Football is predominantly dominated by European players or those of European descent. However, let’s not forget the significant contributions of the African continent. In recent years, Africa has brought forth some iconic footballers who have worked wonders for their respective clubs and countries. African football is full of depth and talent. Let’s take a look at the 10 best African soccer players who have inspired millions worldwide, courtesy of bestsoccertips.com.
Top 10 best African players of all time
10. Essam El-Hadary (Egypt)
Known widely by the nickname “The High Dam,” this goalkeeper is undoubtedly one of Egypt’s finest players and one of the greatest African players of all time. He made his debut for the Pharaohs in 1996. He has helped them win 4 African Cup of Nations titles, including 3 consecutive titles (2006, 2008, and 2010).
At the age of 45, he became the oldest player to feature in a FIFA World Cup match. This was during the 2018 tournament in Russia, in a match against Saudi Arabia. He has won the Egyptian Premier League title 8 times with Al Ahly. He has also clinched a league title in Sudan with Al-Merreikh.
9. Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’ (Ghana)
Abedi Ayew played as an attacking midfielder. He won the AFCON title with the Black Stars in 1982. A decade later, he was also declared Player of the Tournament. Unfortunately, Ghana lost the final on penalties to Ivory Coast. He won the Ligue 1 title with Marseille for three consecutive years in 1991, 1992, and 1993 (the last title was revoked due to a match-fixing scandal).
This midfielder also won the UEFA Champions League with Marseille in 1993, defeating AC Milan. He was declared the Man of the Match in that final. The Ghanaian player also won the African Player of the Year award three times.
8. Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)
Nicknamed “The Ivory Coast Engine,” Yaya Toure has tasted success both at the international level and club level. He led Ivory Coast to victory in the 2015 AFCON. Toure has also won league titles with top clubs like FC Barcelona and Manchester City. He has a Champions League title to his name with the Spanish giants. He is certainly one of the greatest African players of all time.
This midfielder has won the African Player of the Year award four times. Toure is known for his strength, vision, and goal-scoring instincts. In fact, in the 2013-14 season, he scored 20 goals for Manchester City, an impressive feat for a defensive midfielder.
7. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)
Nwankwo Kanu’s illustrious career spanned continents and championships, epitomizing the pinnacle of Nigerian football talent. His presence in three FIFA World Cup tournaments not only showcased his individual skill but also his commitment to representing his nation at the highest level of the sport. Despite Nigeria’s formidable presence on the international stage, the African Cup of Nations remained an elusive title for Kanu, serving as a poignant reminder of the fine margins and fierce competition in continental football.
In the realm of European club football, Kanu’s brilliance shone brightly. His tenure with Ajax saw him clinch domestic glory in the Eredivisie multiple times, while his crowning achievement came in the form of UEFA Champions League triumph. This success further solidified his status as one of Africa’s most revered footballers. Additionally, his pivotal role in Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ squad, a team that etched its name in football history by remaining unbeaten throughout an entire league season, cemented Kanu’s legacy as a football icon.
6. Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Cameroon’s international player is recognized by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) as the second greatest African player of the past 100 years. He made significant contributions to Cameroon’s football history, notably leading them to the quarterfinals of the 1990 World Cup, making them the first African team to reach that stage.
At the age of 42, he scored against Russia, becoming the oldest goal scorer in the World Cup. He also won the African Player of the Year award twice. This forward played a crucial role in guiding Cameroon to two AFCON championships in 1984 and 1988.
5. Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Hailing from the remote village of Bambali, few could achieve what Sadio Mane has accomplished in his career. Starting at FC Metz, this winger garnered recognition at RB Salzburg. His performances caught the eye of Southampton, who paid £10 million for his services. In 2016, Jurgen Klopp brought him to Anfield, and the rest is history.
He helped the Merseyside club win the Champions League in 2019. That same year, he shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Mane played a significant role in ending Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a Premier League title. He was also part of the Senegal team that won the AFCON in 2022. Thus, he is one of the most decorated African players of all time.
4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Mohamed Salah could easily be regarded as one of the finest African players to grace the beautiful game. After being discarded by Chelsea and subsequently moving to AS Roma permanently, this winger continuously proved his worth. His move to Liverpool was nothing short of a dream.
Since arriving, he has won the Premier League and the Champions League. He has also won the Golden Boot twice in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, scoring 32 and 22 goals respectively. Salah was also awarded the PFA Player of the Year in 2018.
3. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
Didier Drogba is a key figure in Chelsea’s golden generation, alongside players like Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Petr Cech. Chelsea fans will never forget the 2012 Champions League final in Munich. Drogba’s late header equalized the match, and his decisive penalty kick sealed their first-ever Champions League title against all odds.
He also clinched 4 Premier League titles with the London club. This forward was also the top scorer in the Premier League for the 2006/07 and 2009/10 seasons. Though he didn’t win any international titles with Ivory Coast, he was twice awarded the African Player of the Year title. Thus, he remains one of the most honored African footballers of all time.
2. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
The former Cameroon international needs no introduction. Alongside Yaya Toure, Samuel Eto’o also won the African Player of the Year award 4 times. His achievements include an Olympic gold medal in 2000, three Champions League titles (two with Barcelona and one with Inter Milan), and goals in two finals.
Eto’o also secured three league titles with Barcelona and one with Inter Milan. He played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s 2008-09 season, where they achieved the treble. This forward is the all-time leading scorer of both the AFCON and Cameroon. Eto’o’s strength and speed made him a dangerous striker.
1. George Weah (Liberia)
There’s no doubt about our number one. George Weah is the only African player to have won the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1995. That same year, he was awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year and the European Footballer of the Year titles.
Alongside two Serie A titles with AC Milan, the Liberian player also won the FA Cup with Chelsea and Ligue 1 with PSG. He was twice named the African Player of the Year and recognized by the IFFHS as the greatest African player of the 20th century. He currently serves as the President of his country, another feather in his cap.
Conclude
In summary, the journey of these African football legends is a testament to the continent’s rich talent pool and the global impact of its players. From Didier Drogba’s historic Champions League triumph with Chelsea to Samuel Eto’o’s dominance on the European stage and George Weah’s remarkable achievements both on and off the field, each player has etched their name in football history. Their success not only inspires future generations of African footballers but also underscores the transformative power of the sport in shaping lives and transcending borders. As icons of resilience, skill, and determination, these players have left an indelible legacy that will continue to resonate within the footballing world for generations to come.
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