Top 10 African Football Legends of All Time

Some of the most incredible football players in the world have come from Africa. The continent has produced athletes who have wowed audiences, set records, and established themselves as world-renowned figures.

In addition to dominating at home, these African football icons inspired millions of people by making their impact in prestigious European leagues and international competitions. 

These legends continue to exemplify greatness in African football history, be it by their incredible goals, leadership, or unwavering pride in representing their countries.

Which legend stands above the rest? In this post, Sport Blot celebrates the top 10 African legends who have dazzled fans by competing in the UEFA Champions League or leading their nations in the African Cup of Nations.

1. George Weah (Liberia)

George Weah

For good cause, George Weah ranks at the top of most lists of African football luminaries. He is still the only African to win the coveted Ballon d'Or. He is a full-fledged forward with skill, speed, and style.

• FIFA World Player of the Year (1995)
• 3x African Footballer of the Year
• Only African to win the Ballon d’Or
• Played for: AS Monaco, AC Milan, PSG, Chelsea
• Legacy: From global football icon to President of Liberia
• Named African Player of the Century in 1996

2. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

Samuel Eto’o

Eto'o is among the top attackers in international football because of his lethal finishing and big-game exploits. Admired for his devotion to his national team and club achievements, he is a true African football legend.

• 4x African Player of the Year
• UEFA Champions League winner with Barcelona and Inter Milan
• All-time top scorer for Cameroon
• Named twice in the FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2005 and 2006

Samuel Eto’o is also the first player to win two consecutive continental trebles in Barcelona and Inter Milan.

3. Didier Drogba (Côte d'Ivoire) 

Didier Drogba

Drogba was a leader as well as a goal scorer. He became legendary in Africa and Europe for his capacity to step up in times of need.

• Chelsea’s all-time UEFA Champions League top scorer
• 2x African Player of the Year
• 2x Premier League Golden Boot
• Scored a crucial goal in the 2012 UCL final
• FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2007

4. Yaya Touré (Côte d'Ivoire)

Yaya Touré 

Touré gave the midfield poise and strength. He was one of the most complete midfielders in football because of his ability to control games.

• 4x consecutive African Player of the Year
• Key figure in Manchester City’s rise
• Won trophies across England, Spain, and Greece
• 2x BBC African Footballer of the Year award
• Led the Ivory Coast to victory in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations

5. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah 

Although Salah is still playing, he has already earned a spot in the annals of African football legends. He is a worldwide fan favourite because of his swiftness, reliability, and modesty.

• 2x African Player of the Year
• Premier League Golden Boot winner
• UCL and EPL champion with Liverpool
• Played for Chelsea, Roma, and Fiorentina
• 3x Premier League Boots
• 2x PFA Players' Player of the Year awards
• FIFA Puskás Award

Mohamed Salah has also won the Premier League’s Player of the Season and Playmaker of the Season awards, amongst other numerous accolades. The 32-year-old winger recently renewed his Liverpool contract in a two-year deal and is sure to add to his numerous awards.

6. Roger Milla (Cameroon)

Roger Milla

With each goal, Milla danced his way into our hearts. He demonstrated that passion never wanes and that age is just a number.

• Iconic 1990 World Cup celebration
• Oldest goal-scorer in World Cup history
• Helped put African football on the global map

7. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)

 Nwankwo Kanu

Kanu was unpredictable in the nicest sense. His ingenuity and serenity under duress earned him a position among Nigeria’s and Africa’s elite.

• Olympic Gold Medalist (1996)
• UEFA Champions League and EPL winner
• Known for flair, vision, and clutch goals
• 2x African Player of the Year award twice
• BBC African Player of the Year
• Best African Player in the Netherlands

Kanu Nwankwo also won Portsmouth Player of the Year, Barclays Player of the Month for Arsenal, a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, a UEFA Super Cup, an Intercontinental Cup, 3 Eredivisie titles, three FA Cup medals, FA Cup best player, and FA Cup final man of the match.

8. Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria)

 Jay-Jay Okocha

Okocha wasn’t just good—he was mesmerising. He made football seem like magic and was one of the most talented players the game has ever seen.

• 2x BBC African Footballer of the Year
• Known for unbelievable skills and flair
• Captained Nigeria to AFCON glory

Jay-Jay Okocha also received the Player of the Month award in November 2003 and was named one of the top 125 living footballers by Pelé in 2004.

9. Rabah Madjer (Algeria)

Rabah Madjer

Madjer is legendary in both Europe and North Africa. His reputation in football history was solidified by his inventiveness and crucial goals.

• Scored in the 1987 European Cup Final
• Led Algeria to the AFCON and the World Cup
• Known for his backheel goal
• African Footballer of the Year
• Arab Footballer of the 20th Century in 2004
• Algerian Footballer of the 20th Century

10. Essam El-Hadary (Egypt)

It would be impossible to discuss African football legends without including El-Hadary, the goalie who revolutionised endurance and leadership.

Oldest player in World Cup history (45 years)

• 4x Africa Cup of Nations winner
• Legendary goalkeeper
• Most AFCON titles won

Honorable Mentions

• Michael Essien (Ghana)
  
  
• Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
  
  
• Abedi Pele (Ghana)
  
  
• Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia)
  
  
• Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)

These stars just missed the top 10 but remain giants in their own right.

Beyond goals and awards, these legends have broken down barriers, elevated nations, and demonstrated to the world that African brilliance is unmatched.