The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will not only be a major sporting spectacle but also a logistical challenge for many LaLiga teams. The tournament, featuring 24 national teams, overlaps with important league fixtures and the Copa del Rey Round of 32. Due to FIFA regulations requiring clubs to release players up to 14 days before the competition, several squads may begin losing key figures as early as mid-December.

While CAF and European federations continue negotiating a more flexible release period, uncertainty is spreading across club offices. With the opening match set for December 21, teams will need to adapt to nearly a full month without some of their most influential players.

Betis and Villarreal Among the Most Affected

When it comes to significant absences, Real Betis and Villarreal stand out as the biggest sufferers. Manuel Pellegrini’s side will be without Abde Ezzalzouli and Sofyan Amrabat, both regulars for Morocco — the host nation and one of the top contenders. Should Morocco advance deep into the tournament, the duo could miss up to five league games, including the Rayo–Betis match on December 15.

Additionally, Cédric Bakambu, eligible for the DR Congo, may also depart.
At Villarreal, Marcelino will be forced to cope without Pape Gueye (Senegal) and Nicolas Pépé (Ivory Coast), two important members of his rotation, as well as Ilias Akhomach, who is expected to join Morocco despite limited playing time following a long-term injury.

Other clubs will also feel the impact. Sevilla will lose Ejuke and Adams, both called up by Nigeria. Rayo Vallecano will be without Pathé Ciss (Senegal) and Randy Nteka (Angola), all while preparing for a Conference League match on December 18.
Osasuna must navigate the absence of Enrique Boyomo (Cameroon), a key defensive figure. Meanwhile, Levante faces the biggest blow: Etta Eyong, their top scorer and assist leader, has been confirmed by Cameroon and will be unavailable during a critical stage in their fight to avoid relegation.

More Clubs Awaiting Final Call-Ups

Real Madrid could also be affected if Brahim Díaz — a Morocco international — is included in the squad, which would remove a regular rotation player from Xabi Alonso’s plans. Getafe will be without Abdelkabir Abqar, while Espanyol loses Pickel (DR Congo). Real Sociedad awaits Nigeria’s decision on Umar Sadiq.

The impact extends into the Segunda División as well: Granada may lose Luca Zidane (Algeria) and Hongla (Cameroon); FC Andorra would be without Owono (Equatorial Guinea); Racing could lose Maguette (Senegal); and Almería may be missing Soko (Cameroon), along with a potential call-up for Lopy.

The overlap between AFCON and one of the busiest periods in European football creates unavoidable disruption. With coaches forced to improvise, squads temporarily unbalanced, and players returning after nearly a month of high-intensity competition, AFCON 2025 will test squad depth, adaptability, and resilience across LaLiga as never before.