Football-mad Africa has a rich history in the game, so it goes without saying that the continent has produced some very special players.
From trailblazers in the 70s and 80s to modern-day greats, our ranking of the best African footballers of all time takes in stars from all areas of the pitch – who have shone for club and country alike.
Let’s get stuck straight in, shall we?
10. Jay-Jay Okocha
Signed by Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer in 2002, Jay-Jay Okocha has to go down as one of the most entertaining players ever to grace the Premier League – and one of the best ever from Africa.
A 1994 AFCON winner, 1996 Olympic gold medallist and Nigerian Footballer of the Year on no fewer than seven occasions, the devilishly tricky Okocha delighted spectators with some audacious pieces of skill.
9. Michael Essien
One of the top box-to-box midfielders in Europe at his peak, Michael Essien flourished at Chelsea after his 2005 arrival from Lyon for £24.4m – at the time, the biggest fee ever paid for an African player.
The Ghanaian – a 2010 AFCON runner-up – proved instrumental as the Blues won the 2005/06 Premier League title – and he went on to add numerous further honours, including the 2011/12 Champions League.
8. Abedi Pele
It’s not often that a nickname becomes the name a player actually goes by – but Abedi Pele – who won the 1992/93 Champions League with Marseille – really was that good.
African Footballer of the Year three years on the trot from 1991 to 1993, Pele – whose sons Andre, Jordan and Rahim Ayew all went on to represent Ghana – won the 1982 AFCON with the Black Stars.
7. Riyad Mahrez
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PFA Player of the Year for his starring role in Leicester’s fairytale 2015/16 Premier League title triumph, Riyad Mahrez rapidly became one of the best wingers in the world, making a £60m move to Manchester City in 2018.
Within a year, the dazzling Algerian had collected another Premier League winner’s medal and inspired his nation to AFCON victory; and in 2023, he finally got his hands on the Champions League.
6. Sadio Mane
Having risen to prominence at Red Bull Salzburg then made his mark on the Premier League with Southampton, Senegal superstar Sadio Mane joined Liverpool in 2016 – and went on to true greatness.
Within four years, the devastatingly fast forward had won the Premier League title and Champions League, forming a formidable front three with Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino – and the following year, he tasted AFCON glory.
5. Yaya Toure
An absolute giant of a midfielder, Yaya Toure was pretty much unstoppable in his prime, playing a vital role in three Premier League title triumphs at Manchester City.
African Footballer of the Year four years running from 2011 to 2014, the Ivory Coast icon captained his country to 2015 AFCON glory and is one of a handful of midfielders to score 20 goals in a Premier League campaign.
4. Didier Drogba
The first African player to reach the 100-goal mark in the Premier League, Didier Drogba gave many a defender nightmares during his hugely successful first spell with Chelsea – where, among other honours, he won four Premier League titles and the Champions League.
A two-time African Footballer of the Year and two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, the Ivorian banged in 65 goals in 105 caps for his nation.
3. Samuel Eto’o
One of the greatest strikers of all time, four-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto’o scored for fun during spells with Barcelona and Inter Milan during the 00s and early 10s – and he won the Champions League with both clubs.
Third in the voting for 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year, Eto’o was an Olympic gold medallist and two-time AFCON champion with Cameroon – for whom he notched 56 goals in 118 caps.
2. George Weah
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Africa’s first Ballon d’Or winner – in 1995, when he was also named FIFA World Player of the Year – George Weah remains one of the very best players never to play at the World Cup.
The Liberian icon – who went on to become the West African nation’s President – lifted league titles with PSG and AC Milan, finishing as 1994/95 Champions League top scorer while playing for the latter.
1. Mohamed Salah
Mo Salah flopped during his first stab at the Premier League with Chelsea – but Liverpool gave him a second chance, and how he took it: the Reds’ Egyptian King rapidly established himself as one of the most devastating attackers around.
A multiple Premier League Golden Boot winner and two-time African Footballer of the Year, PFA Players’ Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year, Salah is simply sensational.
Source: FourFourTwo
