Africa, often nicknamed the "Dark Continent," was once home to many colonies under Western rule, particularly by countries like England and France. The African continent is less developed compared to the rest of the world. Of course, football is no exception. However, Africa has produced many outstanding players—talented and renowned—who rival the world's best. They bring a strong desire for progress, transforming football in Africa from a less developed state into a thriving scene. It's been a long journey, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Right now, let's take a look at the best African soccer players all of time with admin Wintips.
What are the best African soccer players of all time?
1. Didier Drogba
Drogba was the first African player to reach the milestone of 100 goals in the Premier League. The Ivorian legend won four Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy with Chelsea, and claimed the Premier League Golden Boot twice. He was a standout figure in Chelsea's most successful era, having won four Premier League titles and scoring 164 goals across two spells in West London.
Arguably, Drogba's greatest goal came in the 2012 Champions League final. The former Ivory Coast captain scored the equalizer in the dying minutes against Bayern Munich. In the penalty shootout, he stepped up to take the decisive spot-kick, securing Chelsea's first European crown.
2. Samuel Eto'o - One of the best African soccer players
FourFourTwo, a renowned football magazine, lauded Samuel Eto'o as one of the most exceptional forwards in football history. His illustrious career is adorned with numerous achievements, making him a legendary figure in the sport. Eto'o's prowess shone brightly on the biggest stages of European football, notably during his stints with Barcelona and Inter Milan.
At Barcelona, he played a pivotal role in their success, contributing significantly to their UEFA Champions League victories in 2006 and 2009. His speed, skill, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders and earned him admiration from fans worldwide. However, Eto'o's influence went beyond club football. While representing the Cameroon national team, he also showcased his talent on the international stage.
3. Mohamed Salah - One of the best African soccer players
Salah's overall achievements are largely similar to those of Sadio Mané. Both have won nearly all major trophies and could have won even more if they had not been competing against a dominant Manchester City in domestic competitions. However, on an individual level, the Egyptian star distinguishes himself.
Regarding the Premier League Golden Boot, Salah has won it three times, most recently this season. He shattered the record for the most goals by an African player in the Premier League, previously held by Drogba (117 goals).
4. Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez was named the PFA Player of the Year for his remarkable 2015/16 season with Leicester City. At that time, the Algerian winger formed a formidable duo with Jamie Vardy in the Premier League. Indeed, Mahrez is one of the league’s most skillful dribblers.
He started gaining recognition when he helped Leicester City secure their historic Premier League title in the 2015/2016 season. In 2018, Mahrez transferred to Manchester City in a £60 million deal. In the 2022/2023 season, Mahrez and his Manchester City teammates secured a historic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
5. Yaya Toure - One of the best African soccer players
Widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time, Yaya Toure was a marquee signing who played a key role in transforming Manchester City into a dominant force in English football. Toure won consecutive La Liga titles and was part of two historic treble-winning campaigns with Barcelona before joining "The Citizens" for a transfer fee of £24 million.
He concluded his first season at the Etihad with an FA Cup victory, securing the club's first major trophy in 35 years. The 2013/14 season was Touré's most outstanding campaign. The Ivorian international scored an impressive 20 goals and provided nine assists despite playing as a midfielder. Touré led the Ivory Coast to the AFCON title in 2015 as their captain.
6. Kolo Toure - One of the best African soccer players
Kolo Touré is one of the few African players to have won the Premier League title with two different clubs. He played alongside Kanu and Lauren in Arsenal's Invincibles squad. He later moved to Manchester City, where he won another Premier League title with the Sky Blues. Touré could have made history if his Liverpool team had won the Premier League in the 2013/14 season, a campaign in which The Kop had a great chance but unexpectedly faltered at the final hurdle.
After leaving Arsenal, the Ivorian defender played for both Manchester City and Liverpool, becoming one of only eight players to win the Premier League with two different clubs. Kolo Toure holds the record for the most Premier League appearances by an African player, with 352 matches.
7. Michael Essien
Michael Essien's move from Lyon to Chelsea, at a time when the French club dominated Ligue 1, marked a significant moment in both his career and Chelsea's trajectory under Jose Mourinho. Mourinho's intention was clear: to bolster Chelsea's midfield with Essien's boundless energy and all-around ability, strengthening their dominance.
Essien wasted no time in making his mark in the Premier League, striking fear into opposing teams with his relentless work rate and versatile skill set. During his debut season with Chelsea, Essien played a pivotal role in the club’s Premier League title triumph. The following season, he was named Chelsea's Player of the Year, becoming the first African player to receive this accolade— a testament to his immense contribution on the pitch.
8. Edouard Mendy - One of the best African soccer players
Chelsea signed Édouard Mendy from Rennes in 2020. In his debut season with Chelsea, the Senegalese international delivered a standout performance in their Champions League-winning campaign. Mendy equaled the record for the most clean sheets in a single Champions League season (nine), conceding only two goals in seven knockout-stage matches as the West London club was crowned European champion.
His remarkable performances earned Mendy the FIFA Best Men's Goalkeeper award. He later added the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup to his collection of titles. The former Rennes goalkeeper was a key player for the Senegalese national team that won its first-ever AFCON title in 2022.
9. Jay-Jay Okocha - One of the best African soccer players
Jay-Jay Okocha is widely regarded as one of the most entertaining players in Premier League history. Bolton Wanderers signed Okocha in 2002, marking a defining moment in the club's history. Before moving to England, Okocha had already established himself as a footballing icon, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and an Olympic gold medal in 1996 with the Nigeria national team.
Throughout his illustrious career, he won the Nigerian Player of the Year award seven times. Upon joining Bolton Wanderers, Okocha quickly won over fans with his mesmerizing skill and flair on the pitch. Renowned for his sublime dribbling, audacious tricks, and eye-catching creativity, Okocha became a fan favorite at the Reebok Stadium.
10. John Obi Mikel
Mikel was never the most dazzling player in Chelsea's lineup. However, his resilience and consistency allowed him to remain at Stamford Bridge for a decade despite numerous challenges. With Chelsea, Mikel won two Premier League titles, along with the FA Cup, Champions League, and Europa League.
Overall, the Nigerian midfielder achieved everything a player needed to achieve while wearing The Blues' jersey. When he left Chelsea in 2017, Mikel was recognized as a club legend. Although his time at Chelsea ended, Mikel's legacy lives on as one of the club's unsung heroes. His often-understated contributions played a key role in Chelsea's success during one of the club's most illustrious eras.
Conclusion
The best African soccer players in history are well-known to football fans worldwide. They have been pioneers in the modernization of football in Africa. These football stars have even made significant contributions in the political and social spheres. Thanks to this, we can see how football, in particular, and sports, in general, help bring communities together. If you love these players, then follow, support, and bet on matches where they appear at reputable internet bookmaker right now.
See also: Top 10 shortest goalkeeper in Premier League 2023/24 season
