2024-02-12 21:44:19
African football is full of talents who have left their mark on the history of world football. From Didier Drogba to Jay-Jay Okocha via Yaya Touré, a look back at the top 10 best players from Africa.
The football world has seen the emergence of geniuses from the African continent. Some like George Weah or Roger Milla have managed to establish themselves among the greats of this sport. Others like Didier Drogba or Samuel Eto’o have marked their generation with their talent and their track record. Overview of the 10 most talented African players in history.
Samuel Eto’o, king of scorers
With his 4 Champions Leagues, Samuel Eto’o is the most successful African club player in history, tied with the Moroccan Youssef Chippo. A true legend of Barça, Cameroon and African football, the top scorer of his selection is unanimously in the top 10. His dazzling performances under the Blaugrana colors or his dazzling form with Inter in 2010 guarantee him a place among the greatest players in history, all nationalities combined.
Didier Drogba, Chelsea idol
Impossible to talk about the best African players without mentioning Didier Drogba. With his 104 goals in the Premier League, the Ivorian striker is the most prolific player from Africa in this prestigious championship. His exceptional club and national career made him the most popular African player of his generation. His exploits in the Champions League forged much of the Chelsea legend. In his list of achievements: 4 English championship titles and a Champions League. A fundamental goal scoring machine.
George Weah, best player in the world in 1995
George Weah made history by becoming the first and only African Ballon d’Or in 1995. His exceptional finishing and dribbling skills made him one of the most feared attackers of the 1990s-2000s. Particularly brilliant during his time at PSG then at AC Milan, the Liberian could make incredible differences thanks to his technique and his burst of speed. Since 2018, George Weah has been the President of the Republic of Liberia.
Roger Milla, hero of the 1990 World Cup
At 42, Roger Milla became Cameroon’s providential man who created a sensation by reaching the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy. With his 4 goals and his celebrations that have become cult, the “old lion” thrills the football world with his top-flight performances. The oldest scorer in the history of the competition, Roger Milla will leave lasting memories despite a more modest club career. His talent is beyond doubt.
Jay-Jay Okocha, the Nigerian magician
Incredible technician, Jay-Jay Okocha is one of the most talented players of his generation. His puzzling dribbles and his strokes of genius amazed fans of the clubs he frequented such as PSG, Fenerbahçe and Bolton. The Nigerian playmaker was capable of the worst as well as the best, but what magic in his crampons! He is one of the most adored players in African football.
Yaya Touré, the colossus citizen
Yaya Touré is one of those players capable of dominating the midfield through their physical presence and their volume of play. Symbol of the Manchester City team, champions of England in 2012 and 2014, the Ivorian colossus is one of the best box midfielders -to-box that the African continent has carried. Fast, powerful, technical: an explosive cocktail which allowed him to score numerous spectacular goals from outside the area.
Abedi Pelé, African Ballon d’Or 3 times
Better known as Abedi Pelé, this Ghanaian with a polished technique was one of the most talented players of the 1990s. Voted best African player three times, he brought delight to French clubs like OM, Lille and Lyon with his swaying dribbles and his extraordinary vision of the game. A distinguished playmaker who would undoubtedly have shone more in a major European club.
Michael Essien, the Ghanaian warrior
We could almost speak of him as “the Yaya Touré” of his generation. Power, volume of play and flawless killing characterize defensive midfielder Michael Essien. His high-level performances under the jersey of Olympique Lyonnais then Chelsea (2005-2014) made him one of the most consistent and dominant African players of his generation. A warrior whose numerous injuries have unfortunately slowed him down.
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian who walks on water
With his stratospheric performances at Liverpool since 2017, Mohamed Salah has established himself as one of the best players in the world in his position. Fast, technical, efficient: the Egyptian winger has been collecting goals and assists in the Premier League for 5 seasons. His talent and vision earned him the title of best African player in 2017 and 2018. And at 31, the Pharaoh undoubtedly still has many good years ahead of him.
Sadio Mané, the rising Senegalese
Brilliant at Southampton, even better at Liverpool, Sadio Mané has risen among the world stars of football in just a few years. The twirling winger trained at Génération Foot in Senegal has become a major player for the Reds and one of the architects of the 2019 Champions League coronation. His high-flying technique and his sense of goal have made him one of the most successful players. most coveted in the Premier League. And maybe Real Madrid soon?