5 Best Footballers to Come Out of Africa

When you think of football legends, Africa has produced some of the most exciting, talented, and influential players the world has ever seen. From players who dazzled on the pitch with their unbelievable skills to those who left a lasting legacy both on and off the field, African footballers have made their mark in every corner of the sport. Choosing the best is no easy task, but here’s a look at five players who have truly stood out and left their names etched in the history of the game.

BoyleSports, who offer an online lotto, curated this list of the 5 Best Footballers to Come Out of Africa:

1. George Weah (Liberia)

We have to start with George Weah, and if you know anything about football in Africa, you’ll know why. Weah is not just one of the greatest African players ever; he’s the only African to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or, which he took home in 1995. And that wasn’t just any win, it was a moment that put African football on the global stage.

Weah’s journey from Monrovia, Liberia, to becoming a superstar at AC Milan is something straight out of a movie. He first made waves in Europe with Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain, but it was at Milan where he became a household name. Known for his speed, strength, and sublime dribbling, he scored some truly jaw-dropping goals, like that incredible solo effort against Verona, where he ran almost the entire length of the pitch.

However, George Weah’s legacy isn’t limited to what he did in the field. After retiring, he went into politics, becoming the president of Liberia in 2018. It’s not every day you see a Ballon d'Or winner run for office, right? He’s a true icon, not just for his footballing talents but for his commitment to giving back to his country.

2. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)

When it comes to strikers who can dominate a game with sheer power and presence, Didier Drogba is right up there. Born in Ivory Coast, Drogba’s path to stardom wasn’t straightforward. He spent time in the lower leagues of French football before breaking through at Marseille. But it was his move to Chelsea in 2004 that really put him on the map. And if you’re a Chelsea fan, you probably still get misty-eyed thinking about all the goals he scored at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba was the complete forward: strong, quick, and absolutely lethal in front of goal. He scored over 100 Premier League goals, won four league titles, and was instrumental in Chelsea’s first-ever Champions League victory in 2012. Who could forget that header against Bayern Munich to send the final into extra time and then stepping up to score the winning penalty? It’s the stuff of legends.

But it wasn’t just his club career that made Drogba special. He was a hero back home on the Ivory Coast, where he used his platform to promote peace during the country’s civil conflict. After helping the national team qualify for their first World Cup in 2006, he famously called for an end to the fighting in a televised speech. It’s hard to think of many players who have made such a huge impact both on and off the pitch.

3. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

Samuel Eto’o is, without a doubt, one of the most prolific and decorated strikers to ever come out of Africa. He is the only player to win back-to-back trebles with two different clubs, Barcelona in 2009 and Inter Milan in 2010. And when it comes to goal-scoring, few can match the consistency he showed throughout his career.

Eto’o made his mark at Barcelona, forming a fearsome attacking trio with Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi. He scored 130 goals for the club, helping them to multiple La Liga titles and Champions League triumphs. That’s not even touching on his time at Inter Milan, where he was a key part of Jose Mourinho’s side, winning the Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the Champions League in one season.

But what really made Eto’o special was his ability to deliver when it mattered most. He scored in the Champions League finals for both Barcelona and Inter, proving that he could show up on the biggest stages. As for his international career, he helped Cameroon win two African Cup of Nations titles and the 2000 Olympic gold medal. For many fans, he remains the best striker Africa has ever produced.

4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

When Mohamed Salah first arrived in Europe, few would have predicted the kind of superstar he would become. After a rough spell at Chelsea, Salah’s career really took off when he moved to Roma, and then he became a global sensation after joining Liverpool in 2017. From the moment he put on the Liverpool jersey, it felt like everything clicked into place.

Salah’s debut season at Liverpool was nothing short of magical. He scored 44 goals in all competitions, breaking the Premier League record for most goals in a 38-game season. He’s won Premier League Golden Boots, helped Liverpool secure their first league title in 30 years, and played a huge part in their 2019 Champions League triumph. And he did all of this while making defenders look foolish with his speed and dribbling skills.

Back home in Egypt, Salah is a national hero. In 2018, he led Egypt to their first World Cup in 28 years, scoring the decisive goals in qualification. His influence extends beyond football, as he’s used his platform to support various charitable projects in Egypt. Whether on the field or off it, Salah has become an icon of modern African football.

5. Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast)

Yaya Touré might not have the goal-scoring numbers of some others on this list, but when it comes to dominance in the midfield, few can match what he brought to the game. Born in Bouaké, Ivory Coast, Touré began his European career with a few smaller clubs before joining Barcelona. There, he was part of the team that won the 2009 treble, playing a key role in their midfield alongside Xavi and Iniesta.

But it was at Manchester City where Touré truly became a legend. He joined the club in 2010 and was a driving force behind City’s rise to Premier League dominance. Who could forget that incredible 2013-2014 season when he scored 20 goals in the Premier League as a midfielder? He had this incredible combination of power, grace, and technical skill that made him nearly impossible to stop when he was on a run.

Yaya Touré wasn’t just a star at club level. He was also a pillar for the Ivory Coast national team, leading them to an Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2015. He won the African Player of the Year award four times, cementing his place among the continent’s greats.