed remarkable composure and shot-stopping ability, helping Egypt stay solid through their group-stage matches. His leadership and authority in goal were key in ensuring that Egypt remained competitive in a challenging group.
As the youngest player in the Best XI, Carlos Baleba has undoubtedly made a statement on the continental stage. His performances have not only won him a spot in this prestigious lineup but also placed him firmly on the radar of scouts and fans alike. With the knockout rounds fast approaching, Baleba and his teammates will look to continue their momentum as they aim for glory in AFCON 2025.
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