Table of Contents
- Africa has produced talented football players over the years
- Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba are among African footballers with records that have never been broken
- George Weah is the most decorated African footballer
Who are the most decorated African footballers? From veterans such as George Weah and Samuel Eto’o to modern stars such as Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen, Africa has produced some of the best football players the world has ever seen.
The most decorated African footballers have played in Europe against some of the best footballers in the world. They have helped their clubs and national teams win trophies.
African footballers like Samuel Eto’o and George Weah did wonders in Europe, inspiring the younger generations to follow in their footsteps. Weah is the only African footballer to win the Ballon d’Or award.
Talented African footballers are making waves in some of the best leagues in the world such as the English Premier League, Serie A and La Liga. With that introduction. let’s take a look at the most decorated African footballers of all time.
6. Abedi “Pele” Ayew
Abedi Ayew, nicknamed Abedi Pele, is one of the greatest footballers to ever come from Africa. The Ghanaian was nicknamed Pele because his playing style was similar to that of Pele.
Abedi is one of the most decorated African footballers of all time. The Ghanaian international made his name in the football world with a blistering career for both club and country. He spent the majority of his career days in Europe, playing for top teams such as Lille, Lyon and Torino, winning numerous trophies.
The playmaker was known for his vision, accurate passing and long-range shots. He won the French Division 1 title twice and the UEFA Champions League with Marseille in 1991.
5. Yaya Toure
Yaya Toure is one of the greatest African footballers to ever play in Europe. The Ivorian midfielder began achieving success during his time with FC Barcelona.
Toure won the La Liga title twice, the Super Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with FC Barcelona. He left FC Barcelona in 2010 and joined Manchester City, where he continued to win titles. The midfielder spent eight seasons at Manchester City, winning three English Premier League titles, two EFL Cups, one FA Cup and one FA Community Shield.
Yaya Toure celebrates after scoring for Manchester City. Photo/ Eurosport.
Toure also achieved success at the international level as he led Ivory Coast to win the 2015 AFCON title. The 42-year-old won numerous individual awards, including the African Footballer of the Year four times.
4. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is one of the best dribblers the world has ever seen. Unsurprisingly, the Liverpool star is also one of the most decorated African footballers of all time.
Salah first played in the Premier League in 2014 when Chelsea signed him. However, he was not a top player until he returned with Liverpool in 2017. He has established himself as one of the best players in the world. The Egyptian has won many individual awards, including the African Footballer of the Year twice.
Mo Salah has achieved success with Liverpool winning several trophies, including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup.
3. Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba made a name for himself during his time with Chelsea. The former footballer is one of the strikers who kept every opposition defender on their toes.
Drogba won several major trophies with Chelsea, including four English Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League. The Ivorian international also succeeded with Galatasaray, where he won the Super Lig, Turkish Cup and the Turkish Super Cup.
Didier Drogba with the UEFA Champions League trophy. Photo/ Planet Football.
Drogba won numerous individual awards, including the African Footballer of the Year two times and the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2009.
2. Samuel Eto’o
Samuel Eto’o is undoubtedly one of the most talented strikers the world has ever seen. The Cameroonian international boasts a long and successful career. He retired in 2019 after 19 years of playing professional football.
Eto’o made 705 appearances for both club and country, scoring 350 goals. The legendary striker played for some of the best teams, such as FC Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea. He won three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, one Supercopa de Espana, a Serie A title and three UEFA Champions League trophies, among other major titles.
Eto’o won 32 individual awards, including the African Footballer of the Year four times. The Cameroonian helped his country win two AFCON titles between 2000 and 2002. Eto’o is the most decorated Cameroonian player and one of the most decorated African footballers.
1. George Weah
George Weah is a retired Liberian footballer and former President of Liberia. Weah was unmatched during his 18-year career as a footballer and remains as the only African footballer who has won the Ballon d’Or award.
The legend played for top teams such as AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, winning numerous trophies and individual awards. Weah won three Serie A titles and a Ligue One title, among other trophies. He won 28 individual awards, including the African Footballer of the Year three times. The former striker is the most decorated African footballer due to his unmatched and unprecedented achievements.
George Weah. Photo/ These Football Times.
