A recent clip shared from Rio Ferdinand’s podcast has reignited conversation around the true value of the Africa Cup of Nations and the challenges African players face balancing club and country. The former Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan used the platform to passionately explain why AFCON carries the same emotional and cultural weight as the World Cup for African footballers, while also questioning why the tournament is still held mid-season in January.
The discussion comes at a time when AFCON continues to deliver high drama and continental pride, from Morocco edging Nigeria on penalties to reach the final to Senegal knocking out Egypt through a late Sadio Mane strike. These moments, covered extensively by SoftFootball, underline why the competition means far more than just another international tournament to players and fans across Africa.
Rio Ferdinand first set the tone by highlighting the tension between European clubs and African internationals as seen in a video shared on the official X account. He questioned why AFCON is scheduled during the heart of the club season, pointing out how it disrupts squads and shapes perceptions during transfers.
Reflecting this concern, he said:
I look at the AFCON and think, why is the AFCON at the time of the season when the African players in Europe have to now leave their clubs. It makes it difficult for the European players because this should go against African players when they’re going to be purchased by a club because they’re like, oh, I’m going to lose them at Christmas.
Gyan agreed with that assessment, revealing it is an issue he has wrestled with throughout his career. He explained that African players are often central figures at their clubs, and their absence can directly affect results and momentum.
Sharing his long-held view, Gyan stated:
That is something that I’ve thought about all these years. You know, it affects most of the clubs that they have, the African players, the important players. It should get to a time that FIFA or CAF do have a place, you know, during off-season for this AFCON. That is my opinion.
He then illustrated the impact with a familiar scenario, where clubs lose key players and form dips almost immediately.
Gyan added:
You can see a club maybe leading the league table. All the players go to AFCON in January and then they start dropping points.
Watch the video below:
At the heart of his message was a powerful reminder of what AFCON represents. For Gyan and many others, it is not secondary to European football but the pinnacle of continental pride.
As he put it plainly:
AFCON is like a World Cup to me. That is what every African footballer thinks.
Together, the exchange offered rare honesty, showing both the logistical frustrations and the deep emotional bond African players have with their biggest stage.
