When Mbappé, Chouaméni, and Barça Stars Step Into AFCON Marrakech Showdown

AFCON Stars Steal the Spotlight in Marrakech

The Cameroon vs Ivory Coast fixture, played Sunday evening as part of the Africa Cup of Nations group stage in Morocco, drew appearances from stars tied to Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Attendees in Marrakech Stand

Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, Real Madrid players, were in attendance, along with Mbappé's younger brother Ethan.

Jules Koundé, Barcelona's right-back, was also photographed in the main stand.

Mbappé is French by nationality but has Cameroonian roots on his father's side, and he is in Morocco to watch selected matches, supporting his friend Hakimi.

Chouaméni, Real Madrid’s midfielder, also has Cameroonian origins. Koundé's roots trace back to Benin.

The scoreline at press time remains goalless.

Punchline 1: If roots counted as goals, Mbappé would be top scorer of every family tree.

Punchline 2: They travel so much, the ball has more frequent-flyer miles than most players.