Tunisia heads into AFCON 2025 with renewed confidence, and Hannibal Mejbri embodies that belief.
Now a Burnley player after his permanent departure from Manchester United, the 22-year-old midfielder has become one of the driving forces of the Carthage Eagles.
Facing Uganda in their opening match, Mejbri spoke openly about his deep attachment to Tunisia, a commitment he embraced early in his career despite opportunities with France at youth level.
Over time, Mejbri has grown into a leadership role within the squad. With 39 international appearances and major tournaments already behind him, he feels ready to guide his teammates in difficult moments. While he insists he remains humble and grounded, his experiences have shaped his authority, both with the national team and at club level. He also reflected on the weight of expectations that followed his early move to Manchester United, reminding observers that football careers rarely follow a straight line.
As the tournament approaches, Mejbri believes collective belief will define Tunisia’s journey. He highlights the team’s defensive discipline and strong qualifying performances as key foundations, while stressing the importance of unity and shared ambition. For him, only total commitment can unlock Tunisia’s full potential and allow the team to aim high at AFCON 2025.