With the countdown officially on for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, CAF and the Local Organising Committee have introduced the face of this year’s tournament Assad, the official mascot.

Assad takes his inspiration from the Atlas Lion, one of Morocco’s most recognisable national symbols. His name means “lion” in Arabic , a perfect fit for a character built to represent strength, pride, and the spirit of African football. From Morocco to the rest of the continent, Assad is designed to resonate with fans everywhere.

But Assad is more than just a mascot. He’s the tournament’s friendly heartbeat, full of joy, passion, and the energy that makes AFCON special. He’s expected to connect deeply with supporters of all ages, especially children and families who give football its colour and future.

Throughout AFCON Morocco 2025, fans will see Assad everywhere: in stadiums, fan zones, community events, and across digital platforms. He’ll be part of global marketing campaigns, interactive content, and all the fun moments that keep supporters engaged and excited.

Visually, Assad is a youthful, expressive lion with a warm and energetic personality. Everything about his design, from the colours to the overall style, aligns perfectly with the tournament’s branding, giving AFCON 2025 a fresh, unified identity.

And here’s the bigger picture, Assad isn’t just for this tournament. CAF has created him as a long-term ambassador for African football. After AFCON 2025, he’ll continue appearing in grassroots programmes, school football activities, youth development projects, and future digital storytelling. The goal is simple, to inspire the next generation of African stars.

With Assad leading the way, AFCON Morocco 2025 is gearing up to deliver an unforgettable celebration of unity, pride, and the power of African football. His introduction is a key step in shaping the tournament’s vibe and strengthening its cultural footprint across the continent.