Playing football for your country’s National Team is a privilege only a select few footballers ever get to experience. There is an evident sense of courage, bravery, and unwavering ferocity in which footballers play with when wearing their country’s shirt. For some of these footballers, playing in certain international competitions is the pinnacle of their careers, especially when it comes to competing to be the best football nation on the continent.

Today, we’re talking about one of the most polarizing spectacles in the world of football - the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Photo by Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images

AFCON is one of the most unique tournaments in the world when it comes to the combination of football and entertainment - starting with the fans. AFCON fans are second to none and deserve recognition for the eternal love and culture(s) they bring to the game. Ultimately, it transcends the sport and provides depth to what it truly means to exude surreal pride for your country.

From start to finish, AFCON matches are truly something to behold. Smaller nations taking down frequent World Cup competitors; jaw-dropping finishes and blunders; and most of all, the opportunity to see some of the most talented players on the planet lead their National Team to a coveted trophy.

Photo by Sia Kambou/AFP via Getty Images

Over the years, we have seen gladiators and the purest of talents grace this tournament with iconic performances. From the likes of Didier Drogba; Jay-Jay Okocha; Yaya Touré, Abedi Pele; George Weah; Sadio Mané; Mohamed Salah, and many more - AFCON is no stranger to greatness. Take a look at the landscape of Club football throughout history. Some of the biggest Clubs in the world have been the second home(s) to players who have tirelessly defended the reputation of football in Africa. As football fans, we appreciate the beautiful madness that is the African Cup of Nations - and we encourage you all to tune in to history in the making.

Who would you put in your AFCON All-Time Best XI?

AFCON Appreciation

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