Top 10 Greatest African Footballers Of All Time

At the age of 45, Egypt's goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary made history as the oldest player ever to feature in a World Cup during the 2018 edition. El-Hadary's remarkable achievement not only earned him a place in the record books, but also showcased his undeniable talent and unmatched dedication to the sport.

Club Achievements

El-Hadary has an impressive trophy haul at club level.  With an astonishing record of 4 CAF Champions Leagues, 8 domestic league titles and a plethora of other notable honours, the tally exceeds a staggering 20 trophies, predominantly earned during his illustrious tenure with Al Ahly.

International Achievements

As renowned as he is for his club achievements, the legendary Egyptian goalkeeper's international career is equally awe-inspiring. With an astounding tally of 4 African Cup victories under his belt, he stands as the competition's joint-most decorated player.

Remarkably, El-Hadary didn’t concede a goal in three African Cup of Nations finals. 

Individual Achievements

El-Hadary won CAF Goalkeeper of the Year 3 times (2006, 2007 and 2008) and made one appearance in the CAF Team of the Year in 2006. 

El-Hadary's World Cup Gloves are on display at the FIFA  World Football Museum honoring him as the first African goalkeeper to Save a Penalty at the World Cup and its Oldest Player.

Okocha, arguably one of Africa’s finest technical players was particularly blessed with an extraordinary gift of swift footwork, flamboyance and mesmerising dribbling abilities.  Okocha’s mastery with the ball left such a profound impact that even his former teammate and protégé Ronaldinho, openly acknowledged his admiration in 2017,  stating that Okocha and Valderrama were the only No. 10s he admired.  Such high praise from one of football's greats further solidifies Okocha's status as an exceptional talent and reaffirms his unrivaled skill on the field.

Club Achievements

Although Okocha's club-level success may have been limited, he did have one notable achievement that stood out during his career. In 2001, he secured a victory in the UEFA Intertoto Cup while playing for PSG.

International Achievements

Jay-Jay made up for his lack of club success by achieving remarkable triumphs at the international level with Nigeria.  He won the African Cup of Nations in 1994 with the Super Eagles.  Additionally, he played a vital role in the Nigerian "Dream Team" that clinched the Olympic gold in 1996, further solidifying his status as a national hero.

Okocha demonstrated his remarkable consistency in the African Cup of Nations helping Nigeria finish as a runner-up in 2000 and third place in three consecutive African Cup of Nations editions (2002, 2004 and 2006).

Individual Achievements

Okocha was crowned the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2003 and 2004 (Tied with Kanu, Yaya Touré and Salah for the most awards). 

He was awarded the best player in the 2004 edition of the African Cup of Nations and finished top scorer in the same competition. 

Okocha also has 7 Nigerian Footballer of the Year awards and was named in IFFHS’s All-time Africa Men's Dream Team in 2021.

Aboutrika is renowned as one of the most exceptional footballers ever to grace the African continent. Primarily occupying the role of an attacking midfielder, he showcased an extraordinary level of technical mastery, possessing remarkable skills in finishing, dribbling, link-up play, and set pieces.

Aboutrika's sheer talent and unrivaled abilities make him a strong contender for the title of one of the greatest players to have never played in Europe. 

Club Achievements

Aboutrika like his compatriot El-Hadary, formed an integral part of the highly successful Al-Ahly team of the 2000s, amassing an impressive collection of 5 CAF Champions League titles and 7 domestic league cups during his tenure with the club.

International Achievements

Aboutrika's pivotal contributions played a key role in Egypt's triumph, securing two African Cup of Nations trophies for the national team in 2006 and 2008.

Individual Achievements

The Al-Ahly and Egyptian cult hero won the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2008 and in the same year, was a runner-up for the CAF award.

Additionally, he garnered further recognition with four CAF Team of the Year awards, solidifying his illustrious career and legacy.

For such a tall player (6 ft 6 in), Kanu possessed an elegant touch, exceptional dribbling ability and close control, making him unpredictable with the ball. He is considered by many pundits to be the greatest Nigerian player ever.

Club Achievements

Kanu has an enviable trophy haul of some of Europe’s coveted trophies, including the Uefa Champions League, Uefa Cup, English Premier League (2) and FA Cup (3).

International Achievements

Kanu won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993 and was part of the Nigerian “Dream Team” that won Gold at the 1996 Olympics. He was however unsuccessful in his attempt to win the African Cup of Nations, finishing as a runner-up in 2000.

Individual Achievements

Kanu has 2 BBC African Footballer of the Year awards (1997, 1999) and 2 African Footballer of the Year awards (1996,1999). 

He was also named in IFFHS’s All-time Africa Men's Dream Team in 2021.

 Furthermore, his exceptional achievements include the rare distinction of winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup and an Olympic Gold medal, placing him among a select group of legendary players.

Roger Milla is undeniably one of the first African players to star on the International stage, notably propelling Cameroon to the quarter-finals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup—an unprecedented achievement for an African team at that time. 

Milla's iconic goal celebration, featuring a spirited dash to the corner flag accompanied by a joyful dance, remains etched in the memories of football enthusiasts worldwide.

Club Achievements

The legendary Cameroonian showcased his prolific goal-scoring abilities by clinching three domestic league titles in Cameroon, in addition to securing a couple of French cups during his tenure in France.

International Achievements

Milla had a greater impact on the international stage and is considered by many, as a World Cup icon. With Cameroon, he won 2 African Cup of Nations (1984, 1988) and made 3 World Cup appearances.

Individual Achievements

Milla was included in the FIFA 100 list and according to the IFFHS, he is ranked as the second greatest African player of the last 100 years. 

With two African Footballer of the Year awards, a FIFA World Cup Bronze Boot (1990), and the distinction of being the top scorer in two African Cup of Nations editions (1986, 1988), Milla's achievements speak volumes.

Milla holds the esteemed record for being the oldest player to score in a World Cup tournament at the remarkable age of 42, cementing his status as a true footballing legend.

Abedi Ayew, a prominent figure in global football during the 1990s, earned the nickname "Pele" in recognition of his comparable style of play. His style was characterised by speed, exceptional close control and mesmerizing dribbling skills, reminiscent of the Brazilian football legend himself.

According to IFFHS, Ayew holds the esteemed position as the third greatest African player of all time, a testament to his exceptional talent and contributions to the sport.

Club Achievements

Ayew put in legendary performances for Marseille in the 90’s, helping his team to win 3 league titles. 

In the 1993 Champions League final, Abedi put up a “man of the match” performance,  providing the crucial assist for the only goal of the game, ultimately leading Marseille to victory and securing the Champions League trophy.  

This triumph came after Abedi's previous experience as a runner-up in the competition two years earlier,

International Achievements

Ayew won a single African Cup of Nations with Ghana in 1982. Ten years later (1992), he made his second and last appearance at an AFCON final, finishing as a runner-up and the best player of that year’s tournament. 

Despite his remarkable talent and influence, Abedi surprisingly could not guide Ghana to a World Cup appearance during his playing career.

Individual Achievements

The legendary playmaker was awarded the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 1991 and is a 3-time African Footballer of the Year winner (1991-1993).

Ayew also made the FIFA 100 list and was included in IFFHS All-time Africa Men's Dream Team in 2021.

Yaya Touré is regarded as one of the best midfielders to ever have played the beautiful game. Excelling as a box-to-box midfielder, Yaya Toure was particularly praised for his shooting, passing range, vision and physical ability.

Club Achievements

Yaya trophy haul is nothing short of spectacular. 

Toure's illustrious career includes a remarkable feat of winning an impressive six trophies in a single calendar year with Barcelona in 2009, which encompassed triumphs in La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Copa Del Rey, Spanish Supercopa, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Yaya played an integral role in helping Manchester City win its first Premier League title in the 2011/12 season. He won two more Premier League titles and other English domestic cups with Manchester City.

International Achievements

Yaya Touré captained Ivory Coast to their historic first African Cup of Nations victory in 2015, after experiencing the heartbreak of finishing as runners-up in both 2006 and 2012.

He also represented Ivory Coast at three World Cup editions.

Individual Achievements

Yaya Touré (tied with Eto’o) has the most African Player of the Year awards, claiming the prestigious title for four consecutive years from 2011 to 2014.

The legendary Ivorian also has the most number of appearances in the CAF Team of the Year (7 apps).

Yaya is also a 2-time BBC African Footballer of the Year and features in the IFFHS All-time Africa Men's Dream Team.

No list of big game players is complete without the mention of Didier Drogba. The legendary Ivorian has a remarkable goal scoring record at club level of 10 goals in 11 cup finals, resulting in a remarkable tally of 10 trophies won. 

Drogba was indeed a complete striker blessed with finishing, hold-up play, power, strength, heading and jumping ability.

Club Achievements

Drogba is best known for his time at Chelsea winning 4 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups, 3 English League Cups, 2 Community Shields, and a UEFA Champions League trophy in 2012.

His 88th minute equaliser and winning penalty in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final, cemented his cult hero status at Chelsea.

A November 2012 poll conducted by Chelsea FC Magazine (voted on by 20,000 fans) named Drogba as Chelsea's greatest ever player.

International Achievements

Currently Ivory Coast’s national team all-time top scorer with 65 goals, Drogba was unable to guide Ivory Coast’s golden generation to a trophy.

He was however instrumental in leading Ivory Coast to two World Cup appearances.

Individual Achievements

Drogba has been recognised for his talents with numerous awards. Winning the African Footballer of the Year twice (2006, 2009) and the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2009.

Drogba also made the CAF Team of the Year 5 times and was included in the FIFPro World XI in 2007.

Didier features in the IFFHS All-time Africa Men's Dream Team and holds various records during his time at Chelsea, such as the first African in the premier league to hit 100 goals .

Currently serving as the President of Liberia, George Weah is often regarded as one of the best footballers not only in Africa but in the world. The legendary striker was a multi-functional forward who could accelerate fast, dribble past opponents and assist goals for teammates.

 Club Achievements

Weah’s club success is not as remarkable as some players on this list, however, he did manage to win important trophies such as 2 Seria A titles with AC Milan and a league title with PSG. 

He also has 4 domestic cup titles during his time in France and won an FA Cup with Chelsea towards the end of his career.

International Achievements

It is on the international stage that Weah’s credentials take a big hit. He made zero appearances with Liberia at the World Cup and achieved no African Cup of Nations success.

In Weah’s defence, unlike the rest of the players on this list, he was the lone star player in a national team with a small footballing reputation.

Weah is often regarded as one of the best players in world football never to make an appearance at a World Cup.

Individual Achievements

Weah’s legacy shines brightest when taking into account his personal accolades. Weah is the first non-European and only African to win the Ballon d’Or award (1995). He is also the only African to have  earned the FIFA World Player of the Year award (1995). Weah demonstrated remarkable consistency, by securing the runner-up position the subsequent year at the  FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

He is a 3-time African Footballer of the Year winner (1989, 1994, 1995) and was also awarded the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 1995.

George Weah was named in the FIFA 100, IFFHS’s African Player of the Century in 1996 and was included in the IFFHS’s All-time Africa Men's Dream Team in 2021. 

Samuel Eto'o, what a player! Arguably one of the most accomplished strikers ever to grace a football pitch. Eto'o's distinct reputation lies in his exceptional stamina, relentless work-rate, impressive aerial prowess and remarkable precision in finishing, with equal proficiency using both his head and feet.

It is Eto'o's remarkable individual accolades, combined with his extraordinary achievements at both club and international levels, that solidify his status as the G.O.A.T of all African footballers.

Club Achievements

Eto’o won three champions league titles during his time with Barcelona (2) and Inter Milan (1). His Champions League triumph with Inter Milan in the 2009-10 season, made him the first player to win two consecutive European continental trebles, having accomplished it previously with Barcelona in the prior season.

The legendary Cameroonian striker has 4 league titles (Barcelona-3, Inter Milan-1), 7 domestic cup titles (Mallorca-1,Barcelona-3, Inter Milan-3) and a FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Milan.

International Achievements

Eto’o had an equally successful career on the international level with Cameroon, winning the African Cup of Nations twice (2000 & 2002) and an Olympic Gold medal in 2000.

He is the all-time top goalscorer for Cameroon with 56 goals and is also the African Cup of Nations all-time top goalscorer.

Individual Achievements

Eto’o (tied with Yaya Touré) has the most African Player of the Year awards (4 - 2003, 2004, 2005, 2010). Eto’o finished 3rd in the voting for the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2005, making him, George Weah (1st place - 1995 &  2nd place - 1996) and Salah (3rd Place -2018 & 2021) the only African players to make the top 3.

Eto’o has 6 CAF Team of the Year appearances and was included in IFFHS’s All-time Africa Men's Dream Team in 2021.

Eto’o has 2 FIFA FIFPro World XI (2005, 2006) and Uefa Team of the Year (2005, 2006) appearances, making him the African with the most appearances in both categories.