Best African Players in Premier League History

The Premier League has seen the best of football from players all around the globe. African players have not only brought their skills but have also infused unique styles that have won fans over. In this article, we’ll delve into the best African players who have made history in the English Premier League.

• Some of the best footballers in the Premier League hailed from Africa
• African players have contributed immensely to the success of their clubs
• Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Samuel Eto’o are some of the players we’ll be discussing in this article
• Premier League history wouldn’t be complete without these African icons
• African players have a lasting legacy in the history of the English Premier League

Didier Drogba – A Premier League Icon

Didier Drogba is widely regarded as one of the best African players to have graced the Premier League. The Ivorian striker arrived at Chelsea in 2004 and would go on to have a sensational impact during his two spells at the club.

Drogba’s impressive record of 104 Premier League goals in 254 appearances speaks for itself. However, his impact on Chelsea’s success during this period cannot be overstated. Drogba scored in the 2007 FA Cup final, the 2009 FA Cup final, and also scored the winning penalty in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final to secure Chelsea’s first-ever European Cup.

Drogba was not just a goalscorer, but also a leader on and off the pitch. His presence and influence played an important role in Chelsea’s success, and he was known for his big-game performances. Drogba’s legacy at Chelsea and in the Premier League is one of a true icon.

“I have always followed my heart. When I was young, I wanted to play for Marseille, and I did. Nobody will ever forget what I did at Chelsea.” – Didier Drogba

Yaya Touré – Dominance in Midfield

Yaya Touré is a legendary figure of the Premier League, renowned for his immense presence and agility in midfield. His dynamic playing style and versatile skills made him a force to be reckoned with, both in attack and defense.

During his successful spell with Manchester City, Touré played a pivotal role in their Premier League title wins in the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 seasons. He was the driving force behind the team’s midfield dominance, helping to control the pace of the game, break up opposition play, and launch counter-attacks.

Touré’s stats speak for themselves, with an impressive tally of 62 goals and 32 assists during his Premier League career. His contributions to Manchester City and the league as a whole will not soon be forgotten.

Nwankwo Kanu – The Nigerian Magician

Nwankwo Kanu, also known as Papilo, is considered one of the most skillful and finesse players to come out of Africa. The Nigerian Magician played for clubs like Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion, leaving a lasting impact on the Premier League.

Kanu’s talent was on full display during his time with Arsenal. He scored crucial goals and made key assists during his five-year spell with the Gunners, helping them win two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Community Shield.

Kanu’s most memorable moment in the Premier League came in October 1999 when he scored a hat-trick in 15 minutes to help Arsenal come back and beat Chelsea 3-2. Besides scoring important goals, Kanu was known for his composure on the ball and his ability to create chances for his teammates.

After leaving Arsenal, Kanu had a successful stint at West Bromwich Albion, where he scored 17 goals in 104 appearances. He retired from football in 2011, leaving behind a legacy as one of Africa’s greatest players to ever grace the Premier League.

Jay-Jay Okocha – The Entertainer

Jay-Jay Okocha is one of the most entertaining and skillful African players to have graced the Premier League. His technical ability, dribbling skills, and eye for a spectacular goal made him a fan favorite during his time at Bolton Wanderers from 2002-2006.

Okocha’s influence extended beyond the pitch as he helped raise the profile of African players in the Premier League. His flair and creativity inspired a new generation of players, both from his home country of Nigeria and across the African continent.

During his time at Bolton Wanderers, Okocha played a pivotal role in guiding the club to the UEFA Cup places in the 2004-05 season. He scored seven goals in 34 Premier League appearances in that campaign, demonstrating his value to the team.

The impact that Okocha had on the Premier League was recognized when he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2008. His style of play and entertainment factor will always be remembered, and he remains a legend of the game.

Samuel Eto’o – A Striker’s Excellence

Samuel Eto’o is undoubtedly one of the greatest African strikers to grace the Premier League. With an impressive goal-scoring record, Eto’o’s career in the Premier League spanned over two spells with two different clubs, Chelsea and Everton.

At Chelsea, Eto’o proved to be a pivotal figure in the club’s title charge, scoring nine goals in 21 appearances. His invaluable contribution to the team’s attack earned him the admiration of Chelsea fans and the respect of his opponents.

During his time at Everton, Eto’o continued to display his goal-scoring prowess, finding the back of the net on four occasions in 20 games.

Eto’o’s quick feet, clinical finishing, and ability to score crucial goals made him a fan favorite. He is remembered as one of Africa’s greatest exports to the Premier League, and his legacy lives on to this day.

Riyad Mahrez – The Algerian Maestro

Riyad Mahrez is an Algerian Maestro, who has made a significant contribution to the Premier League with his unique playing style and creativity. He began his Premier League career with Leicester City in 2014, a relatively unknown name at the time from French Ligue 2 side Le Havre. But soon his exceptional talent and trickery on the ball caught everyone’s attention.

Mahrez played a crucial role in Leicester City’s title-winning season in 2015/16, scoring 17 goals and providing 11 assists throughout the campaign. He was not just a player to score goals but also to create them, and his understanding with striker Jamie Vardy proved to be deadly for opposition teams.

The Algerian’s exceptional performance earned him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award and secured a move to Manchester City in 2018 for a club-record transfer fee for a £60 million. Mahrez continued his brilliant performances with Manchester City, playing an instrumental role in helping them win the Premier League in the 2018/2019 season with 12 goals and 13 assists.

“Mahrez has always had the ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck and change the outcome of any match. He can dribble with the ball in tight spaces and unlock defenses with his impeccable passing. Whenever he gets the ball, the opponents’ defense is on high alert.”

His contribution to Manchester City’s title charge was also recognized by his teammates and management, with City boss Pep Guardiola calling him an essential player for the club.

The Algerian Maestro brings not just talent and creativity to his team but also a winning mentality that helped Leicester City and Manchester City win the Premier League. Mahrez has genuinely made a name for himself in the Premier League and has become one of the best African players to grace the league.

Michael Essien – The Midfield Engine

Michael Essien was a dominant force in midfield during his time in the Premier League, known for his physical presence, tenacity, and technical ability. He played for Chelsea between 2005 and 2014 and was a crucial member of their squad, helping them to win two Premier League titles in 2006 and 2010.

Essien’s ability to control the midfield and break up opposition attacks was vital to Chelsea’s success, and his powerful runs and vision allowed him to contribute in attack as well. He scored some memorable goals for the Blues, including a stunning long-range strike against Arsenal in 2006 that is still remembered as one of the best goals ever scored at Stamford Bridge.

Off the pitch, Essien was also a quiet leader and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike. He was a true professional and always gave his best for his team, earning him a place in the hearts of Chelsea fans.

Sadio Mané – Speed and Skill

One of the brightest talents to emerge from Africa in recent years, Sadio Mané is known for his incredible speed and skill on the pitch. Having played at Southampton and now with Liverpool, Mané has become an integral part of his teams’ success in the Premier League.

Mané’s speed and agility make him a constant threat to opposing defenses, and his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates is unparalleled. His performances on the pitch have earned him countless accolades, including the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2018-2019 season.

Whether he is weaving through defenders, knocking in a decisive goal, or making a crucial pass, Mané’s speed and skill are always on full display. His contributions to his team’s success in the Premier League cannot be overstated, and his impact on the game will continue to be felt for years to come.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Deadly Finisher

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of the most potent African strikers in Premier League history, having made an immediate impact following his arrival at Arsenal. His quick feet, clinical finishing, and lethal instincts inside the penalty box make him a dangerous player for any opposition. Deadly Finisher aptly describes Aubameyang’s goal-scoring ability, with an impressive record of 74 goals in just 125 league appearances.

Aubameyang’s successful spell with Arsenal featured several stand-out performances, including a hat-trick against Leeds United and a brace against Chelsea in the 2020 FA Cup final. His contributions have earned him numerous individual accolades, including the Premier League Golden Boot for the 2018-19 season.

Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Aubameyang has been a valuable leader for Arsenal as their captain. His passion for the game and dedication to success have inspired his teammates and earned him the respect of fans around the world.

Conclusion

As we have seen, African players have made a significant impact on the Premier League throughout its history. From Didier Drogba’s heroics with Chelsea to Sadio Mané’s electrifying performances at Liverpool, these players have brought skill, flair, and excellence to the league. Their contributions have not only helped their respective teams achieve success but also elevated the standards of the Premier League.

As the league continues to evolve, we can only imagine the talents of the next crop of African players who will enter the fray. One thing is for sure, their impact will be felt, and their legacy will be cemented alongside the greats we have celebrated in this article.