Ranking Best African footballers of All-time

African footballers have entertained the world with mesmerizing displays throughout the history of the beautiful game of football. After World War – II, football saw a sudden surge of talent coming out of Africa, adding a new dimension to the game. Given the achievements the continent’s players have made to date, choosing the top 10 stars amongst the best African footballers ever is a difficult task.

In one hand, players like George Weah brought the African warrior mentality to European football and won the Ballon d’Or, while in the other hand, players like Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o surpassed expectations and achieved success. Among the current crop of African footballers, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are illuminating the world’s biggest leagues. We have compiled a list of the top 10 greatest African players of all time.

A Compilation of Top 10 Best African Footballers Ever

List of Greatest African Players in History (Top 10)

10. Rabah Madjer

Rabah Madjer is an inspiration to the millions of African footballers who wish to be at the highest level of the game. Hailing from Algeria, Madjer became the first outfield player of the continent to win the European Cup. 

He touched the top deck of his career when he helped Porto to become the champions of Europe by defeating Bayern Munich. Later, he led his nation Algeria to the AFCON silverware in 1990. He scored 28 goals off just 87 games in his international career.

9. Riyad Mahrez

One of the shining stars of African football, Riyad Mahrez perfectly resonates with the incredible mark the African continent has left in football. From being part of Leicester City’s dream journey of winning the English Premier League title in the 2015/16 season to lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023 with Manchester City, the Algerian has collected almost every title in club football.

However, his biggest feat will definitely be the victory of the AFCON title with Algeria, where he was also one of the top scorers in the tournament. After establishing his name as one of the greatest African footballers, Mahrez is currently plying trade with Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. He has already netted 127 club goals and 31 international goals.

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8. Abedi Pele

Abedi Pele is an unsung hero in the history of African football. His real name is Abedi Ayew, but his achievements as an attacking midfielder on the pitch earned him the nickname “Pele” which has faded his real name. The former Ghana captain won the UEFA Champions League trophy in 1993 with Marseille.

The 1982 African Nations Cup winner was named the best African footballer for three consecutive years in 1991, 1992, and 1993. He scored a staggering 159 goals in 479 games for different clubs. 

7. Michael Essien

The aura of Michael Essien can be explained by his £24.8 million transfer payment in 2005. Chelsea brought the talented midfielder to the shores of English football from Lyon when he was at his peak. The prized jewel of the Black Stars went on to win a Premier League title and a Champions League trophy with the Blues. Later, Essien played for two more European giants – Real Madrid and AC Milan. 

Essien achieved everything at club level but was very unlucky with his national team. He came close to achieve his dream in 2010 AFCON but Egypt crushed his dream. Essien won 59 national caps and scored 9 goals.

6. Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane is an ever-green player who has taken African football to new heights. He is currently playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr after a successful stint in European football. After coming through the ranks of Red Bull Salzburg, Mane came to the English Premier League and achieved numerous successes with Liverpool. Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup – the Senegal forward has won them all. 

Not only at the club level, the former Bayern Munich winger guided Senegal to their first-ever African Cup of Nations glory in 2021. He was almost nominated for the Ballon d’Or award in 2019 and 2021. 

5. Yaya Toure

Yaya Toure was the epitome of a perfect midfielder when he was in his prime. He was widely known for his long-range shooting, defence-tearing passes and leadership qualities. The former Barcelona and Manchester City playmaker won every major trophy during his majestic club career. From the Champions League to English Premier League, from La Liga to FA Cup, Toure put his hands on all club titles. 

He also won the AFCON Cup for Ivory Coast in 2015. Before hanging up his boots, he recorded 99 goals in his career despite being a midfielder.

4. Samuel Eto’o

An absolute legend, Samuel Eto’o is considered one of the greatest African players in football history. He was the most lethal striker during his successful spells with Barcelona and Inter Milan. The serial winner from Cameroon lifted the Champions League trophy with both these clubs.

Eto’o became the African Player of the Year four times and won the Olympic gold medal. He scored a whopping 56 goals for Cameroon and propelled them to the AFCON title glory on two occasions.

3. George Weah

George Weah is the most sensational character on the list of the best African footballers ever. He was the first African player to win a Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year award. The legendary striker was immensely successful in club football and won several league titles with AC Milan and PSG.

He remains the only player amongst the greatest African players not to feature in the FIFA World Cup. The former Liberian captain notched up 211 goals in 444 games in club football.

2. Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is a modern-day great and an absolute legend. After faltering at Chelsea and AS Roma, Salah found his footing with Liverpool and went on to win the Premier League and Champions League. Salah is one of the finest players to have ever played for the Reds. The Egyptian forward has won multiple Premier League golden boots and African Footballer of the Year titles two times. 

The 32-year-old winger is one of the most prolific goal-scorers and has already clocked 220 career goals in less than 400 games. Egyptians fondly call him the “Fourth Pyramid” for his grace.

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1. Didier Drogba 

Didier Drogba is our best African footballer pick on this list. He was the quintessential world-class forward – quick, fast and strong. The Chelsea legend, who became the first player from Africa to score 100 Premier League goals, was a nightmare to his opponents. 

Drogba was a serial winner during his lengthy stay at Stamford Bridge as he lifted four Premier League titles and the Champions League trophy. The Ivory Coast captain amassed 65 goals in just 105 caps for his country. 

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