Did you one of the biggest AFCON stars has once helped a thief start a new life afresh? Find out the player as you read.
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is one of the most prestigious and competitive soccer tournaments in the world. The tournament a brings together the AFCON Stars from across Africa, all competing for the glory of representing their country and winning the coveted title. From the passionate fans to the nail-biting matches, the AFCON is truly a spectacle to behold. The tournament is also a showcase for some of the most exciting and talented players in the world, some of whom may not be as well-known outside of Africa.
While the African Cup of Nations is well-known for its incredible matches and talented players, there are plenty of lesser-known facts about the players that make the tournament even more interesting.
From their personal lives to their hidden talents, Athlete Game Bio brings you some fun facts to know about some of the biggest AFCON stars. So whether you’re a die-hard fan or just learning about the tournament, these fun facts are sure to make you appreciate the AFCON even more.
1. Sadio Mané (Senegal, 31)
One of the the biggest AFCON stars Sadio Mané is a Senegalese footballer has been successful at every club he has set foot in. Currently playing as a forward for Bayern Munich, the 2019 winner of the Footballer of the Year award is regarded as one of the best footballers the world has ever seen. An amazing fact about Sadio is his humility and the generous role he plays in building up his community.
You would be surprised to know the following about this football star.
He was supposed to be a teacher…
Sadio’s parents had strong beliefs that football was not his thing and insisted he became a teacher instead. Throwing caution to the wind, at 16 years old he ran away to Dakar to try out for a team there. Although he was later found and brought back home, his parents knew there was no stopping him from achieving his dreams, and when he insisted he would only do football no school. They could do nothing else but cheer him on.
Mané was the most expensive African player in 2016…
No doubt to the rising star he was, in 2016 he was signed by Liverpool for £34 million, making him the highest-paid African player that year.
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Sadio Mane Has Been Robbed Twice…
It’s no surprise when an athlete’s house is a target of robbery. Mane’s house has been robbed on different occasions, with the thieves taking most of his items like car keys, watches mobile phones, etc.
2. Mohamed Salah (Egypt, 31)
The Egyptian player as well as the UNICEF ambassador is devoted to his religion as well as his game. The Liverpool star is known for his agility and speed and is also one of the highest goal-scorers for the team.
Mohamed is a world-known player but here are some random facts about him.
He was supposed to be a military man…
Due to his country’s mandatory law for men over the age of 18, Mohamed Salah needed to complete military service. However, because of his thriving football career, he was exempted from this mandate. He still engaged in basic training with the Egyptian Armed Forces.
The British Museum has his boots…
Scoring 32 goals during the Premier League is no joke. As a reward for having the most goals scored by any player in a single campaign, Salah’s boots were displayed at the British Museum, alongside artifacts from ancient Egypt.
He helped a thief start afresh…
The rumors of Mohammed’s kind heart are true because when a thief was caught breaking Into his family house in Egypt, Salah not only refused to press charges but gave him some money and helped him find a job. He said the man only resorted to stealing out of desperation and poverty and helped him get back on his feet. To this day the man in question, Amr Abdel Salam. Is still indebted to him.
3. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, 25)
Taking home the trophy for Best African Player of the Year not too long ago. The Nigerian footballer is one of our Afcon favorites. Currently playing as a striker for Napoli likewise the Nigerian national team, Osimhen, one of the biggest AFCON stars is known as a go-getter, who hates to lose. He is applauded for his physical strength, his pace, and finishing. Here are some intriguing facts about him.
He used to sell newspapers…
Growing up in the trenches of a third-world country would leave anyone struggling to find better. Before Victor Osimhen found his name in football. He was also a newspaper vendor to provide for his family in Nigeria.
He turned down Arsenal at age 17…
During his breakout season, the rising star had multiple clubs chasing after him including Arsenal. He had a chance to speak with Arsenal Wenger and Wenger showed interest in signing him to Arsenal. Also, he stated that he needed a team that would let him start playing as soon as he was 18, and a place where he had time to invest in his game and improve physically, and at that time, Arsenal was not his best option.
He is a hard worker who insists on having hard workers around him…
In an interview with a Nigerian filmmaker/YouTuber, Korty. Victor stressed the necessity of having fellow go-getters around him. When asked if he would rather pick a girl with good looks over a girl with intellect he stated he doesn’t care about the looks, he wants someone as hardworking as him. Someone who can bring something to the table like him.
4. Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon, 31)
Being a leader takes great strength and courage and being the captain of a great football team takes even greater passion. Abubakar has proven himself as a trusted captain and goal scorer for the indomitable Lions, leading his teammates to a 6th star for Cameroon.
The Cameroonian currently a forward for Beşiktaş J.K, is an inspiration to football fans all over the world. Here are some facts to know about him.
He led Cameroon to their fifth AFCON title…
In Gabon, Aboubakar, one of the biggest AFCON stars was a hero as he saved the Cameroon vs Egypt match, scoring in the 88th minute and winning the match for Cameron.
He was asked to step down for AFCON 2019…
Due to his numerous injuries, Vincent was dropped for the AFCON edition in Egypt, although he was in recovery and playing a few games he could manage. His coach was not convinced that he was fit enough to play at AFCON. Cameroon lost at the final stage to their ongoing rival Nigeria.
He was given a red flag immediately after scoring a heartwarming goal…
Shortly after the indomitable Lions celebrated their first win against Brazil, Aboubakar was shown a red card. Before his crowd-shaking goal, the player was already on a yellow card for tackling an opponent and it escalated to a red when the captain visibly ripped his Jersey in jubilation for the goal. Making him the first player to score and be sent off during a World Cup match since Zinedine Zidane in 2006.
5. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana, 23)
Kudus, one of the biggest AFCON stars is a Ghanaian footballer known for his versatility on the football field. He could have any role, from midfielder to striker or defense, and still manage to score clean goals without breaking a sweat. The current midfielder for West Ham believes football is for entertainment and strives to make it as fun as possible for his fans.
Here are some fun features of the black star.
He was raised by his mother and grandmother…
Growing up with them pushed him to do his best and encouraged him to be hardworking. They sold Tuo Zaafi, a Ghanaian delicacy on the streets of Accra, to support his and his siblings’ upbringing.
He never misses a training session…
He’s known for his discipline when it comes to training and never misses a training session. He’s always on time and in high spirits, ready to take charge.
Mohammed’s girlfriend has always been by his side…
Even before his rise to fame Mohammed and his girlfriend have been lovers since the early days, and that his career is flourishing their love has grown stronger than ever.
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