African soccer has always been characterized by its dynamic talent pool and passionate fanbase. Over the years, the continent has produced iconic players renowned for their skill, athleticism, and flair. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 20 of the best African soccer players of all time!
While challenges such as infrastructure, development, and occasionally tumultuous governance persist, Africa continues to nurture emerging talents. That being said, it’s never been easy for African players to make their mark on the global soccer stage. Which makes articles like this more important to celebrate their legacy.
From current crop of icons like Mo Salah to evergreen legends like Roger Milla and George Weah, let’s take a look at the best players Africa has to offer.
20. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 74 / 30
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 663 / 330 / 100
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang just almost made it to our list of the best African soccer players of all time. And it’d be easy to forget him if you don’t remember his early career at Dortmund. In his time at Dortmund (and early Arsenal years), Aubameyang became renowned for his lightning speed and versatility.
Aubameyang’s journey began at AC Milan, but it was his move to Saint-Étienne in 2011 that marked the start of a remarkable career. He played a pivotal role in the Coupe de la Ligue win and was soon recruited by Borussia Dortmund. There, he emerged as the Bundesliga’s top goalscorer in the 2016–17 season and secured a DFB-Pokal triumph.
His subsequent record-breaking transfer to Arsenal in 2018 made him the most expensive Gabonese player ever. Winning an FA Cup with the Gunners, Aubameyang also claimed the league’s joint-top goalscorer title in the 2018–19 season.
Beyond club success, he became Gabon’s all-time leading goalscorer and was named African Footballer of the Year in 2016. Despite facing challenges at Chelsea, Aubameyang’s journey continues with Marseille in 2023, but few have hope they’ll again see the Aubameyang of old.
19. Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast)
Position: Centre-Back
International Caps/Goals: 118 / 6
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 520 / 19 / 18
Next on our list of the best African soccer players is the Ivory Coast a defensive maestro, Kolo Toure. His impact on the pitch may not have been as flashy as his brother Yaya’s, but it was equally influential. Kolo showcased his defensive prowess and versatility with powerhouse clubs Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
Starting his journey with ASEC Mimosas, Touré made a significant leap to Arsenal in 2002, where he became an integral part of the legendary ‘invincibles’ squad of 03–04.
His 326 appearances for the Gunners laid the foundation for a remarkable career. Moving on to Manchester City in 2009, Kolo, alongside his brother, played a crucial role in securing City’s first league title in 44 years.
His journey in the Premier League then continued with Liverpool in 2013, where he again became a regular fixture of the team for a few years.
With 353 Premier League appearances, Kolo Touré holds the record for the most by any African player.
Off the domestic stage, Kolo Toure was also an influential figure in the national team. He helped Ivory Coast win the historic African Cup of Nations in 2015.
18. Seydou Keita (Mali)
Position: Central Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 99 / 26
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 652 / 75 / 35
Seydou Keita’s career was a bittersweet one. On one hand, being a part of the great Barcelona team under Pep Guardiola meant he won 14 trophies at the club. But on the other, you wonder if the stacked midfield of Barcelona really let Keita’s true talent shine.
Keita was a versatile force on the pitch who could play as a defensive midfielder to just outside the box. Known for his sweet touch, impeccable court vision, and an underrated finishing ability, Keita’s talents extended far beyond mere ball distribution.
His journey in soccer began in Mali, where he honed his skills in the youth ranks before embarking on a professional career that spanned clubs across France, Spain, China, Italy, and Qatar. Keita’s notable stints include five seasons with Lens and a fruitful four-year spell with Barcelona, where he secured an impressive 14 titles.
Internationally, Keita remained committed to Mali from the age of 18. He amassed an impressive 99 caps and participated in seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
17. John Obi Mikel (Nigeria)
Position: Defensive Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 89 / 6
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 498 / 11 / 19
Next up on our list is John Obi Mikel, a midfielder who proved that efficiency often speaks louder than flashiness. While not the most spectacular player, Mikel’s contributions were undeniably crucial.
Mikel’s journey began with local club Plateau United before making a significant leap to Norwegian club Lyn at the tender age of 17. However, his path took a twist in 2006 when he controversially joined Chelsea amid claims from Manchester United that they had already secured his signature.
This marked the beginning of an 11-year tenure with Chelsea, where Mikel became a key figure in their success. He won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the coveted 2011–12 Champions League with the Blues.
After his illustrious stint at Chelsea, Mikel embarked on a global journey, with brief stints at Tianjin TEDA, Middlesbrough, Trabzonspor, and Stoke City.
Beyond the club scene, Mikel captained Nigeria to AFCON success in 2013, adding another layer to his legacy as a pivotal figure in Nigerian soccer.
16. Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 66 / 29
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 593 / 207 / 65
Emmanuel Adebayor is often tagged as a tempestuous striker but he deserves a closer look beyond the controversy. His time in north London with Arsenal and Tottenham showcased his ability to be a formidable force on the pitch. The pinnacle of his club performances came in the 2007/08 season, where he notched an impressive 30 goals.
And Adebayor’s consistency wasn’t only confined to club soccer. He displayed remarkable dedication to his country, almost single-handedly guiding Togo to the 2006 World Cup against all odds.
After a brief retirement from Togo national team, he returned in 2013 for the African Cup of Nations in South Africa. He helped the team to the quarter-finals of that tournament.
He is Togo’s all-time top goalscorer, netting an impressive 32 goals for his nation. In 2008, Adebayor was also voted African Footballer of the Year.
15. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Position: Central Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 99 / 26
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 652 / 75 / 35
Just like Leicester City, the tale of Riyad Mahrez is one that defied expectations. It’s a soccer tale that turned a £400,000 move to Leicester in 2014 into one of the biggest bargains in the soccer’s history.
Hailing from AAS Sarcelles in France, Mahrez’s rise to stardom began when he turned professional with Quimper in 2009. He eventually found his way to Le Havre before the pivotal move to English side Leicester City.
The Algerian maestro became one of the most important players of Leicester’s extraordinary Premier League triumph in 2016. His performances that year earned the PFA Player of the Season title.
Two years later, Mahrez shattered records by becoming the most expensive African player of all time, sealing a £60m deal with Manchester City. Mahrez continued his winning streak at City, contributing to a Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and ultimately adding a UEFA Champions League title in the 2022–23 season.
Beyond England’s borders, Mahrez’s international journey with Algeria began in 2014. He has represented Algeria in multiple FIFA World Cups and Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He also won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria.
14. Samuel Kuffour (Ghana)
Position: Centre-Back
International Caps/Goals: 59 / 3
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 391 / 17 / 5
You might remember Samuel Kuffour mostly for his post-match dismay after losing the 1999 Champions League final against Manchester United, but he was much more than that.
He was a formidable central defender whose prowess at the turn of the century earned him a place among Europe’s finest. Twice a runner-up for the African Footballer of the Year award and a proud recipient of the BBC African Player of the Year, Kuffour’s impact extended beyond the pitch.
Known for his imposing physicality, Kuffour’s legacy is inseparable from his iconic tenure with Bayern Munich. Over a decade, he donned the Bavarian colors, amassing an impressive collection of 14 honors and featuring in nearly 250 official matches.
With the Ghana national team Kuffuor played a pivotal part of in the 2006 World Cup and participated in five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
13. Rabah Madjer (Algeria)
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 77 / 26
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 71 / 24 / 5
Rabah Madjer was an Algerian soccer icon whose impact has resonated through the decades. A standout player of his time, Madjer achieved numerous accolades, including being named player of the tournament in Algeria’s historic Cup of Nations triumph in 1990.
He also won the African Player of the Year in 1987 and the title of Algerian Footballer of the 20th century.
But Madjer’s influence wasn’t confined to the national stage. He soared to stardom in the 1980s as a Porto player. His six-year stint with Porto resulted in an impressive haul of nine major titles. These included three national championships and the coveted 1987 European Cup.
Beyond his playing days, Madjer seamlessly transitioned into coaching. His managerial roles spanned various clubs, and he also contributed his expertise to the Algeria national team.
With appearances in two World Cups, including Algeria’s first-ever participation in 1982, Rabah Madjer’s legacy as a player and coach remains an integral part of soccer history.
12. Essam El Hadary (Egypt)
Position: Goalkeeper
International Caps/Goals: 159 / 0
Club Level Apps/Goals/Clean Sheets: 557 / 1 / 274
Arguably the greatest African goalkeeper of all time, Essam El Hadary was an easy choice to include in our list. While the Egyptian stopper might not always be in the spotlight, his incredible legacy as the most decorated African goalkeeper of all time speaks volumes.
Known as the “High Dam,” El Hadary’s illustrious career was filled with success. He won over 30 domestic titles, with a staggering 26 earned during his tenure with Al-Ahly. The laundry list of achievements includes eight Egyptian Premier League titles, four Egypt Cups, and four Egyptian Super Cups.
He also saw continental success by winning four CAF Champions League titles, three CAF Super Cups, one Arab Club Champions Cup, and two Arab Super Cups.
But El Hadary’s impact extends beyond the club level. With 159 international appearances for Egypt from 1996 to 2018, he stands third on the list of all-time appearances for his nation.
Winning the Africa Cup of Nations four times, he not only set records but also garnered personal accolades as the tournament’s best goalkeeper three times. The crowning moment came in the 2018 World Cup when, at the age of 45 years and 161 days, El Hadary became the oldest player ever to grace a World Cup match.
11. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 87 / 13
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 516 / 109 / 64
Nwankwo Kanu was a soccer wizard whose style was anything but predictable. While not a prolific goalscorer, Kanu’s unpredictable and unorthodox approach garnered him widespread acclaim, particularly during his time at Ajax and Arsenal.
The Nigerian first made a name for himself at Ajax, scoring 25 goals in 54 appearances. Despite grappling with constant injuries, his remarkable talent shone through. At Arsenal he scored 30 goals in 119 caps, often coming off the bench.
Kanu’s trophy cabinet tells a tale of triumph – a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, three FA Cup medals, and two African Player of the Year awards, among others.
Another thing that sets him apart is his rare distinction as one of the few players to achieve the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, and an Olympic Gold Medal.
With 118 substitute appearances, the third-most in Premier League history, Kanu’s impact is etched in the records.
Beyond the pitch, he’s not just a soccer legend but also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
10. Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria)
Position: Attacking Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 75 / 15
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 493 / 101 / 57
The streets will never forget!
We have to take a moment to reminisce about the sheer brilliance of Jay-Jay Okocha. He was a soccer maestro whose skill on the ball was nothing short of extraordinary. If he were Brazilian, we’re talking Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Manchester United level—no doubt about it.
While the trophy cabinet might not gleam as brightly as his talent deserved, watching Okocha play was an absolute feast for the eyes. He graced the field with a flair that left fans in awe.
Okocha’s journey took him across various leagues, from the Nigerian Professional Football League to the Bundesliga, Süper Lig, Ligue 1, Premier League, EFL Championship, and Qatar Stars League before retiring in 2008.
Representing Nigeria, Okocha earned 75 caps between 1993 and 2006, scoring 15 goals, and was a three-time participant in FIFA World Cup squads.
Okocha’s craftiness and smooth ball control also earned him the BBC African Footballer of the Year title twice.
9. Sadio Mané (Senegal)
Position: Left Winger
International Caps/Goals: 100 / 39
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 516 / 214 / 107
Sadio Mané saw a meteoric rise after his move from Southampton to Liverpool in 2016. Even the most optimistic Reds’ supporters couldn’t have predicted that the Senegalese winger would evolve into one of the world’s best.
Mané’s journey began at Ligue 2 club Metz, and he quickly caught the eye, earning a move to Red Bull Salzburg in 2012. A domestic double in the 2013–14 season highlighted his early success. His stint at Southampton saw him set a Premier League record for the fastest hat-trick in 2015. Then came Liverpool with a then-most expensive bid for an African player at a reported £34 million.
Teaming up with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, Mané played a crucial role in Liverpool’s back-to-back UEFA Champions League Finals, securing victory in 2019. He also clinched the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2018–19 season and played a pivotal part in ending Liverpool’s 30-year league title drought in the 2019–20 season.
Mané’s individual accolades include finishing fourth and second in the 2019 and 2022 Ballon d’Or, respectively, and being crowned African Player of the Year twice.
On the international stage, Mané is a powerhouse for Senegal. He holds the record as his nation’s all-time top goalscorer with 38 goals in 99 appearances. He also played a crucial role in Senegal’s runner-up finish in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and secured their first title in the 2021 edition where he was named the Player of the tournament.
8. Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 102 / 28
Club Level Apps/Goals: 272 / 89
Roger Milla remains a legendary figure in African soccer, even years after his retirement. While many remember him for his iconic hip-waggling corner flag celebration, Milla’s legacy goes far beyond this symbolism.
What sets Milla apart is his international stardom achieved at the remarkable age of 38. At an age when most forwards contemplate retirement, Milla showcased his prowess by scoring four goals at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, becoming the oldest goalscorer in World Cup history.
Undeterred by age, Milla again broke this record at 42, surpassing his own mark as the oldest goalscorer in the 1994 FIFA World Cup against Russia.
Recognized by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players in 2004 and named the best African player of the previous 50 years by the Confederation of African Football in 2007, Milla’s impact is eternally etched in soccer history.
At the time of his retirement, he held the title of all-time top scorer from the African region in the FIFA World Cup finals with five goals, a record eventually surpassed by Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan.
7. Abedi Pele (Ghana)
Position: Attacking Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 73 / 33
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 359 / 69 / 26
On the 7th place on our list of the best African soccer players of all time is Abedi Pele, a true luminary of the early ’90s. He earned his place as a three-time African Footballer of the Year and a BBC African Player of the Year. He’s also widely considered one of the greatest African soccer players of all time by various establishments.
Pele’s journey unfolded across several European clubs, with his spotlight moments in the French Ligue 1, particularly with Lille and Marseille. It was at Marseille where he etched his name in history, securing the UEFA Champions League in 1993.
Pele’s prowess as a graceful and intelligent attacking midfielder set him apart on the field. Despite the unfortunate absence from a World Cup, he compensated by leading Ghana to victory in the 1982 AFCON. A decade later, his brilliance shone through again as he secured the Golden Ball, even though Ghana fell short in the final against Ivory Coast.
6. Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast)
Position: Central Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 101 / 19
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 626 / 103 / 70
Almost missing out on the top 5 best African soccer players of all time is Yaya Touré, a player who defied expectations and etched his name among the top midfielders in the world.
Initially overlooked by Pep Guardiola during their time at Barcelona, Touré silenced skeptics when he joined Manchester City and played a pivotal role in the club’s first two Premier League triumphs. His versatility and impact were showcased when he became only the second midfielder to score 20 goals in a single Premier League season in 2014.
Widely recognized as one of the greatest African players of all time, Touré’s dominance earned him consecutive African Footballer of the Year titles from 2011 to 2014.
His soccer journey began at Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas, where he made his debut at the tender age of 18. European attention soon followed, leading him through stints with Beveren, Metalurh Donetsk, Olympiacos, and Monaco before his breakthrough move to Barcelona in 2007.
With 101 caps for the Ivory Coast, Touré left his mark on international soccer as well. He represented Ivory Coast in multiple FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including captaining them to victory in 2015.
5. Michael Essien (Ghana)
Position: Defensive Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 59 / 9
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 545 / 58 / 22
Michael Essien was a rare breed of player with a unique blend of physical prowess, defensive solidity, and offensive finesse. Standing out as an elite midfielder for years, Essien’s ability to seamlessly transition from defense to offense, coupled with his sharp court vision, set him apart on the pitch.
The Ghanaian star became one of the cornerstones of Chelsea’s success during the early Roman Abramovich era. Joining the Blues from Lyon in 2005, Essien formed a formidable partnership in the midfield alongside Frank Lampard.
His early soccer journey began with Liberty Professionals in Ghana before making a move to France with Bastia in 2000. A successful three-season stint at Bastia paved the way for his move to Ligue 1 titleholders Lyon in 2003. At Lyon, he achieved back-to-back league titles and earned the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award in 2005.
Essien also represented Ghana at various levels, including the FIFA U-17 World Championship and FIFA World Youth Championship. His senior debut in January 2002 marked the beginning of a stellar international career, featuring appearances in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and representing Ghana in the 2006 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
4. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 105 / 65
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 688 / 302 / 127
Didier Drogba is mainly remembered for his goalscoring prowess, but he was much more than that. He was a figure who transcended the boundaries of soccer to become a symbol of hope and unity.
Not only celebrated for his exceptional talent as arguably the most gifted African striker ever, Drogba played a pivotal role in urging his fellow Ivorians to halt the civil war that had plagued the nation for five years. This extraordinary act of leadership occurred right after he led the Ivory Coast to the 2006 World Cup.
During his time at Chelsea, Drogba became one of the all-time greats of the club, scoring more goals than any other foreign player. Fans recognized his exceptional contributions by naming him Chelsea’s greatest-ever player in a 2012 poll and including him in the Chelsea team of the 2010–2020 decade.
Renowned for his physical strength, speed, aerial prowess, powerful strikes, and ball retention, Drogba’s impact reverberated globally. He earned the title of African Footballer of the Year twice, in 2006 and 2009, underlining his status as one of the greatest African players of all time.
Beyond soccer, Drogba’s commitment to humanitarian causes was evident in his appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme in 2007 and his role as Vice President of the international organization Peace and Sport in December 2018.
3. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 118 / 56
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 728 / 364 / 118
Samuel Eto’o is rightly regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation and one the best African soccer players of all time. Eto’o possessed a rare combination of strength, speed, and lethal scoring ability that defined him as a soccer icon.
Eto’o’s accolades speak volumes about his legacy, winning the African Player of the Year a remarkable four times in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010.
Beginning his journey with Real Madrid as a 16-year-old prodigy, Eto’o navigated through loan spells before leaving his mark at Mallorca in 2000, scoring 70 goals and setting a club record.
His stellar form continued at Barcelona in 2004, where he scored 130 goals in five seasons. With the Catalans, Eto’o won three La Liga titles and played a crucial role in two UEFA Champions League triumphs.
Then transitioning to Inter Milan for the 2009–10 season, Eto’o achieved an unprecedented feat by winning two consecutive European continental trebles.
Eto’o’s impact extended to the international stage, contributing to Cameroon’s success with a Gold Medal at the 2000 Olympics and two Africa Cup of Nations victories in 2000 and 2002.
As the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, Eto’o’s legacy remains etched in soccer history.
2. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Position: Right Winger
International Caps/Goals: 93 / 53
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 581 / 279 / 140
Mohamed Salah’s journey from Chelsea’s sidelines to becoming a generational scorer at Liverpool is nothing short of extraordinary. No one, not even the most faithful Liverpool fans anticipated the Egyptian’s meteoric rise, transforming an already elite Liverpool team into an unstoppable force.
His impact is evident as he surpassed Didier Drogba as the African player with the most Premier League goals.
Starting his senior career with Al Mokawloon in 2010, Salah’s talents shone at Basel, where he secured two Swiss Super League titles. Despite a stint at Chelsea and successive loans to Fiorentina and Roma, it was at Liverpool that Salah truly blossomed.
In his first season, Salah set a Premier League record with 32 goals, propelling Liverpool to the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final. Salah’s journey continued with pivotal contributions to Liverpool’s subsequent Champions League and Premier League triumphs.
Individually, he garnered numerous accolades, including PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards, Premier League Golden Boots, and recognition in the FIFA Best Men’s Player and Ballon d’Or rankings.
Internationally, Salah represented Egypt with distinction, achieving CAF African Footballer of the Year, BBC African Footballer of the Year, and making significant impacts in Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
His influence extends beyond soccer though. He is a symbol of national pride in Egypt and earned a place in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2019.
Mo Salah, often hailed as the “Fourth Pyramid” and the “Pride of the Arabs,” stands as a soccer icon with a profound impact on and off the field.
1. George Weah (Liberia)
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 61 / 22
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 478 / 193 / 62
20 years after his retirement, George Weah still remains the undisputed No. 1 greatest African soccer player of all time. He is the sole African player to clinch the Ballon d’Or in 1995, along with earning European Footballer of the Year and FIFA World Player of the Year honors.
A force to be reckoned with on the field, Weah showcased his prowess as a complete forward for Monaco, PSG, and Milan during the 1990s.
Weah’s soccer journey spanned 14 years across France, Italy, and England, initially brought to Europe by Arsène Wenger at Monaco. His time at Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan marked significant successes, including winning Division 1 in 1994 and clinching Serie A titles.
Weah’s impact was also recognized by FourFourTwo, naming him one of the best players never to secure the UEFA Champions League.
Weah also contributed to the Liberia national team, earning 75 caps and 18 goals for his country. Despite not gracing the FIFA World Cup, his influence earned him the titles of African Footballer of the Year, African Player of the Century, and a spot in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players.
Post-retirement, Weah ventured into politics, forming the Congress for Democratic Change and ultimately becoming the President of Liberia in 2018.
Thank You For Reading
I hope you enjoyed our list of the best African soccer players of all time. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.
There were a lot of other great players who were on our shortlist but couldn’t make the final list. Players like Geremi, Lauren, Bruce Grobbelaar, and Mahamadou Diarra could have easily made it to our list.
If you feel we missed someone who should’ve been on this list, then do let us know in the comments!
Your support and sharing of this content can help us reach a wider audience and provide valuable information to more people who share our passion for the beautiful game.
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