Champions League: African stars who could make the difference in the upcoming big matches

Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan right-back at Paris Saint-Germain and the CAF African Player of the Year for 2025, won the Champions League with Paris in 2025 and 2026 and is aiming for a third consecutive title. PSG host Barcelona on October 20, with Hakimi’s defensive duties and runs down the right flank among the potential tactical keys. Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, leads Galatasaray’s attack; the Turkish club visit Lille on October 21 and host Aston Villa on November 24. His fitness is worth monitoring after an injury, and he could also face Hakimi later in the league phase.