Sunderland celebrated their players who featured at the 2025 AFCON
Sunderland have shown a real touch of class by paying tribute to their African stars who proudly represented their countries at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
With AFCON 2025 delivering drama, passion and unforgettable moments, the Black Cats made sure to recognise their players’ efforts on the continental stage.
It was a tournament that saw Habib Diarra return to Wearside as a champion after helping Senegal lift the trophy, adding another proud chapter to the nation’s growing football legacy.
Chemsdine Talbi also enjoyed a memorable campaign, finishing as a runner-up with Morocco after a fiercely contested final. While falling just short of the ultimate prize, Talbi’s performances underlined his importance to both club and country.
Video of Morocco’s ‘abandoned’ AFCON victory parade bus goes viral
Bertrand Traoré represented Burkina Faso with his usual attacking flair, while DR Congo duo Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku carried their nation’s hopes with determination throughout the competition.
Reinildo Mandava, representing Mozambique, also flew the Sunderland flag high, showcasing resilience and leadership on Africa’s biggest football stage.
The Premier League club presented each player with specially designed portrait frames celebrating both club and country.
The artwork featured large images of the players in Sunderland jerseys as the dominant centerpiece, while smaller photos captured them representing their national teams during the AFCON tournament.
FKA/AM
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians celebrate Senegal’s AFCON triumph
