With five African nations representing the continent at this year’s World Cup, fans are relishing in the talent that Africa has to offer. African players have long maintained a solid presence in the world of football, so it’s no surprise that some of the most exceptional players in this year’s tournament are also African. In honor of the talent that our continent has to offer, let’s take a look at 10 of the most extraordinary current African football players.
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1. Didier Drogba
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Perhaps the most seasoned and experienced player on this list, Ivorian striker Didier Drogba is a household name. He is the all-time top scorer for the Ivorian national team, and is also well-known for his career with Chelsea. Although he retired from international football in 2014, he now co-owns and plays for the American club Phoenix Rising.
2. Samuel Eto’o
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Another household name on the list, Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o is the most decorated African football player of all time, having won the African Player of the Year four times. He led his nation to the world cup on four occasions, and is a 3X Champions League winner. He now plays for the Turkish club Konyaspor.
3. Riyad Mahrez
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Riyad Mahrez an Algerian winger who currently plays for Premier League club Leicester City and the Algerian national team. Although Algeria didn’t make it to the World Cup this year, Mahrez has nonetheless represented Algerian talent in his career at Leicester City.
4. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah was meant to play alongside his teammates at this year’s World Cup, but sadly dislocated his shoulder in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. But the Egyptian footballer remains a threat on the field and has enjoyed a successful career playing for Liverpool. Fans are still hoping that he will be able to push through his injury and play for Egypt in the next upcoming matches.
5. Vincent Aboubakar
Cameroon is clearly a force to be reckoned with in the world of football as another Cameroonian player tops the list. Vincent Aboubakar plays as the midfielder for the Cameroon national team and FC Porto. Judging by his career at Porto, Aboubakar definitely represents a chance for Cameroon to enter the World Cup again in 2022.
6. Alex Song
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And yet another Cameroonian on our list! Alex Song has played for Arsenal and currently plays for Russian FC Rubin Kazan. He has showcased exemplary talent on the field as a midfielder and defender and also conveys another chance for Cameroon to enter the World Cup again.
7. Kevin Prince-Boateng
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Ghanaian footballer Kevin Prince-Boateng is known for his speed, agility, and juggling tricks he likes to show off on the field. He played in the World Cup for the Ghanaian national team in 2014, and is currently a midfielder for the German club Eintracht Frankfurt.
8. Michael Essien
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Another household name on the list, Michael Essien has proudly scored for the Ghana national team 58 times. He has played for Real Madrid, Chelsea, Milan, and Persib Bandung. He has played in the Africa Cup of Nations 3 times and won the UEFA Champions League in 2012. He has also won the Chelsea Goal of the Season award twice.
9. Sadio Mane
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Senegal coach Aliou Cisse stated last night that Sadio Mane is one of the best players in the world, and well…he’s definitely right. The Liverpool forward scored 20 goals the team in the 2017-2018 season, His transfer to Liverpool cost the team 34 million Euro, rendering him the most expensive African player at the time.
10. Kalidou Koulibaly
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This Senegalese footballer player is also a rising star. Kalidou Koulibaly currently plays as centre back for Italian club Napoli, and also plays for the Senegalese team. Let’s hope that he will lead the Lions of Teranga to a victory in the World Cup!