Africa boasts a rich footballing history, producing numerous iconic moments and exceptionally talented players who have graced the world stage.
From World Cup heroics to club triumphs, African footballers have left an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
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This list celebrates the top 10 of the continent’s all-time best. Here are the top 10 African best Player of all Time:
10. Jay-Jay Okocha (PSG, Bolton):
“So good they named him twice,” Okocha was a dazzlingly skilful and entertaining player, particularly during his time at Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League.
Known for his flair and mastery with the ball, he became a fan favourite despite a lack of major titles. He was a two-time African Footballer of the Year.
9. Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City, Manchester City):
A highly skilful winger, Mahrez was instrumental in both Leicester City’s shock Premier League title win in 2016 and Manchester City’s historic treble in 2022/23.
Known for his dangerous left foot and ability to cut inside, he left England with five Premier League titles.
8. Michael Essien (Chelsea, Real Madrid):
A key figure in Chelsea’s successful era under Roman Abramovich, Essien was a powerful and hardworking midfielder.
His contributions earned him two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the League Cup, and the Champions League.
7. Sadio Mané (Southampton, Liverpool):
One of the best wingers of his generation, Mané first made his mark at Southampton, scoring the fastest Premier League hat-trick.
He then played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title win after a 30-year drought.
He is the second-highest-scoring African player in Premier League history with 111 goals.
6. Abedi Pele (Marseille, Lyon):
Known for his speed, dribbling, and close control, Abedi Pele was a graceful attacking midfielder.
He won three league titles and a Champions League with Marseille and also led Ghana to victory in the African Cup of Nations in 1982.
He also won the Golden Ball at the same tournament in 1992.
5. Yaya Touré (Barcelona, Manchester City):
Touré transformed himself from a defensive player at Barcelona to a dominant box-to-box midfielder at Manchester City.
He played a pivotal role in City’s first Premier League title win in 2012 and enjoyed a particularly impressive 2013/14 season, scoring 20 league goals.
He is considered one of Manchester City’s greatest players and one of the best foreign players to play in England.
4. Didier Drogba (Chelsea):
A powerful and influential striker, Drogba was central to Chelsea’s success under José Mourinho.
He scored over 100 Premier League goals and was known for his ability to perform in crucial matches.
His late equalizer in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich paved the way for Chelsea’s first Champions League title.
3. Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea):
A prolific and versatile forward, Eto’o excelled at Barcelona and Inter Milan, winning the Champions League with both clubs, including a treble with Inter in 2009/10.
He also won gold at the 2000 Olympic Games and two Africa Cup of Nations titles with Cameroon.
2. George Weah (Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea):
Considered one of the best strikers of the 1990s, Weah was known for his speed, power, and technical ability.
He won the Ballon d’Or in 1995 and is widely regarded as the greatest African striker in history.
1. Mohamed Salah (Chelsea, Liverpool):
Despite a less successful spell at Chelsea, Salah became a global superstar at Liverpool. His prolific goalscoring and overall performances have elevated Liverpool in recent years, leading them to a Premier League title in 2020.
He has broken numerous goalscoring records and is considered one of the most complete forwards in the game and arguably the best African player to ever play in England.
(Stats via Transfermarkt as of 10/01/25)
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