Top 25 Greatest African Footballers of All Time

Africa has given the world some of the most gifted, powerful, and iconic footballers in history. From George Weah’s trailblazing Ballon d’Or to Salah’s modern-day greatness, the continent’s talent is unmatched. As of November 2025, here is the definitive, fully updated ranking of the 25 greatest African footballers of all time – based on trophies, individual awards, impact on the global game, and legacy both on and off the pitch. This isn’t just a list — it’s a celebration of African excellence.

25. Rabah Madjer (Algeria)

The man who invented the “Madjer” back-heel. Scored the iconic goal in the 1987 European Cup final for Porto.

24. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)

Two-time African Player of the Year, Premier League + Champions League winner with Arsenal. The ultimate big-game player.

23. Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria)

The magician who made defenders look silly. No major trophies, but his skill and flair changed African football’s image forever.

22. Abedi Pele (Ghana)

Three-time African Player of the Year. Led Marseille to the 1993 Champions League and Ghana to multiple AFCON finals.

21. Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia)

1988 African Player of the Year. Scored 50 goals for Zambia and led them to Olympic glory.

20. Roger Milla (Cameroon)

The 1990 World Cup legend. 42 years old, dancing at corners, and breaking Italian hearts. Africa’s first global superstar.

19. Michael Essien (Ghana)

“The Bison”. Premier League + Champions League winner with Chelsea. The most complete African midfielder ever.

18. Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast)

Four-time African Player of the Year. Manchester City’s midfield destroyer – 20 goals from deep in 2013/14 is still insane.

17. Didier Zokora (Ivory Coast)

The quiet warrior. Over 100 caps, played for Sevilla, Tottenham, and Trabzonspor. The ultimate defensive midfielder.

16. Seydou Keita (Mali)

Barcelona’s unsung hero. 6 La Liga titles, 2 Champions Leagues. The glue in Pep’s midfield.

15. Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)

Premier League Golden Boot contender, Arsenal legend, Real Madrid loan hero. Togo’s greatest ever.

14. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)

Premier League Golden Boot, Bundesliga top scorer, Europa League winner. Gabon’s all-time leading scorer.

13. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

2023 African Player of the Year, Serie A champion with Napoli, 2023/24 Golden Boot contender. Already Nigeria’s greatest striker.

12. Sadio Mané (Senegal)

Champions League, Premier League, AFCON winner. 120+ Liverpool goals. Senegal’s hero.

11. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Premier League winner with Leicester (the miracle), Manchester City treble hero, AFCON 2019 champion. The magician from Sarcelles.

10. Essam El-Hadary (Egypt)

45 years old at the 2018 World Cup – oldest player ever. 4 AFCON titles, 159 caps. The High Dam of African goalkeeping.

9. Youssouf Hadji (Morocco)

No, wait — **Hossam Hassan** (Egypt). 176 caps, 68 goals – most capped African player ever.

8. Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria)

Nigeria’s all-time top scorer (37 goals). 1994 World Cup hero, Africa’s first-ever World Cup goal scorer.

7. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

3 Champions Leagues, 4 African Player of the Year awards, 56 international goals. The most decorated African player ever.

6. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)

The Champions League final hero, 8 Premier League titles, 65 international goals. Africa’s greatest leader.

5. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Champions League, Premier League, 3 Golden Boots, 200+ Liverpool goals, Egypt’s all-time top scorer. Still going strong at 33.

4. George Weah (Liberia)

The only African Ballon d’Or winner (1995). Champions League, multiple league titles, and Liberia’s president. The complete icon.

3. Roger Milla (Cameroon)

1990 World Cup quarter-finals at 38, dancing at corners, 2 goals against Colombia. Put African football on the global map.

2. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)