The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially kicked off on December 21, 2025, and will run until January 18, 2026, with 24 nations competing across six groups in Morocco.
While the tournament showcases Africa’s next generation of stars, it also features seasoned veterans who continue to defy age and remain important figures for their national teams. Softfootball has gathered the oldest players at AFCON 2025, based on age, who are still actively representing their countries on the continent’s biggest stage.
AFCON 2025 Groups
- Group A: Morocco, Mali, Comoros, Zambia
- Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
- Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania, Uganda
- Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
- Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea
- Group F: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Mozambique, Gabon
Oldest Players at AFCON 2025
| Player | Position | Country | Age | Date of Birth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domingues Pelembe | Winger | Mozambique 🇲🇿 | 42 | 13 Nov 1983 |
| Denis Onyango | Goalkeeper | Uganda 🇺🇬 | 40 | 15 May 1985 |
| Mexer | Centre-Back | Mozambique 🇲🇿 | 37 | 8 Sept 1988 |
| Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Forward | Gabon 🇬🇦 | 36 | 18 June 1989 |
| Idrissa Gana Gueye | Defensive Midfielder | Senegal 🇸🇳 | 36 | 26 Sept 1989 |
Here are the oldest playes perticipating in AFCON 2025;
Domingues Pelembe
At 42 years old, the Mozambican winger is the oldest player at AFCON 2025. His inclusion highlights Mozambique’s reliance on experience as they compete against younger squads.
Denis Onyango
The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, remains a key figure for Uganda, bringing leadership and vast international experience between the posts.
Mexer (Mozambique)
The 37-year-old centre-back continues to anchor Mozambique’s defence. With over a decade of European experience, Mexer remains a crucial presence at the back.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Now 36, the Marseille striker is still Gabon’s attacking reference point, offering goals, leadership and experience from top European leagues.
Idrissa Gana Gueye
The Everton midfielder, also 36, remains an engine in Senegal’s midfield, relying on intelligence and positioning rather than pace.
Age Debate at AFCON
There has been skepticism among fans regarding the selection of these veterans, with many believing they have passed their footballing prime. However, their presence underlines the importance of experience, leadership and tactical awareness, especially in high-pressure tournament football.
As AFCON 2025 progresses, these seasoned professionals will aim to prove that age is just a number on Africa’s biggest football stage.
