Top 10 Best African Players of All Time

Africa has produced some of the most talented footballers in history. From dominating club football to leaving an indelible mark on the international stage, these players have become legends of the game. This article reveals the top 10 best African players of all time, ranking them based on their achievements and impact on the sport.

Top 10 Best African Players of All Time

African football has given us some of the most talented and influential players in the sport’s history. From winning continental titles to making waves in European leagues, African stars have shown the world their brilliance. Join us as we rank the top 10 best African players of all time, featuring legends who have redefined the beautiful game.

1. George Weah (Liberia)

Position: Forward
Clubs: AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Monaco, Manchester City
Major Achievements: 1995 Ballon d’Or winner, 2x Serie A Champion

George Weah is widely regarded as the greatest African footballer of all time. The Liberian striker remains the only African player to have won the Ballon d’Or (1995), football’s highest individual honor. Known for his incredible pace, technical ability, and clinical finishing, Weah enjoyed a stellar career in Europe, especially at AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles.

What makes Weah’s story even more remarkable is his transition from football to politics, serving as the President of Liberia since 2018.

2. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

Position: Forward
Clubs: Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Mallorca
Major Achievements: 3x Champions League winner, 4x African Player of the Year

Samuel Eto’o is one of the most decorated African footballers in history. He played a crucial role in Barcelona’s dominance under Pep Guardiola, helping the club secure two Champions League titles (2006, 2009). Later, he won another Champions League title with Inter Milan in 2010 under Jose Mourinho.

His success extended to the international stage, leading Cameroon to victories in AFCON 2000 and 2002 and winning the Olympic Gold Medal in 2000.

3. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)

Position: Striker
Clubs: Chelsea, Marseille, Galatasaray, Shanghai Shenhua
Major Achievements: 2x Premier League Golden Boot, 4x Premier League winner, Champions League winner

Didier Drogba is a Chelsea legend, famous for his clutch performances and leadership. He played a decisive role in Chelsea’s first-ever Champions League triumph (2012), scoring the equalizer and netting the winning penalty in the final.

With four Premier League titles and numerous domestic trophies, Drogba remains one of the most dominant African strikers of all time.

4. Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria)

Position: Attacking Midfielder
Clubs: PSG, Bolton Wanderers, Fenerbahce
Major Achievements: AFCON Winner, Olympic Gold Medalist

Jay-Jay Okocha was one of the most entertaining players to ever grace the pitch. Known for his dazzling dribbles and incredible flair, he made a significant impact at Bolton Wanderers, helping to elevate the club’s status in the Premier League.

Okocha played a crucial role in Nigeria’s AFCON 1994 victory and the 1996 Olympic Gold Medal win.

5. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Position: Forward
Clubs: Liverpool, Chelsea, Roma, Basel
Major Achievements: 2x Premier League Golden Boot, Champions League winner, multiple Premier League titles

Mohamed Salah has redefined African excellence in modern football. Since joining Liverpool, he has won two Premier League Golden Boots and led the club to its first Champions League title in 2019.

His electrifying speed, goal-scoring prowess, and consistency make him one of the greatest African players of all time.

6. Abedi Pele (Ghana)

Position: Attacking Midfielder
Clubs: Marseille, Torino, Lyon
Major Achievements: Champions League winner, 3x African Player of the Year

Abedi Pele is a Ghanaian football legend, best known for his success with Marseille, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 1993. He was instrumental in Ghana’s AFCON 1982 victory and inspired many future African football stars.

7. Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)

Position: Midfielder
Clubs: Barcelona, Manchester City
Major Achievements: 4x Premier League winner, Champions League winner

A powerful and skillful midfielder, Yaya Toure was a dominant force at Manchester City, leading them to multiple Premier League titles. Before that, he won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2009.

His ability to control the midfield, score goals, and drive forward with immense power makes him one of the greatest African players ever.

8. Roger Milla (Cameroon)

Position: Striker
Clubs: Various European and African clubs
Major Achievements: AFCON winner, World Cup record-holder

Roger Milla became a global icon during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where, at the age of 38, he scored crucial goals and led Cameroon to the quarterfinals, a first for an African team.

His famous corner flag dance celebration remains one of the most iconic moments in football history.

9. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)

Position: Forward
Clubs: Arsenal, Ajax, Inter Milan
Major Achievements: Champions League winner, 2x Premier League winner, Olympic Gold Medalist

Kanu was a technical genius with an eye for goal. He won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995, two Premier League titles with Arsenal, and played a key role in Nigeria’s Olympic Gold Medal win in 1996.

10. Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Position: Forward
Clubs: Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Southampton
Major Achievements: Champions League winner, AFCON champion, Premier League winner

Sadio Mane has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent success, including their Premier League title in 2020 and the Champions League win in 2019. His work rate, goal-scoring ability, and leadership helped Senegal win their first-ever AFCON title in 2022.

Wrap-Up Top 10 Best African Players of All Time

Africa has some of the most talented footballers in the world, many of whom have left an everlasting impact on the game. From Weah’s historic Ballon d’Or win to Mane’s Champions League heroics, these legends paved the way for future generations.

This article was updated 3 weeks ago