German League Representation at AFCON
Understanding is that 17-19 Bundesliga players have been called up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Bayer Leverkusen losing the most players of any German club. Here's how they've fared in the opening matches.
Yan Diomande: Ivory Coast's Bundesliga Sensation
Sources confirm RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is set to be one of the standout performers of the tournament. The 19-year-old, who was playing high school soccer in the United States in 2024, has taken the Bundesliga by storm since his summer move from Leganés.
The Ivorian has registered 79 take-ons this season—the most in the Bundesliga—with a 53% success rate. His direct running and pace have terrorised defences in Germany, and defending champions Ivory Coast are banking on him to provide the X-factor in their title defence against Mozambique, Gabon and Cameroon in Group F.
Bayer Leverkusen: The Most Affected Club
Exclusive: Leverkusen are losing four players to AFCON 2025, the highest of any Bundesliga side. Algeria's Ibrahim Maza, who has been growing in importance under Xabi Alonso, joins Cameroon defender Edmond Tapsoba and young striker Christian Kofane at the tournament.
Maza has been a revelation in his first full season with the German champions, and his absence will be felt during the Bundesliga's resumption in January. Tapsoba remains one of the most complete centre-backs in European football, while Kofane, just 19, joined from Spanish second division Albacete after a breakout half-season.
VfB Stuttgart and Leipzig Hit Hard
Sources indicate VfB Stuttgart will miss Morocco international Bilal El Khannouss, who has been one of their standout performers in the first half of the 2025-26 campaign. The creative midfielder has carried the attacking burden at times for Sebastian Hoeneß's side.
Beyond Diomande, RB Leipzig also lose players to the tournament, testing their squad depth during a crucial phase of the season.
Tunisia's German Connection
Confirmed: Three German-based players represent Tunisia at AFCON 2025. Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Ellyes Skhiri returns for his third consecutive tournament, providing experience and know-how in central midfield.
Homegrown talents Elias Saad (Augsburg) and Ismaël Gharbi add to the Tunisian contingent. Tunisia opened their campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda, with the German-trained players integral to their dominant display.
Winter Break Advantage
Unlike the Premier League, the Bundesliga pauses for its winter break from December 21 to January 9. Understanding is that any players eliminated in the group stage will be available for their clubs when domestic action resumes for Matchday 16.
For those going deep in the tournament, the semi-finals and final scheduled for January 15-18 could see key players miss up to three league matches.