This article celebrates the top 5 African football players who have left an enduring impact on the sport, highlighting their exceptional talents and remarkable accomplishments.
1. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria):
The name “Nwankwo,” meaning “baby born in the market,” paradoxically encapsulates the towering stature of this legendary Nigerian player. Standing at 197 centimeters, Kanu enjoyed an illustrious 18-season career in Europe. Beginning with Ajax, where he won the Champions League, he then moved to Inter before truly shining under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal in the English Premier League. Kanu, twice voted Africa’s best footballer (1996 and 1999), holds the record for winning the most trophies among African players. Post-retirement, he has dedicated himself to charitable work, particularly as the founder of the Kanu Heart Foundation, aiding children with heart disease across Africa.
2. Roger Milla (Cameroon):
A striker of enduring legacy, Milla played for the Cameroon national team for over two decades, participating in three World Cups. Notably, at the age of 42, he became the oldest goal scorer in the World Cup’s final stages during the 1994 tournament. Milla’s longevity and achievements earned him two awards for the best footballer in Africa, received 14 years apart in 1976 and 1990.
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3. Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire):
Didier Drogba, often referred to as the “Chief,” stands as one of the premier forwards of the early 21st century. His impactful career saw him triumph in the UEFA Champions League at Chelsea, where he returned in his final season to clinch another English Premier League title. Known for his powerful striking abilities, Drogba has been hailed as one of the most formidable opponents by numerous defenders throughout his career.
4. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon):
Samuel Eto’o, the only African player to secure the Champions League three times with two different teams, showcased his goal-scoring prowess at renowned clubs such as Barcelona, Anzhi, Inter, and Antalyaspor. A four-time winner of the best African footballer of the year, Eto’o left an indelible mark wherever he played.
5. Yaya Toure (Côte d’Ivoire):
The recent years’ best footballer in Africa, Yaya Toure, emerged from playing at Metalurh Donetsk in the early 2000s to become a star at Manchester City in the English Premier League. Winning seven trophies with Barcelona, Toure eventually joined Manchester City, reuniting with Pep Guardiola. His journey from modest beginnings to becoming a football sensation showcases his remarkable talent and versatility on the field.