There are many great African footballers of all time, but some of the most notable include:
- George Weah of Liberian striker
- Samuel Eto’o: A Cameroonian striker
- Didier Drogba: An Ivorian striker
- Yaya Toure: An Ivorian midfielder
- Abedi Pele: A Ghanaian midfielder
- Roger Milla: A Cameroonian striker
- Jay-Jay Okocha: A Nigerian midfielder
- Nwankwo Kanu: A Nigerian striker
- Michael Essien: A Ghanaian midfielder
- Kolo Toure: An Ivorian defender.
These are just a few of the many great African footballers of all time, and there are many other players who have made significant contributions to the sport and deserve recognition.
These players were not only great in their respective teams and competitions, but also they were role models, who inspire and pave the way for many upcoming African footballers.
George Weah – Striker
George Weah is widely considered one of the greatest African footballers of all time. He had a successful career as a striker, playing for clubs such as Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan. He won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:
- FIFA World Player of the Year: In 1995, Weah became the first and only African player to win FIFA World Player of the Year, which is considered one of the highest individual awards in football.
- Ballon d’Or: In 1995, Weah became the first and only African player to win the Ballon d’Or, which is awarded to the best player in Europe as voted by international journalists.
- African Footballer of the Year: In 1989, 1994, and 1995, Weah won the African Footballer of the Year award, which is given to the best African player as voted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
- Ligue 1 Top Scorer: In the 1988-1989 season, Weah was the top scorer in French Ligue 1, scoring 18 goals.
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: In 1990, Weah helped Monaco win the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, which is a European competition for domestic cup winners.
- Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year: In 1995 and 1996, Weah was named the Foreign Footballer of the Year in the Italian Serie A league.
In addition to these individual awards, Weah also won multiple league titles, domestic cups, and other trophies throughout his career, making him one of the most decorated African footballers of all time.
Samuel Eto’o – Striker
Samuel Eto’o is considered one of the best African footballers of his generation. He had a successful career as a striker, playing for clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea. He won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:
- African Footballer of the Year: Eto’o won the African Footballer of the Year award four times in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010, which is given to the best African player as voted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
- UEFA Champions League: Eto’o helped Barcelona win the UEFA Champions League in 2005-2006 and Inter Milan in 2009-2010, being the first player to win the competition with two different teams in consecutive years.
- La Liga Top Scorer: In the 2004-2005 season, Eto’o was the top scorer in Spanish La Liga, with 26 goals.
- FIFA Club World Cup: Eto’o helped Barcelona win the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009.
- Serie A Top Scorer: In the 2010-2011 season, Eto’o was the top scorer in Italian Serie A, with 24 goals.
- Coppa Italia: Eto’o won the Coppa Italia with Inter Milan in the 2010-2011 season.
- UEFA Super Cup: Eto’o helped Barcelona win the UEFA Super Cup in 2009 and Inter Milan in 2010.
These are just some of the many accolades and awards that Eto’o accumulated throughout his successful career, cementing his status as one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
Didier Drogba – Striker
Didier Drogba is considered one of the best African footballers of his generation. He had a successful career as a striker, playing for clubs such as Marseille, Chelsea, and Galatasaray. He won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:
- African Footballer of the Year: Drogba won the African Footballer of the Year award twice in 2006 and 2009, which is given to the best African player as voted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
- Premier League Top Scorer: Drogba was the top scorer in the English Premier League in the 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 seasons.
- Premier League Golden Boot: Drogba won the Golden Boot award in the 2007-2008 season.
- UEFA Champions League: Drogba helped Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League in the 2011-2012 season, scoring the winning goal in the final.
- FA Cup: Drogba helped Chelsea win the FA Cup four times in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2012.
- EFL Cup: Drogba helped Chelsea win the EFL Cup in 2007.
- Turkish Super League: Drogba helped Galatasaray win the Turkish Super League in the 2013-2014 season.
- Turkish Cup: Drogba helped Galatasaray win the Turkish Cup in the 2013-2014 season.
Drogba also represented Ivory Coast national team and helped them reach the World Cup in Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010, and he scored the most goals for the team. These are just some of the many accolades and awards that Drogba accumulated throughout his successful career, cementing his status as one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
Yaya Toure – Midfielder
Yaya Toure is considered one of the best African footballers of his generation. He had a successful career as a central midfielder, playing for clubs such as Olympiacos, Barcelona, and Manchester City. He won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:
- African Footballer of the Year: Toure won the African Footballer of the Year award four times in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, which is given to the best African player as voted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
- Premier League: Toure helped Manchester City win the English Premier League four times in 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019
- FA Cup: Toure helped Manchester City win the FA Cup in 2011
- EFL Cup: Toure helped Manchester City win the EFL Cup in 2014, 2016, 2018
- UEFA Champions League: Toure helped Barcelona win the UEFA Champions League in the 2010-2011 season
- La Liga: Toure helped Barcelona win the La Liga in the 2010-2011 season
- Copa Del Rey: Toure helped Barcelona win the Copa Del Rey in the 2010-2011 season
- Supercopa de España: Toure helped Barcelona win the Supercopa de España in the 2010 and 2011 season
- Greek Super League: Toure helped Olympiacos win the Greek Super League in the 2007-2008 season
Toure also represented Ivory Coast national team, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 and helping them reach the World Cup in Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010. These are just some of the many accolades and awards that Toure accumulated throughout his successful career, cementing his status as one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
Abedi Pele – Midfielder
Abedi Pele is considered one of the greatest African footballers of all time. He had a successful career as a midfielder, playing for clubs such as Marseille, Torino, and Lyon. He won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:
- African Footballer of the Year: Pele won the African Footballer of the Year award three times in 1991, 1992, and 1993, which is given to the best African player as voted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
- UEFA Champions League: Pele helped Marseille win the UEFA Champions League in the 1992-1993 season.
- French Ligue 1: Pele helped Marseille win the French Ligue 1 in the 1989-1990 and 1990-1991 seasons.
- Coupe de France: Pele helped Marseille win the Coupe de France in the 1989-1990 and 1990-1991 seasons.
- Coupe de la Ligue: Pele helped Lyon win the Coupe de la Ligue in the 1996-1997 season.
- French Super Cup: Pele helped Marseille win the French Super Cup in the 1989 and 1990
- African Cup of Nations: Pele helped Ghana win the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982, he also won the Bronze Ball award for the best player of the tournament.
Pele also represented Ghana national team in several tournaments, and he was known for his skill and creativity on the ball, as well as his ability to score goals and create opportunities for his teammates. He was widely considered one of the most talented and influential players of his generation, and his achievements and accolades continue to be remembered as one of the all-time greats of African football.
Roger Milla – Striker
Roger Milla is considered one of the greatest African footballers of all time. He had a successful career as a striker, playing for clubs such as Saint-Etienne, Montpellier, and Monaco. He won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:
- African Footballer of the Year: Milla won the African Footballer of the Year award twice in 1976 and 1990
- FIFA World Cup: Milla represented Cameroon in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where he helped the team reach the quarterfinals and became the oldest player to score in a World Cup at the age of 42. He also represented Cameroon in the 1982, 1986 and 1994 World Cups.
- Africa Cup of Nations: Milla helped Cameroon win the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1988, he also won the Golden Shoe award for the top scorer of the tournament in 1984.
- French Ligue 1: Milla helped Saint Etienne win the French Ligue 1 in the 1974-1975 season
- French Cup: Milla helped Saint Etienne win the French Cup in the 1977
- French Super Cup: Milla helped Saint Etienne win the French Super Cup in the 1975
- African Nations Cup Golden Boot: Milla won the Golden Boot award in the 1984,1988
Milla is widely considered one of the most iconic and influential players in African football history, not only for his skill and talent on the field, but also for his memorable goal celebrations and charismatic personality. He was not only a great player but also a trailblazer for many African players who came after him, and his achievements and accolades continue to be remembered as one of the all-time greats of African football. Milla’s performances in the 1990 World Cup helped to put African football on the map and he continues to be remembered for his incredible skill and talent on the field, as well as his charismatic personality and memorable goal celebrations. He is also credited for popularizing the “corner flag dance” celebration which is still being used by players today. His legacy continues to inspire many African players, coaches, and fans and his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.
Jay-Jay Okocha – Midfielder
Jay-Jay Okocha is considered one of the best African footballers of his generation. He had a successful career as a midfielder, playing for clubs such as Fenerbahçe, PSG, and Bolton Wanderers. He won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:
- African Footballer of the Year: Okocha won the African Footballer of the Year award once in 2003
- Turkish Super League: Okocha helped Fenerbahçe win the Turkish Super League in the 1998-1999 season
- Turkish Cup: Okocha helped Fenerbahçe win the Turkish Cup in the 1999
- Turkish Super Cup: Okocha helped Fenerbahçe win the Turkish Super Cup in the 1999
- CAF Most Promising Talent of the Year: Okocha won the CAF Most Promising Talent of the Year award in 1992
- BBC African Footballer of the Year: Okocha won the BBC African Footballer of the Year award in 1995
- Nigeria Footballer of the Year: Okocha won the Nigeria Footballer of the Year award multiple times
Okocha was known for his skill, trickery, and creativity on the ball, and was a key player for Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, where his performances helped the team reach the round of 16 in both tournaments. He was also a key player in the Nigerian national team that won the 1996 Olympic gold medal. He was widely considered one of the most talented and entertaining players of his generation, and his achievements and accolades continue to be remembered as one of the all-time greats of African football.
Nwankwo Kanu – Striker
Nwankwo Kanu is considered one of the best African footballers of his generation. He had a successful career as a striker, playing for clubs such as Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal, and Portsmouth. He won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:
- African Footballer of the Year: Kanu won the African Footballer of the Year award twice in 1996 and 1999, which is given to the best African player as voted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
- UEFA Champions League: Kanu helped Ajax win the UEFA Champions League in the 1994-1995 season.
- Eredivisie: Kanu helped Ajax win the Eredivisie in the 1993-1994 season
- Dutch Cup: Kanu helped Ajax win the Dutch Cup in the 1993-1994 season
- UEFA Cup: Kanu helped Inter Milan win the UEFA Cup in the 1997-1998 season
- FA Cup: Kanu helped Arsenal win the FA Cup in the 1997-1998, 2001-2002 seasons
- EFL Cup: Kanu helped Arsenal win the EFL Cup in the 1997-1998 season
- Premier League: Kanu helped Arsenal win the Premier League in the 1997-1998 and 2001-2002 seasons
Kanu also represented Nigeria national team in several tournaments, and he was known for his speed, skill, and ability to score goals. He was widely considered one of the most talented and influential players of his generation, and his achievements and accolades continue to be remembered as one of the all-time greats of African football.
Michael Essien – Midfielder
Michael Essien is considered one of the best African footballers of his generation. He had a successful career as a midfielder, playing for clubs such as Lyon, Chelsea, and Real Madrid. He won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:
- African Footballer of the Year: Essien was nominated for the African Footballer of the Year award in 2006 and 2007
- UEFA Champions League: Essien helped Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League in the 2011-2012 season
- Premier League: Essien helped Chelsea win the Premier League in the 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2009-2010, and 2014-2015 seasons
- FA Cup: Essien helped Chelsea win the FA Cup in the 2006-2007, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 seasons
- EFL Cup: Essien helped Chelsea win the EFL Cup in the 2006-2007 and 2014-2015 seasons
- Community Shield: Essien helped Chelsea win the Community Shield in the 2005, 2009 and 2010 seasons
- Ligue 1: Essien helped Lyon win the Ligue 1 in the 2002-2003, 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 seasons
- French Cup: Essien helped Lyon win the French Cup in the 2001-2002 season
- French League Cup: Essien helped Lyon win the French League Cup in the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 seasons
Essien was known for his power, energy, and ability to score goals from midfield. He was widely considered one of the most talented and influential players of his generation, and his achievements and accolades continue to be remembered as one of the all-time greats of African football.
Kolo Toure – Defender
Kolo Toure is considered one of the best African footballers of his generation. He had a successful career as a defender, playing for clubs such as ASEC Mimosas, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Celtic. He won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:
- Premier League: Toure helped Arsenal win the Premier League in the 2001-2002 and 2003-2004 seasons.
- FA Cup: Toure helped Arsenal win the FA Cup in the 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2004-2005 seasons
- EFL Cup: Toure helped Manchester City win the EFL Cup in the 2013-2014 season
- Scottish Premiership: Toure helped Celtic win the Scottish Premiership in the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons
- Scottish Cup: Toure helped Celtic win the Scottish Cup in the 2016-2017 season
- Scottish League Cup: Toure helped Celtic win the Scottish League Cup in the 2016-2017 season
- African Cup of Nations: Toure helped Ivory Coast win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015
- CAF Team of the Year: Toure was part of the CAF Team of the Year in 2015
Toure was known for his strong defensive skills and leadership on the field. He was widely considered one of the most talented and influential players of his generation, and his achievements and accolades continue to be remembered as one of the all-time greats of African football.
