The Ultimate Ranking of The Best African Players of All Time

18. Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast)

A key member of Ivory Coast’s golden generation, Kalou was a versatile attacker with an eye for goal. At Chelsea, he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League in 2012. He was also instrumental in Ivory Coast’s 2015 AFCON victory, proving to be a valuable asset alongside Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré. His consistency made him a respected figure in African football.

Read also: The 25 Best Strikers in World Football Right Now - Ranked from Lowest to Highest

17. John Obi Mikel (Nigeria)

Mikel was a midfield general, excelling in defensive roles with exceptional composure and passing. He played a vital role in Chelsea’s success, winning two Premier League titles and the 2012 UEFA Champions League. On the international stage, he led Nigeria to AFCON glory in 2013. His ability to control the tempo of play made him one of Africa’s finest midfielders.

16. Édouard Mendy (Senegal)

Mendy’s rise to prominence was remarkable, going from the lower leagues of France to becoming one of the world’s best goalkeepers. He played a crucial role in Chelsea’s 2021 UEFA Champions League triumph, keeping the most clean sheets in the tournament. He also helped Senegal win their first-ever AFCON in 2022, earning the Best Goalkeeper award. His shot-stopping ability and leadership cement his legacy.

15. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)

Kanu was a uniquely skilled forward, combining vision, technique, and composure. He won the Champions League with Ajax, an Olympic gold medal with Nigeria in 1996, and was part of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” squad in 2003-04. Despite suffering from a heart defect early in his career, he defied the odds to become one of Africa’s most respected and beloved footballers.

14. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)

Koulibaly was a defensive powerhouse, renowned for his strength, positioning, and leadership. At Napoli, he was regarded as one of the world’s best center-backs, winning the Coppa Italia in 2020. In 2022, he captained Senegal to their first-ever AFCON title, solidifying his legacy as one of Africa’s greatest defenders. His dominance in both club and international football speaks for itself.

Read also: The 10 Managers with most points per game in Champions League

13. Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)

Adebayor was a physically dominant striker with a keen eye for goal. He won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2007-08 with Arsenal before playing for clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Tottenham. He led Togo to their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2006, an achievement that made him a national hero. His combination of power, skill, and finishing ability made him one of the best African strikers of his era.

12. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

Osimhen is Africa’s next superstar striker, already achieving historic success at a young age. In 2023, he led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, finishing as the league’s top scorer. His blend of speed, strength, and goal-scoring instinct makes him one of the most dangerous forwards in modern football. Though his career is still developing, he is on track to become one of Nigeria’s greatest.

11. Kolo Touré (Ivory Coast)

Touré was a rock-solid defender and an integral part of Arsenal’s Invincibles squad in 2003-04. He later won another Premier League title with Manchester City and helped Ivory Coast win the 2015 AFCON. His leadership, composure, and ability to read the game made him one of the best African center-backs of all time.

10. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Hakimi is one of the world’s best full-backs, known for his speed and attacking ability. He has won league titles with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and PSG. At the 2022 World Cup, he played a key role in Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals, making them the first African team to reach that stage. His impact on modern football is undeniable.

Read also: Ranking - 11 Football Stars Who Played for Europe's Biggest Clubs but Never Won the Champions League"

9. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Mahrez played a crucial role in Leicester City’s stunning 2016 Premier League title win, becoming the first African to win the PFA Player of the Year award. He later won multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League with Manchester City in 2023. He also guided Algeria to AFCON glory in 2019, further establishing himself as one of the best African wingers of all time.

8. Sadio Mané (Senegal)

Mané was instrumental in Liverpool’s Champions League (2019) and Premier League (2020) triumphs, forming a deadly attacking trio with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. In 2022, he led Senegal to their first-ever AFCON title, scoring the decisive penalty in the final. His pace, work rate, and finishing ability make him one of Africa’s greatest-ever forwards.

7. Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria)

Okocha was one of the most skillful and entertaining players of all time. He shone in Germany, France, and England, dazzling fans with his dribbling and flair. Though he never won major club trophies, his influence on African football is immense. He inspired countless young players with his creativity and ability to change games single-handedly.

6. Michael Essien (Ghana)

Essien was a midfield powerhouse, dominating with his tackling, passing, and stamina. He was vital to Chelsea’s success, winning two Premier League titles and the 2012 UEFA Champions League. His ability to dictate the midfield and contribute defensively and offensively made him one of the best African midfielders in history.

Read also: The 20 Best Goalkeepers in the World Right Now - Ranked

5. Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast)

Touré was a dominant box-to-box midfielder, known for his strength, vision, and goal-scoring ability. He was a key figure in Manchester City’s three Premier League titles, scoring vital goals along the way. He also played a crucial role in Ivory Coast’s 2015 AFCON win, cementing his legacy as one of Africa’s finest midfielders.

4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Salah has been one of the best players in world football since joining Liverpool. He won the Premier League Golden Boot twice, led Liverpool to Champions League victory in 2019, and helped secure the club’s first league title in 30 years in 2020. His goal-scoring consistency and influence on Egyptian football are unmatched.

3. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)

Drogba was Chelsea’s talisman, winning four Premier League titles and the 2012 UEFA Champions League, scoring the equalizer and decisive penalty in the final. He also led Ivory Coast to two AFCON finals and remains their all-time top scorer. His clutch performances on the biggest stage define his greatness.

2. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

Eto’o won three UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and Inter Milan, scoring in two finals. He was named African Player of the Year four times and led Cameroon to two AFCON victories and an Olympic gold medal. His goal-scoring record and leadership make him one of the greatest strikers ever.

Read also: The Top Penalty Scorers in Europe’s Big Five Leagues This Season

1. George Weah (Liberia)

The only African to win the Ballon d’Or (1995), Weah was a complete forward who excelled at AC Milan, PSG, and Monaco. His speed, strength, and finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. Despite Liberia’s limited success, his individual brilliance remains unmatched.