African football legend has described the Africa Cup of Nations as far more than a football competition, insisting the continent’s flagship tournament has evolved into a powerful celebration of African culture, identity, and pride.
Speaking on the growing global appeal of the tournament, Adebayor said AFCON has transcended the boundaries of sport, becoming a vibrant showcase of Africa’s diversity both on and off the pitch.
The biennial competition, organised by the , is currently underway in , with the tournament now entering its decisive knockout phase. Sixteen teams remain after a thrilling group stage that delivered high drama, surprise results, and unforgettable moments.
From 2029, AFCON is set to move from a two year cycle to a four year interval, a change that many believe will further enhance its prestige and global relevance.
Adebayor, who represented at the Africa Cup of Nations during the late 2000s, reflected on how the competition has transformed over the years. While the football has always been fiercely competitive, he noted that the surrounding spectacle has grown just as significantly.
“It’s very different now, in the sense that many things have changed,” Adebayor told CAF Online. “When we went to AFCON, we wore tracksuits, sometimes a suit, only once if I remember correctly.”
According to the former Arsenal and Manchester City striker, today’s AFCON is a fusion of sport, art, fashion, and tradition, offering something uniquely African to the world.
“Now it’s beautiful. It’s art. It’s our culture,” he added.
One of the most striking aspects of this year’s tournament has been the arrival of teams before the first ball was even kicked. Social media was flooded with images and videos of players stepping off planes in eye catching traditional outfits, instantly capturing global attention.
Defending champions set the tone with bold, colourful attire that reflected deep cultural symbolism, drawing admiration from fans across the continent. Close behind them were runners up , whose all green, traditionally woven outfits became one of the most talked about fashion statements of the tournament.
“It was just beautiful to watch. Magnificent,” Adebayor said, clearly impressed by how African teams now use AFCON as a platform to express heritage and identity.
For Adebayor, these moments are not distractions from football but an essential part of what makes the Africa Cup of Nations special.
“We play different, we dress different, we talk different,” he reflected. “At the end of the day, we must remember that we are Africans. We have our values. We have our cultures.”
His words resonate strongly at a time when AFCON continues to battle unfair comparisons with other international tournaments. Critics have often focused narrowly on infrastructure or logistics, but Adebayor believes such views miss the deeper meaning of the competition.
In recent editions, AFCON has delivered record breaking television audiences, packed stadiums, and some of the most unpredictable football seen anywhere in the world. Yet, beyond goals and trophies, the tournament has become a cultural statement, reinforcing Africa’s voice on the global stage.
This year’s edition in Morocco has further underlined that narrative. The host nation has received praise for its organisation, stadium atmosphere, and hospitality, while fans from across the continent have travelled in large numbers, creating a carnival like environment in host cities.
As the tournament moves into the knockout stage, attention now shifts fully to the pitch. The round of 16 begins on Saturday, with reigning champions set to face , a clash expected to test Senegal’s title credentials.
Elsewhere, will lock horns with in what promises to be another tightly contested encounter.
With every match now a do or die affair, emotions are expected to run high. But as Adebayor’s comments highlight, AFCON is not just about who lifts the trophy at the end. It is about representation, storytelling, and unity.
For millions of Africans at home and in the diaspora, the tournament offers a rare moment of collective pride, where different languages, traditions, and histories come together under one banner.
As AFCON continues to evolve, voices like Emmanuel Adebayor’s serve as a reminder that African football’s greatest strength lies not only in talent, but in culture, identity, and authenticity.
In celebrating AFCON as more than football, Adebayor captures the true spirit of a tournament that belongs to Africa and speaks to the world.
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