Football is the most played and watched sport on the planet. It enjoys absolute dominance as Africa’s favourite sport. Due to Africa’s enthusiastic support for the sport, the continent has been home to many players who have gained national and international recognition for their skills on the pitch. We will introduce you to many of the best African footballers of all time and their achievements.
1. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah’s first attempt at the Premier League with Chelsea was unsuccessful. However, Liverpool gave him a second chance, and he made the most of it. The Egyptian king of the Reds quickly established himself as one of the most destructive strikers.
Salah has won the Premier League Golden Boot multiple times, and has been awarded the African Footballer of the Year award twice, the Premier League Player of the Year award, the Premier League Player of the Year award, and the Premier League Player of the Year award.
2. George Weah
The icon – who later became president of the West African nation – won league titles with PSG and AC Milan, and finished the 1994/95 UEFA Champions League as top scorer when he played for the latter.
The first African player to win the Ballon d’Or – in 1995, when he also won the FIFA World Player of the Year award – George Weah remains one of the best players not to have played in the World Cup.
3. Samuel Eto’o
Samuel Eto’o is one of the most prolific scorers in the history of football, winning the African Footballer of the Year award four times. He enjoyed a prolific scoring record during his spells with Barcelona and Inter Milan in the 2000s and early 2000s. He also won the UEFA Champions League with both clubs.
In 2005, Eto’o finished third in the FIFA World Player of the Year awards. He was an Olympic gold medallist and two-time African Cup of Nations champion with Cameroon, scoring 56 goals in 118 appearances for the national team.
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4. Didier Drogba
The two-time African Footballer of the Year and two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner has scored 65 goals in 105 appearances for his country.
Didier Drogba is the first African player to reach the 100-goal mark in the Premier League. During his highly successful first spell at Chelsea, he caused nightmares for many defenders. Among his achievements, he won four Premier League titles and the Champions League.
5. Yaya Toure
Mr. Toure was awarded the title of African Footballer of the Year for four consecutive years, from 2011 to 2014. He led the Ivory Coast to victory in the 2015 AFCON, and is one of a select few midfielders to score 20 goals in a Premier League season.
Yaya Toure was a highly influential midfielder during his prime, playing a pivotal role in three Premier League title victories at Manchester City.
