What2Bet takes a look at the Best African Players in Premier League History.
African footballers have been an integral part of British football since the signing of Arthur Wharton by Preston North End in 1886, a notable two years before the commencement of the Football League.
Dispelling any notion that the presence of black players in British football is a recent phenomenon, history reveals a rich and longstanding legacy.
Fast forward to 1992, the inception of the Premier League. From its very beginning, African players have played a pivotal role, contributing significantly to its sustained success. This trend endures today, highlighting the lasting impact of African footballers in the Premier League.
Over the past three decades, players from diverse African nations have graced the stages of England’s top-flight football. Among them, some have illuminated stadiums with breathtaking dribbles and remarkable goals, earning adoration as fan favorites for their respective clubs. Meanwhile, others have demonstrated unwavering defensive prowess, serving as the bedrock for championship-winning teams.
Several have ascended to legendary status, adorned with numerous trophies and accolades. The impact of these African stars has been so profound that it’s challenging to envision the trajectory of certain clubs without their invaluable contributions.
Given the vast pool of talent, it was somewhat inevitable that selecting a top ten would be a challenging task. Unlike the fixed outcomes of online slots (for those wondering, are online slots rigged?), our aim was objectivity. However, acknowledging the subjectivity of such rankings, it’s anticipated that not everyone will concur with our chosen top ten.
Without delay, here are the top 10 African football players in Premier League history.
Best African Players in Premier League History
10. Emmanuel Adebayor
Commencing the top ten is a choice that might spark controversy among Arsenal fans. In the bygone era, the Togolese striker could seemingly do no wrong in the eyes of the Gunners faithful.
Although Adebayor gained an unpopular reputation among Arsenal fans due to his transfer, it’s crucial not to solely define his legacy by that single event.
During his standout season in 2007/08, the Togolese striker, who had joined from Monaco in 2006, consistently found the net, securing an impressive total of 30 goals across all competitions. However, Adebayor’s relationship with Arsenal fans soured when, post his move to Manchester City in 2009, he exacerbated tensions by celebrating a goal against his former club. Adding to the discontent, he went on to spend four years at Arsenal’s arch-rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
Adebayor’s achievement of 113 Premier League goals stands as the second-highest tally ever by an African player, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess during his prime years in England. This notable accomplishment underlines his quality in front of goal, despite the acrimony surrounding his departure from Arsenal.
9. Jay-Jay Okocha
Okocha made a significant move to Bolton in 2002 on a free transfer from PSG, embarking on four successful seasons with the club under the management of Sam Allardyce.
In this period, Bolton underwent a remarkable transformation from relegation candidates to European challengers, a feat attributed to key players like Okocha, alongside stars such as Youri Djorkaeff and Ivan Campo.
Under the management of Sam Allardyce, the Trotters achieved four consecutive top-eight finishes and reached the UEFA Cup Round of 32. Bolton fans were treated to Okocha’s magic, including a breathtaking winning goal against West Ham in 2003, two sublime free kicks in the 2004 League Cup semifinal, and his mesmerizing dribbling skills that left defenders bewildered. This era marked a remarkable chapter for the club, largely owing to the contributions of players like Okocha.
8. John Obi Mikel
Often overlooked, John Obi Mikel is undeniably one of the most underrated football players of all time; however, his contributions firmly establish him as one of the greatest African players in Premier League history.
Mikel initially grabbed attention in England in 2005 when he was photographed wearing a Manchester United shirt, triggering a transfer dispute between United and Chelsea. This disagreement persisted for a year as both clubs vied for the then-teenager’s services. Eventually, Chelsea secured his signature for £16m, with £4m allocated to his former club Lyn in Oslo, and the remaining sum going to Manchester United.
Chelsea’s investment in Mikel proved highly successful. Over the course of his tenure, Mikel made a significant impact, amassing more than 350 appearances for the Blues. His contribution played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s triumphant journey to the Champions League title in 2012.
Throughout his nine-year stint with Chelsea, Mikel garnered an impressive collection of accolades, including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a Europa League trophy, and several League Cups. His contributions as a crucial squad player played a key role in shaping one of the most successful eras in Chelsea’s history before his move to China’s Tianjin TEDA in 2017.
7. Michael Essien
The Ghanaian became the first African player to secure Chelsea’s Player of the Year award and clinched the club’s Goal of the Season prize twice within a span of three years. Having joined Chelsea from Lyon for a then-club record fee of £24.4 million in 2005, Essien achieved this dual honor in 2007, and then repeated as the Goal of the Season winner two years later.
Essien enjoyed a highly successful nine-season run with Chelsea, where, unfortunately, injuries took their toll over time. Despite this, his contributions at Stamford Bridge were pivotal as he played a crucial role in securing two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and notably, the Champions League trophy.
Regarded not only as one of the Premier League’s finest African imports but also as one of the top midfielders to grace England’s top flight during his prime years, Essien showcased remarkable versatility. His skill set positioned him as one of the most multifaceted football players in history. Some might even argue that he stands as the best midfielder on this page, making a case for being one of the most exceptional midfielders of his generation.
6. Kolo Touré
Ivorian Toure, despite achieving two unbeaten seasons with Arsenal and Celtic and delivering solid performances for both Manchester City and Liverpool, is occasionally overlooked as one of the great players of recent times. While his managerial stint at Wigan may have impacted his reputation, his standing as one of the best African players in the Premier League remains secure.
5. Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez played a pivotal role in one of English football’s most stunning achievements, steering underdog Leicester City to an improbable Premier League championship in 2015/16. This feat marked Mahrez as the first Algerian player to secure the elusive winner’s medal from England’s top division, encapsulating a momentous chapter.
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His remarkable contribution included an astonishing tally of 17 goals in 37 appearances, earning Mahrez the prestigious PFA Player of the Year award, which speaks volumes about his exceptional performance during that campaign.
While Riyad Mahrez notably contributed to Leicester’s title win in 2015/16, he later embarked on a successful stint at Manchester City before opting to join Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. His impressive performances there have solidified his reputation as one of the best soccer players in Saudi Arabia.
Having made a mark with Manchester City, Mahrez demonstrated himself as one of the most reliable performers globally. His world-class talents, including an exquisite first touch, remarkable pace, and skill, showcased his versatility on the field. Undoubtedly, Mahrez is a player of undeniable talent—fast, entertaining to watch, and a valuable asset to his current club.
4. Sadio Mané
Look no further for the quickest-ever Premier League hat-trick than Senegalese sensation Sadio Mane, who astonishingly netted three goals in just two minutes and 56 seconds against Aston Villa. His incredible feat in the 2014/15 season solidified his place in history.
Scoring an impressive 13 goals in 27 Premier League matches during the 2016/17 season, Mane not only showcased his prolific scoring ability but also earned the coveted Player of the Year award. Despite bowing out in 2022, Mane endures as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats, revered as a hero by Liverpool fans.
3. Yaya Touré
A dominant force in midfield during his era, Yaya Toure, Kolo’s brother, played a pivotal role in leading Manchester City to their second Premier League title in 2013/14, contributing an impressive tally of 24 goals.
Upon joining Manchester City in 2010 and teaming up with his brother Kolo, Yaya Toure made an immediate impact in his first Premier League season. Demonstrating his prowess, he notched eight goals and eight assists, aiding City in adapting to the influence of their new star midfielder.
Touré left an indelible mark, scoring a total of 59 top-flight goals for City during a decorated career. His crucial strikes played a pivotal role in Manchester City capturing its first trophy in 35 years as part of the 2011/12 FA Cup run.
Despite falling out of favor under Pep Guardiola later on, Toure managed to secure a third league championship with City in the 2017/18 season. At his offensive best, Toure established himself as one of the most imposing midfield presences ever seen in the Premier League, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess.
2. Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba made a significant move to Chelsea in 2004 for a £24m transfer fee. Although he faced initial struggles adapting, he would later solidify his status as one of the club’s all-time great players during his first spell before departing.
Throughout 341 appearances for Chelsea, Drogba showcased his prolific scoring ability, finding the net 157 times. He played a pivotal role in the historic first-ever Champions League triumph in 2012 against Bayern Munich. Returning for the 2014/15 campaign, Drogba contributed to Chelsea’s fourth Premier League title, adding to his impressive collection of four FA Cups and 3 League Cups. With this illustrious track record, Drogba stands as one of the most decorated African football players.
1. Mohammed Salah
The title of the best African player in the Premier League of all time belongs to none other than Mohamed Salah. While Salah’s initial venture into the Premier League with Chelsea didn’t unfold as hoped, his fortunes took a dramatic turn.
Signed from Basel in January 2014, Salah made only 13 top-flight appearances for the Blues before heading to Serie A. However, his stellar performances over three seasons with Fiorentina and Roma caught the attention of Liverpool, prompting them to bring Salah back to England for a notable £37 million.
The £37 million fee for Mohamed Salah has proven to be an absolute steal, as he immediately found success at Anfield. In his first season with Liverpool in 2017-18, Salah delivered one of the most remarkable individual campaigns ever witnessed in the Premier League, scoring an impressive 32 goals in just 36 appearances.
Currently, Salah stands as one of the best wingers globally, maintaining his red-hot form and solidifying his status as a star player for both Liverpool and the English top flight. Widely considered the best player in the Premier League, he holds the title of the top-scoring African player in the league.
