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In this post, we will check out the top 10 greatest African footballers of all time.

African football has produced some of the most talented and celebrated players in the history of the game.

From the likes of George Weah to Samuel Eto’o, African footballers have dominated the football scene with their flair, skill, and prowess on the field.

These players have become legends in their own right and have made their mark on the world stage.

In this article, we will be taking a look at the top 10 greatest African footballers of all time. These players have all achieved incredible feats during their careers, winning numerous accolades and cementing their place in football history.

From their humble beginnings in their respective countries to their meteoric rise to fame, we will delve into the lives of these football icons and explore what made them so exceptional.

Throughout the history of African football, there have been countless talented players, but this list comprises those who have truly left an indelible mark on the sport.

Whether it’s their skill, technique, or their impact on their respective teams and countries, these footballers are truly the cream of the crop. Join us as we explore the lives and careers of the top 10 greatest African footballers of all time.

Top 10 Greatest African Footballers Of All Time

10. Essam El-Hadary

Essam El-Hadary is one of the greatest African footballers of all time. He had an impressive career that spanned over two decades.

He played as a goalkeeper for several teams, and also represented the Egyptian national team for many years, earning over 150 caps.

El-Hadary was known for his agility, reflexes, and shot-stopping abilities. He was also a great leader on the pitch, and his presence between the posts was always reassuring for his teammates.

He won numerous trophies throughout his career, including the African Cup of Nations with Egypt, and several domestic titles with his club teams.

One of his most remarkable achievements of El-Hadary was his participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he became the oldest player to feature in the tournament at the age of 45.

His impressive performance in the game against Saudi Arabia earned him the Man of the Match award and a place in the record books.

El-Hadary’s dedication and commitment to the sport have earned him widespread respect and admiration.

He is a true legend of African football, and his legacy will inspire future generations of players. His inclusion in the Top 10 Greatest African Footballers Of All Time is a testament to his talent and hard work.

9. Abedi Ayew Pele

Abedi Ayew Pele is a Ghanaian football legend who is widely regarded as one of the top 10 greatest African footballers of all time.

Pele was an attacking midfielder who possessed the incredible technical ability, dribbling skills, and a great eye for goal.

He made his name playing for Marseille in the late 1980s, helping the club win their first-ever European Cup in 1993. He was also a three-time African Footballer of the Year, winning the award in 1991, 1992, and 1993.

One of Pele’s most memorable moments came in the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations final when he scored two stunning goals to lead Ghana to a 2-0 victory over Ivory Coast.

He was also part of the Ghana team that made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 1992.

After retiring from football, Pele went on to become a successful football administrator, serving as the president of the Ghana Football Association for several years.

In conclusion, Abedi Ayew Pele’s talent and achievements on the football field have earned him a place among the top 10 greatest African footballers of all time.

He is an icon in Ghanaian football history and a source of inspiration for young footballers all over Africa.

8. Yaya Toure

Yaya Toure is a legendary footballer who has made an immense impact on African football. He is one of the greatest African footballers of all time, and his achievements in the sport speak for themselves.

Toure is a versatile midfielder who is known for his exceptional vision, technical ability, and physical strength.

He has played for top clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City and has won several accolades throughout his career.

Toure’s big break came when he signed for Barcelona in 2007. He played a key role in the team’s success, helping them win several trophies, including the UEFA Champions League.

Toure’s most significant achievements came during his time at Manchester City, where he won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups.

He was also named African Footballer of the Year four times and was a key member of the Ivory Coast national team.

Toure is known for his ability to score goals from midfield, with his powerful shots and free kicks a constant threat to opposition teams.

Toure’s impact on African football cannot be overstated. He has paved the way for other African players to play at the highest level of the sport and has inspired a generation of young footballers across the continent.

His achievements have made him a role model for many, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of African footballers.

In conclusion, Yaya Toure is undoubtedly one of the greatest African footballers of all time. His impressive skills, physical strength, and intelligence on the field have set him apart from others.

His numerous achievements, both at the club and international levels have cemented his place in the history of African football.

Toure will forever be remembered as a legend of the sport and a true inspiration to aspiring footballers around the world.

7. Nwankwo Kanu

Nwankwo Kanu is a Nigerian retired professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time.

Kanu’s footballing journey started at Iwuanyanwu Nationale, a Nigerian club, before moving on to Ajax in the Netherlands.

Kanu then made a move to the English Premier League, where he played for Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, and Portsmouth.

He was a technically gifted and intelligent player who possessed incredible vision and the ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch.

He was also known for his calmness under pressure and his ability to create chances for his teammates.

Kanu played an integral role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where he scored the golden goal that secured the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in football.

Kanu’s trophy cabinet includes 2 English Premier League titles, 3 FA Cup trophies, and a UEFA Champions League medal.

He was also awarded the African Footballer of the Year award twice, in 1996 and 1999.

In conclusion, he was one of the greatest African footballers of all time. His charitable work off the pitch has also made him an inspiration to many, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.

6. Roger Milla

Roger Milla is considered one of the greatest African footballers of all time. He made his professional debut in 1965 with Eclair Douala, a Cameroonian football club.

Milla’s talent was quickly noticed, and he was soon called up to the national team. He represented Cameroon in three World Cup tournaments: 1982, 1990, and 1994.

Milla’s most memorable World Cup was the 1990 tournament in Italy. At the age of 38, he became the oldest player to score in a World Cup tournament.

Milla was known for his technical skills, speed, and ability to score goals. He was a prolific striker, scoring 20 goals for Cameroon in 39 appearances.

He also had a successful club career, playing for teams in France, Spain, and Turkey. Milla won the French Cup with Montpellier in 1990 and helped the club reach the final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup the following year.

Milla’s impact on African football cannot be overstated. He paved the way for future African players to succeed in Europe and on the international stage.

Milla’s performances in the 1990 World Cup inspired a generation of African players and raised the profile of African football. He is a true legend of the game and will always be remembered as one of the greatest African footballers of all time.

5. Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane is a Senegalese professional footballer who currently plays for Bayern Munich Football Club and the Senegal national team.

He has established himself as one of the best players in the world, with his exceptional dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring abilities.

Mane is widely regarded as one of the Top 10 Greatest African Footballers of All Time, and his achievements on and off the pitch have cemented his legacy in the sport.

Mane has been an integral part of Liverpool’s recent success, helping the team win the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.

He has been one of the team’s top goal-scorers, scoring crucial goals in important matches, and his leadership and work rate have been crucial to Liverpool’s success.

Mane’s success at Liverpool has earned him numerous accolades, including the African Footballer of the Year award in 2019.

Mane’s impact on the Senegal national team has also been significant. He has been instrumental in the team’s recent success, helping them reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019.

Mane’s leadership, skill, and work rate have been a driving force for Senegal, and he has become a hero for his country.

In conclusion, Sadio Mane is undoubtedly one of the Top 10 Greatest African Footballers of All Time.

His exceptional skills, leadership, and work rate on the pitch have earned him numerous accolades and helped him achieve great success with Liverpool and the Senegal national team.

Mane’s positive impact off the pitch also sets him apart, and his commitment to giving back to his community is a testament to his character and his status as a true footballing legend.

4. Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is one of the most successful footballers in Africa, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.

He has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, and his contributions to the game have earned him worldwide recognition.

He is an Egyptian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Liverpool, one of the top clubs in the English Premier League.

Salah is known for his impressive pace, dribbling skills, and his ability to score goals. He has won numerous awards, including the Premier League Golden Boot, and he was named the African Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018.

Salah has also helped lead Liverpool to win the Champions League and the Premier League in recent years.

One of the reasons Salah is regarded as one of the top African footballers of all time is his impressive track record.

He has scored over 200 goals in his professional career, which includes his time playing for clubs such as Chelsea, Basel, and Roma. His performances have also helped Egypt reach the World Cup for the first time in over 20 years.

Salah’s success on the pitch has also earned him respect and admiration from his fellow players, coaches, and fans around the world.

He is known for his humble personality, and he has used his platform to raise awareness about important issues, such as donating money to help build a hospital in his hometown in Egypt.

In conclusion, Mohamed Salah is undoubtedly one of the top African footballers of all time. He continues to inspire future generations of African footballers, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for years to come.

3. Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba is a legendary Ivorian footballer who has been a vital part of African football history.

He is considered one of the Top 10 Greatest African Footballers Of All Time. He is known for his exceptional talent, dedication, and contribution to the sport.

Drogba has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including four Premier League titles, four FA Cup titles, and one UEFA Champions League title.

He is also the all-time top scorer for the Ivory Coast national team, scoring 62 goals in 90 appearances.

Drogba’s skill on the pitch was evident in his ability to score crucial goals and his physical presence, which made him a nightmare for defenders.

His style of play was characterized by his powerful shots, heading abilities, and great ball control. He was also a great team player, making his presence felt both on and off the field.

In conclusion, Didier Drogba’s achievements in football are a testament to his talent and hard work. He has been a great ambassador for African football and has inspired many young players to follow in his footsteps.

His legacy in the sport and his contribution to the development of the game in Africa will forever be remembered.

2. Samuel Eto’o

Samuel Eto’o is undoubtedly one of the greatest African footballers of all time. The Cameroonian striker is known for his speed, power, and clinical finishing, which made him a formidable opponent on the pitch.

Eto’o’s illustrious career saw him play for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea. He also represented his country in four FIFA World Cup tournaments and won the African Cup of Nations twice.

Eto’o’s success on the pitch can be attributed to his incredible work ethic and determination. He had a hunger for success that drove him to push himself to the limit, both physically and mentally.

His ability to read the game and anticipate his opponent’s moves made him a dangerous player, and his tenacity and leadership skills were unmatched.

Eto’o was not only a great player but also a great captain, inspiring his teammates to give their best.

Eto’o’s accolades and achievements speak for themselves. He is the all-time top scorer for Cameroon, with 56 goals in 114 appearances.

Eto’o won three UEFA Champions League titles, two with Barcelona and one with Inter Milan, and was the top scorer in two of those tournaments.

He also won four African Player of the Year awards, making him the joint-most successful player in the history of the award.

Overall, Samuel Eto’o is a true legend of African football, whose impact and influence will be felt for generations to come.

His incredible talent, determination, and dedication to the game have made him one of the greatest players of all time, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers.

1. George Weah

George Weah, the former Liberian footballer, is widely considered one of the top 10 greatest African footballers of all time.

Weah started his career at a very young age in Liberia, and his incredible talent was soon discovered by Tonnerre Kalara Club in Cameroon.

He played for them for a few seasons before moving on to the French club Monaco. During his time with Monaco, he helped the team win the French league title in 1991, and he was awarded the French Footballer of the Year award.

Weah’s next move was to AC Milan, where he continued to shine on the field. He was an integral part of the team that won the Serie A title in 1995, and he was also awarded the Ballon d’Or, which is given to the best player in the world.

Weah’s success continued as he moved on to play for some of the top clubs in Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester City.

Weah’s accomplishments were not limited to his club career; he also played a key role in the Liberian national team.

He is widely regarded as the greatest footballer in the history of Liberia, and he helped the team reach its highest-ever FIFA ranking in 1996.

Weah was also awarded the African Footballer of the Year award on three separate occasions, in 1989, 1994, and 1995, which is a testament to his skill and talent on the field.

Weah’s impact on African football is significant, and he has paved the way for future generations of African footballers to succeed at the highest level.

He has also been a role model for young people across the continent, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and work hard to achieve success.