Each continent has contributed stars to world football that have marked a before and after in the world of football. Africa is by no means the exception, with names as well-known as George Weah, who, for many, was the first African to stand out and open the door to the rest. But he is not the only one, and that is why we have created this ranking with the 10 best African footballers in history. Are you coming on a trip?
10- Thomas N’Kono (Cameroon)
We start with a fast and skilled goalkeeper, who at the end of the 70s received the award for the best player in Africa, the first time in history that a player in his position achieved it, and who repeated it 3 years later when in 1982 he also He managed to qualify with Cameroon to play in the World Cup in Spain.
That same year, he signed for Español, where he spent 8 seasons. In the club, he is remembered both for his characteristics and for always wearing long pants when going out on the field.
9- Rabah Madjer (Algeria)
Winner of the African Cup with his team in 1990, where he was named the best in the competition, Rabah Madjer is best remembered for giving Porto an essential goal in the 1987 European Cup, which the team won. Portuguese against Bayern Munich.
He also had a brief stint in the Spanish league. In 1988, he joined Valencia, although he only played a few games before returning to Porto. He finished his playing career in Qatar in ’92.
8- Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)
Kanu was noticed in Japan ’93 when he scored 5 goals with the Nigerian U-17 team, which helped them win the World Cup. He signed for Ajax, where he won a Champions League, then for Inter to win a UEFA Cup and later played for Arsenal and other English clubs. His record of trophies with teams, national teams, and individuals is enviable.
A heart problem almost ended his career, but after a year without playing, he recovered and continued playing.
7- Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast)
There are two notable names in the Ivory Coast team and one of them is Yaya Touré. Named best footballer in Africa 4 years in a row, his European career began in Belgium. It went through Ukraine, Greece, and Monaco until he reached FC Barcelona, where he won a Champions League and became a key piece of Guardiola’s Barça.
After the Catalan club, he played for Manchester City and Olympiacos to finish his career in China.
6- Hossam Hassan (Egypt)
Although he had a brief stint in Europe in not very well-known teams such as the Greek Paok or the Swiss Neuchatel Xamax, “King Hassam” has a career full of triumphs in Africa. He also stands out for having played with his national team for 21 years, during which he won the African Cup 3 times. He is the top scorer for the Egyptian national team.
5- Abédi Pelé (Ghana)
The “African Pelé” played for Olympique de Marseille, where he was essential in winning the European Cup in 1993. He also won several individual awards, such as the African Ballon d’Or on 3 occasions. The power of his shot and his vision to reach the goal were his main virtues.
In 2001, the Ghanaian government named him the country’s best athlete of all time.
4- Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
Drogba’s importance to his country went beyond sport, as he is recognized as a key player in ending the civil war in the Ivory Coast by demanding a ceasefire.
A born leader, if there ever was one, he went through several clubs such as Olympique de Marseille and Chelsea, where he spent a large part of his sporting career, from 2004 to 2012 and in the 14-15 season.
3- Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Although his entire football career in Europe was spent in France, winning a French Cup with Monaco and another with SC Bastia, he opened the door to many other African players. He became an idol at Montpellier and even played in Indonesia, where he retired.
Milla’s case is curious because she retired twice. In 1989, he retired, but in ’90, his team called him, and in the second game of the World Cup in Italy, he scored 2 goals against Romania, celebrating with a dance in front of the corner flag, marking a before and after in this celebration. Soccer.
2- George Weah (Liberia)
For many fans, he is the best African player of all time, especially because he is the only one who has managed to win a Ballon d’Or. It was in 1995, while playing for AC Millan, that he arrived to replace none other than Van Enough. He also played for Monaco, PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and Olympique Marseille.
FIFA recognized him as the best African player of the 20th century. Some believe that if he had been born in another country and not one as small as Liberia, his legend would be even greater.
1- Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
Eto’o’s beginnings in football were in Spain, starting at Leganés after being loaned by Castilla, Real Madrid’s affiliate. When he returned, he did so in the first team, but midway through the season, he left for Español.
He returned to Madrid but did not have many opportunities and decided to sign for Mallorca, where he began to really stand out.
After 5 seasons, he went to Barça and his first FC Barcelona Team, despite the fact that, at first, the coach said that he did not count on him. His career continued in other clubs, such as Inter, Chelsea, and Sampdoria, until his retirement in Qatar.
That’s it for this tour of the best African players. Keep an eye on our football blog if you like this sport and want to discover curiosities and information like this.