World Cup: Eto’o and Drogba Still Among the Best African Scorers in History
Even after hanging up their boots, Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba continue to make waves on the global stage. These two legends of African football remain among the top African scorers in World Cup history, a testament to the mark they’ve left on the most prestigious tournament in football.
Since the first participation of an African team in the World Cup, several strikers from the continent have made their mark with outstanding performances and crucial goals. Some have carried their nations on their backs, while others have helped write memorable chapters in the history of African football.
At the top of this ranking is former Ghanaian international Asamoah Gyan. With six goals scored in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 tournaments, he remains the all-time leading African scorer in World Cup history. His performances significantly contributed to the remarkable journeys of the Black Stars on the world stage.
Following him is Cameroonian legend Roger Milla. With five goals to his name, he is one of the most iconic figures in African football. His incredible campaign during the 1990 World Cup, at the age of 38, continues to inspire generations of players.
The third spot goes to Nigerian Ahmed Musa, who netted four goals in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. With his speed and goal-scoring instinct, he has become one of the most prolific African players in the history of the tournament.
A group of five players shares the fourth position, each with three goals. Among them is Senegalese Papa Bouba Diop, the hero of the historic victory against France in 2002. Tunisian Wahbi Khazri also makes the list after his standout goals in the 2018 and 2022 editions.
Moroccan Youssef En-Nesyri, a key player in the historic run of the Atlas Lions in Qatar 2022, is also in this ranking. Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto’o also scored three goals in the World Cup, despite an exceptional international career that far exceeds statistics. Ghanaian André Ayew rounds out this group with three goals.
Finally, Ivorians Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba occupy the last spots in the Top 10, each with two goals. While their stats may seem modest, their influence on the game and impact in major competitions are undeniable.
As the 2026 World Cup unfolds, this ranking could change in the coming days. Several active African players will have the chance to improve their stats and join the continent’s greatest scorers in World Cup history.
Top 10 African Scorers in World Cup History
| Rank | Player | Country | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asamoah Gyan | Ghana | 6 |
| 2 | Roger Milla | Cameroon | 5 |
| 3 | Ahmed Musa | Nigeria | 4 |
| 4 | Papa Bouba Diop | Senegal | 3 |
| 5 | Wahbi Khazri | Tunisia | 3 |
| 6 | Youssef En-Nesyri | Morocco | 3 |
| 7 | Samuel Eto’o | Cameroon | 3 |
| 8 | André Ayew | Ghana | 3 |
| 9 | Salomon Kalou | Côte d’Ivoire | 2 |
| 10 | Didier Drogba | Côte d’Ivoire | 2 |
