The 20 Best African Players of All Time in the Premier League (2024 Update)

The continent of Africa has made an indelible mark on the English Premier League since its inception in 1992. Throughout the league's history, numerous African footballers have left their indomitable footprints on the hallowed turf, contributing to their teams' success and igniting fans' passion worldwide. In this article, we'll delve into the illustrious careers of the top 20 African players who have graced the Premier League, showcasing their incredible feats and impact on the beautiful game.

The Premier League, a stage that has witnessed the dazzling performances of football's finest, has also been illuminated by the brilliance of African talent. From Peter Ndlovu to Mohamed Salah, African players have exhibited their skills, strength, and tenacity, earning their rightful places in history. Join us on this journey as we celebrate their legacy, evaluating their contributions and lasting effects on the beautiful game.

Let us get started.

The 20 Best African Players

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1: Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is the undisputed best African player in Premier League history. The Egyptian winger has been tearing up the league since he arrived at Liverpool in 2017. He has won the Premier League Golden Boot four times, including a record-breaking 32 goals in 2022-23. Salah has also helped Liverpool win the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Quick Facts

• Nick Name: The Pharaoh, Egyptian King
• Age: 31 Years, 31 Year Old Males
• Spouse/Ex-: Magi Salah (M. 2013)
• Father: Salah Ghaly
• Siblings: Nasr Salah
• Children: Kayan Mohamed Salah, Makka Mohamed Salah
• Born Country: Egypt

2: Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba is another legendary African player who significantly impacted the Premier League. The Ivorian striker was a force of nature in his prime, scoring goals for fun. He won four Premier League titles with Chelsea and the Champions League in 2012. Drogba was also a key player for the Ivory Coast national team, helping them reach the World Cup quarterfinals in 2006 and 2010.

Quick Facts

• Full name: Didier Yves Drogba Tébil
• Nickname: Tito, The African King, Tupac
• Date of birth: March 11th, 1978
• Age: 45 years (as of 2023)
• Place of birth: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
• Nationality: Ivorian

3: Yaya Touré

Yaya Touré was one of the most complete midfielders in Premier League history. The Ivorian was a dominant force in midfield with his power, passing ability, and vision. He won three Premier League titles with Manchester City, the FA Cup, and the League Cup. Touré was also named African Footballer of the Year four times.

Quick Facts

• Name: Gnegneri Yaya Toure
• Place of birth: Bouake, Ivory Coast
• Date of birth: 13th May 1983
• Yaya Toure age: 40 years
• Nationality: Ivory Coast
• Relationship status: Married 

4: Sadio Mané

Sadio Mané is one of the most exciting players in world football today. The Senegalese winger is a nightmare for defenders with his pace, trickery, and finishing ability. He has won the Premier League Golden Boot twice with Liverpool and helped the club win the Champions League 2019. Mané is also a key player for the Senegal national team, helping them win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.

Quick Facts

• Full name: Sadio Mane
• Citizenship: Senegalese
• Age: 31 years as of 2020
• Date of birth: 10 April 1992
• Birthplace: Bambali, Sédhiou, Senegal
• Parents: Satou Toure (mother)
• Marital status: Unmarried

5: Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez is one of the most technically gifted players in the Premier League. The Algerian winger is a magician with the ball at his feet, and he can score goals from anywhere on the pitch. He has won two Premier League titles with Manchester City, the FA Cup, and the League Cup. Mahrez was also named African Footballer of the Year in 2016.

Quick Facts

• Full name: Riyad Karim Mahrez
• Date of birth: February 21st, 1991
• Mahrez age: 32 years
• Place of birth: Sarcelles, Paris, France
• Profession: Soccer player
• Role: Winger
• Nationality: Algerian
• Marital Status: Married

6: Michael Essien

During his prime, Michael Essien was one of the most dominant midfielders in the Premier League. The Ghanaian was a powerhouse in midfield with his strength, tackling ability, and passing range. He won two Premier League titles with Chelsea and the Champions League in 2012. Essien was also named African Footballer of the Year in 2006.

Quick Facts

• Net Worth:$35 Million
• Born: Dec 3, 1982
• Country of Origin: Ghana
• Role Playing Midfielder
• Source of Wealth: Football, Endorsements, Contracts
• Martial Status Married

7: Kolo Touré

Kolo Touré was a rock at the back in the Premier League for many years. The Ivorian defender was a dominant force in the air and outstanding on the ball. He won three Premier League titles with Arsenal, the FA Cup, and the League Cup. Touré was also named in the PFA Team of the Year four times.

Quick Facts

• Full name: Kolo Abib Touré
• Date of birth: 19 March 1981
• Place of birth: Bouake, Ivory Coast
• Height: 1.78m
• Position Centre-back

8: Jay-Jay Okocha

Jay-Jay Okocha was one of the most entertaining players in the Premier League. The Nigerian midfielder was a magician with the ball at his feet, and he could score goals from anywhere on the pitch. He won the FA Cup with Bolton Wanderers in 2001 and was named African Footballer of the Year in 1998.

Quick Facts

• Full name: Augustine Azuka Okocha
• Nickname: Jay-Jay Okocha
• Gender: Male
• Date of birth: 14 August 1973
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Relationship status: Married
• Partner: Nkechi Okocha

9: Emmanuel Adebayor

Emmanuel Adebayor was a prolific striker in his prime. The Togolese forward scored goals for fun and was a nightmare for defenders. He won two Premier League titles with Arsenal and the FA Cup. Adebayor was also named African Footballer of the Year in 2008.

10: Nwankwo Kanu

Nwankwo Kanu was a talented forward who had a successful career in the Premier League. The Nigerian scored goals for Arsenal, West Ham United, and Portsmouth. He won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 1998 and was named African Footballer of the Year in 1999.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Nwankwo Kanu
• Age: 47 years old
• Date of Birth: August 1, 1976
• State of Origin: Abia State
• Occupation: Retired professional football player, entrepreneur
• Education: Holy Ghost College, Owerri
• Net Worth: $9 million

11: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a prolific striker who has scored goals for fun in the Premier League. The Gabonese forward won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2018-19 and helped Arsenal win the FA Cup. Aubameyang is also a key player for the Gabon national team.

Quick Facts

• Country: Gabon
• Date of birth:18 June 1989
• Place of birth: Laval
• Height:1.87 m
• Weight:80 kg

12: Tony Yeboah

Tony Yeboah was a powerful striker who scored goals for fun in the Premier League. The Ghanaian forward was known for his powerful shots and ability to score from long range. He won the PFA Fans' Player of the Year award in 1995 and was named in the PFA Team of the Year.

Quick Facts

• Full name: Anthony Yeboah
• Height: 1.81m
• Place of birth: Kumasi, Ghana
• Date of birth: June 6, 1966
• Nationality: Ghanaian
• Marital status: Married

13: John Obi Mikel

John Obi-Mikel was a versatile midfielder who was a key player for Chelsea for many years. The Nigerian was strong in the tackle, could pass well, and was also a good dribbler. He won two Premier League titles with Chelsea and the Champions League in 2012.

Quick Facts

• Full name: John Michael Nchekwube Obinna
• Date of birth: April 22, 1987
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Famous as: Football star
• Height: 6ft 2in

14: Lauren

Lauren was a reliable right-back who played for Arsenal for many years. The Cameroonian was solid defensively, and he was also an excellent fast forward. He won three Premier League titles with Arsenal, the FA Cup, and the League Cup.

15: Lucas Radebe

Lucas Radebe was a tough-tackling defender who was a key player for Leeds United in the 1990s. The South African was a leader in the dressing room, and he was also a good defender. He won the League Cup with Leeds United in 1996 and was named in the PFA Team of the Year 1998.

Quick Facts

• Full name: Lucas Valeriu Ntuba Radebe
• Year of birth: 12th April 1969
• Height: 1.86 m
• Marital status: Married
• Wife: Thobela Silver
• Nationality: South African
• Profession: Retired footballer
• Current job: Ambassador-Selati Cup
• Position: Defender

16: Benni McCarthy

Benni McCarthy was a prolific striker who scored goals for fun in the Premier League. The South African forward won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2004-05 and helped Blackburn Rovers win the League Cup. McCarthy is also a key player for the South African national team.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Benedict Saul “Benni” McCarthy 
• Date of Birth: 12 November 1977 
• Gender: Male
•  Spouse: Stacey Munro
•  Occupation: Football Coach 
• Nationality South African Net Worth $16 million Read more https://wikisouthafrica.co.za/benni-mccarthy/ | Wiki South Africa

17: Marc-Vivien Foé

Marc-Vivien Foé was a talented midfielder with a promising career ahead of him. The Cameroonian was known for his athleticism and his ability to score goals. He died suddenly in 2003 at 28 but is still remembered as one of his generation's most promising African players.

18: Rigobert Song

Rigobert Song was a dominant defender who was a key player for Cameroon in the 1990s and 2000s. The Cameroonian was strong in the air, and he was also good on the ball. He won the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon in 2000 and 2002 and played in the World Cup in 1994, 1998, and 2002.

19: Peter Ndlovu

Peter Ndlovu was a talented striker with a successful Premier League career. The Zimbabwean scored goals for Coventry City, Birmingham City, and Sheffield United. He won the PFA Fans' Player of the Year award in 1992 and was named the PFA Team of the Year in 1993.

20: Abedi Pele

Abedi Pele was one of the most talented African players of his generation. The Ghanaian was a complete midfielder who could score goals, create chances, and dictate the tempo of a game. He won the African Footballer of the Year award thrice and helped Ghana reach the World Cup quarterfinals in 2006.

How African Players Have Influenced the Development of English Football

African players have had a significant impact on the development of English football. They have brought new skills, techniques, and styles of play to the game, and they have helped to raise the standards of competition.

The Early Years

The first African players to play in England were from the Caribbean. They began to arrive in the 1940s and 1950s, and they quickly made their mark on the game. Players like Jackie Robinson, Clyde Best, and Cyrille Regis helped break down racial barriers in English football and paved the way for future generations of African players.

The 1970s and 1980s

In the 1970s and 1980s, African players began to arrive in England from all over the continent. Players like George Weah, Abedi Pele, and Rashid Yekini brought new levels of skill and athleticism to the game and helped make English football more exciting.

The 1990s and 2000s

In the 1990s and 2000s, African players continued to make their mark on English football. Players like Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and Mohamed Salah became some of the best players in the world, and they helped to win trophies for their clubs.

The Present Day

African players are now an integral part of English football. They comprise a significant proportion of the Premier League and are represented at all game levels. African players have helped make English football more competitive and exciting, and they have raised the game's standards.

The Impact of African Players

African players have had a significant impact on the development of English football. They have brought new skills, techniques, and styles of play to the game, and they have helped to raise the standards of competition.

• African players have helped to make English football more diverse and inclusive. They have broken down racial barriers and inspired young people from all backgrounds to play the game.
• African players have helped to make English football more exciting. They bring a different style of play to the game and are often more skillful and athletic than their European counterparts.
• African players have helped to raise the standards of competition in English football. They have forced English players to up their game and helped make the league one of the most competitive in the world.

The Future

The impact of African players on English football is likely to continue in the future. African players are becoming increasingly popular in England, and they are now seen as some of the best players in the world. As African players continue to arrive in England, they will positively impact the game.

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Conclusion

From the inception of the Premier League to the present day, African players have carved their names into footballing history with their exceptional skills, passion, and dedication. These 20 players represent the cream of the crop, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game and inspiring future generations. As the legacy of African players continues to unfold in the Premier League, fans can look forward to witnessing more iconic moments and celebrating the talents that enrich the sport we all love.