A host of iconic players have left their mark on the history of the African Cup of Nations. Ranking of the 25 best players in AFCON history
A few weeks ahead of the 2023 edition, to be held in Côte d’Ivoire, Afrique Sports has compiled its exclusive ranking of the best players in the history of the competition.
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) will be held from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
The competition will be held in Côte d’Ivoire for only the second time after the 1984 edition, won by Roger Milla’s Cameroon.
Discover our Top 25 best players in the history of the competition (the CAN)
The 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place from January 13 to February 11 in Côte d’Ivoire. This absolutely precious competition for Africans certainly marks a high point in the soccer world, whatever the calendar. This edition will also be held mid-season, and although it will have an impact on certain clubs, the players are more than motivated by the idea of representing their countries.
Since its inception, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) has seen some iconic players leave their mark on the competition’s history. From Ahmed Hassan to Samuel Eto’o to Laurent Pokou, several players have indisputably left their mark on the competition’s history.
This is also the case for Mohamed Salah, who will once again try his luck with the Pharaohs. Twice unfortunate finalists in 2017 against Vincent Aboubakar’s Cameroon and in 2021 against Sadio Mané’s Senegal, the Liverpool legend is desperate to add his name to the competition’s honours list.
Ranking of the 25 best players in AFCON history (Afrique sports)
Best players in AFCON history, the Egyptians rule the roost
When you think of the African Cup of Nations (CAN), you think of Egypt. Seven-time winners, the Pharaohs have imposed their hegemony on the flagship competition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Egypt is the most successful nation in history, and inevitably this is thanks to its most emblematic and iconic players, who have worn the red, white and black in tournaments.
In this ranking concocted by our editorial team, it’s the immense Egyptian legend Ahmed Hassan who occupies first place. With 184 caps and 33 goals for the Pharaohs, the 48-year-old native of Maghagha has won the African Cup of Nations (CAN) four times, in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010. He also finished as the competition’s best player twice, in 2006 and 2010.
The second Egyptian in this ranking closes the podium. Mohamed Aboutrika (45), has been a key player in Egypt’s outrageous CAN domination in the 21st century. With his 100 caps, the former Tersana SC and Al Ahly midfielder lifted 3 consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) titles between 2006 and 2010.
Mohamed Aboutrika is just followed by legendary Pharaohs goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who has terrified the continent’s top strikers such as Didier Drogba.
Thanks to his longevity, class and breathtaking talent, Essam has kept goal for this generation of Pharaohs who have destroyed everything in the history of the CAN. In 5th place, we find another Egyptian. Hossam Hassan (57), a native of Helwan, is an undisputed legend in Egypt.
With his 176 caps and 68 goals, he has won everything with his country, including three CAN titles in 1986, 1998 and 2006. Hossam Hassan also finished as the competition’s top scorer in 1998 in Burkina Faso.
Only Samuel Eto’o has upset the Pharaohs in CAN history
If the Egyptian legends have a strong presence in the ranking of the best players in the history of the CAN, Samuel Eto’o’s monumental feat stands out. With 118 caps for Cameroon and 56 goals, the Lion of New-Bell has a record as long as his arm.
For several years now, the FC Barcelona legend has been the top scorer in the history of the African Cup of Nations (CAN), with 18 goals.
He finished as the competition’s top scorer on two occasions (2006 and 2008), at a time when Egypt dominated the competition unchallenged. With Cameroon, Samuel Eto’o also won the CAN twice, in 2000 against Nigeria and 2002 against El Hadji Diouf’s Senegal. With his monumental feats, the President of Fecafoot occupies second place in our ranking of the best players in the history of the CAN.
Song and Roger Milla also made CAN history
Samuel Eto’o may be the highest-ranked Cameroonian, but there are other Indomitable Lions legends too. The courageous captain Rigobert Song, a member of the Samuel Eto’o generation, was a key member of the victorious team in 2000 and 2002. To date, he is the player who has played the most games in the history of the CAN, and logically occupies a place of choice in the ranking.
Rigobert Song is in 6th place, just ahead of another Cameroon legend, Roger Milla, who is in 8th place, just behind Laurent Pokou of Côte d’Ivoire.
| Rang | Nom du Joueur | Pays |
| 1 | Ahmed Hassan | Egypte |
| 2 | Samuel Eto’o | Cameroun |
| 3 | Mohamed Aboutrika | Egypte |
| 4 | Essam El Hadary | Egypte |
| 5 | Hossam Hassan | Egypte |
| 6 | Rigobert Song | Cameroun |
| 7 | Laurent Pokou | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 8 | Roger Milla | Cameroun |
| 9 | Ndaye Mulamba | RDC |
| 10 | Kalusha Bwalya | Zambie |
| 11 | Yaya Touré | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 12 | Abedi Ayew | Ghana |
| 13 | Luciano Vassalo | Ethiopie |
| 14 | Asamoah Gyan | Ghana |
| 15 | Didier Drogba | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 16 | Segun Odegbami | Nigéria |
| 17 | Rashidi Yekini | Nigéria |
| 18 | Patrick Mboma | Cameroun |
| 19 | Jay Jay Okocha | Nigéria |
| 20 | Sadio Mané | Sénégal |
| 21 | André Ayew | Ghana |
| 22 | Ahmed El-Mohammadi | Egypte |
| 23 | Mohamed Salah | Egypte |
| 24 | Riyad Mahrez | Algérie |
| 25 | Michael Essien | Ghana |
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