Since its humble beginnings in 1957, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has grown into one of the most fiercely contested football tournaments in the world. From North Africa’s early dominance to West and Central Africa’s modern-era supremacy, AFCON has consistently told the story of a continent’s footballing evolution.
As the 2025 edition in Morocco comes to a close on the 18th January, 2026 with Senegal crowned as champions, let’s take a journey through the nations that have lifted the trophy—the kings of African football who etched their names into history.
The Evolution of the Prize: Three Trophies, One Dream
While the goal has always been the same, the physical prize has evolved over the decades. There have been three distinct versions of the AFCON trophy:
- 1957: The Abdelaziz Abdallah Salem Trophy Named after the first CAF president, this original silver trophy resembled the English League Cup in shape. Ghana became the permanent holders of this trophy after winning their third title in 1978.
- 1980: The Trophy of African Unity (African Unity Cup) The second trophy featured a cylindrical body with the Olympic rings and a map of Africa engraved on it. Cameroon earned the right to keep this trophy permanently after becoming the first nation to win it three times.
- 2001: The Africa Cup of Nations Trophy The current gold-plated trophy, designed in Italy, was revealed in 2001. Egypt made history by winning this version three consecutive times (2006–2010). While CAF rules usually require the trophy to be returned, Egypt was awarded a special full-size replica to keep in honor of their “three-peat.”
Egypt – The Pharaohs (7 Titles)
No nation defines AFCON greatness like Egypt. The Pharaohs dominated the early years and later rewrote the record books with an unprecedented three consecutive titles (2006, 2008, 2010).
- Years won: 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010
Cameroon – The Indomitable Lions (5 Titles)
Cameroon’s story is built on power and legendary talent. From the dancing celebrations of Roger Milla to the clinical finishing of Samuel Eto’o, the Indomitable Lions have been a terrifying force across four different decades.
- Years won: 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017
Ghana – The Black Stars (4 Titles)
Once the undisputed pride of the continent, Ghana dominated the 1960s and early 80s. While a fifth star has remained elusive, their four titles cement their status as absolute AFCON royalty.
- Years won: 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982
Nigeria – The Super Eagles (3 Titles)
Known for explosive flair, Nigeria’s triumphs have spanned generations. From the dominance of Rashidi Yekini in ’94 to the tactical grit of 2013 with John Obi Mikel, the Super Eagles are always a threat.
- Years won: 1980, 1994, 2013
Côte d’Ivoire – The Elephants (3 Titles)
The Elephants have combined golden generations with incredible heart. Their 2023 triumph on home soil stands as one of the greatest “Cinderella stories” in tournament history.
- Years won: 1992, 2015, 2023
DR Congo – The Leopards (2 Titles)
Formerly Zaire, DR Congo made history in the late 1960s and 70s, becoming a powerhouse.
- Years won: 1968, 1974
Algeria- The Fennec Foxes (2 Titles)
Two-time winners who define North African tactical discipline. Their 2019 triumph in Egypt, led by Riyad Mahrez, stands as one of AFCON’s most iconic campaigns.
- Years won: 1990, 2019
Senegal- Lions of Teranga (2 Titles)
After years of “nearly” moments, Sadio Mané finally led the Lions of Teranga to their first-ever star in 2021, and a second one in 2025 when they beat the hosting nation (Morocco) in the finals. They are the current AFCON champions.
- Years won: 2021, 2025
The One-Title Wonders & Pioneers
Success at AFCON is so difficult that many legendary nations have only touched the trophy once. These single victories represent some of the most emotional moments in history:
- Zambia (2012): The “Chipolopolo Miracle”—winning the title in Gabon to honor the 1993 national team lost in a tragic plane crash nearby.
- South Africa (1996): Bafana Bafana won at home during a pivotal moment of national unity.
- Morocco (1976), Congo (1972), Sudan (1970), Ethiopia (1962): Each of these nations played a vital role in the early growth of the continental game.
AFCON: A Tournament of Pride and Progress
AFCON is more than a trophy; it is a celebration of African identity. As the tournament continues to evolve, new champions will surely rise—but the legends of the past will forever shape its future.