Kylian Mbappé was not on the pitch at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but his presence in Rabat on Friday night still carried weight.
The Real Madrid and France star watched from the stands at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium as hosts Morocco faced Mali in a key Group A match.
He made the trip to support his close friend Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan captain, highlighting a friendship built during their years together at Paris Saint-Germain.
As one of the world’s biggest football names, Mbappé’s appearance quickly drew attention and added extra shine to an already charged occasion.
Accompanied by his brother Ethan and his parents, the visit reflected both a short break from club duties and a genuine interest in Africa’s biggest football tournament.
On the pitch, Morocco had their own reasons to dream. The hosts came into the match full of confidence after opening their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 2–0 win over Comoros, a game marked by Brahim Díaz’s historic opening goal of the tournament.
With qualification for the knockout stage within reach, the atmosphere in Rabat was electric.
Mbappé’s presence only lifted the moment further, turning the clash into a global talking point and underlining the growing stature of the Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that continues to unite football through competition, pride and friendship.
