Rayo Vallecano coach embraces AFCON despite expected player losses

Rayo Vallecano head coach Íñigo Pérez shared his opinion regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is due to take place in Morocco in December.

The La Liga side’s coach is expected to lose two key players during AFCON 2025, but he says he is happy for the players as they will be competing in a big tournament.

Prior to Rayo’s La Liga match against Espanyol, Pérez stated that the club would be proud to see their players in an international tournament.

Íñigo Pérez Weighs In on AFCON 2025 Impact

“These are competitions we’ve known for a long time, and they take place during the season. It is always a negative point in terms of the squad to lose players, especially if they’re called up for national teams, which are very competitive. But there’s also joy and excitement because the Rayo Vallecano players will once again be competing in an international tournament. If the players called up for their national teams aren’t there, others will be. So we won’t make a big deal out of it. We wish them all the best, especially a return in top form.”

Rayo Vallecano is expected to lose the services of Senegal midfielder Pathé Ciss and Angolan international Randy Nteka. Young defender, Nobel Mendy, could also be out due to AFCON if he gets a call-up from the Lions of Teranga. Rayo Vallecano are 11th with 17 points.