Players of colour have played an important role in the history of football.
They have shown incredible talent and have been mainstays of the world’s greatest clubs, winning major titles with their national teams.
Football is probably the most popular sport in many parts of the world. Many children start playing football at an early age, regardless of their skin colour or origin. In this sport, footballers can represent not only their country, but also different clubs.
The first name that springs to mind is, of course, Pele. He is without doubt one of the most famous and talented athletes of all time. But there are also outstanding professionals like Samuel Eto’o, George Weah and Didier Drogba.
Here are the 20 greatest black footballers of all time
20 : Jairzinho (Brazil)
Jairzinho, whose full name is Jair Ventura Filho, is a former Brazilian footballer born on 25 December 1944 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was a very talented striker who left his mark on the history of Brazilian football.
Jairzinho is best known for his participation in the Brazilian national team at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. During that tournament, he was a key member of the team that won the title. Jairzinho scored in every match of the competition, becoming the only player to achieve this feat at a World Cup.
Beyond his role in 1970, Jairzinho also enjoyed a successful club career, playing for teams such as Botafogo in Brazil and Marseille in France. He is widely regarded as one of the great talents of Brazilian football and has left a lasting imprint on the history of the sport.
19: Zé Roberto (Brazil)
Zé Roberto, whose full name is José Roberto da Silva Júnior, is a former Brazilian footballer born on 6 July 1974 in São Paulo, Brazil. He was a versatile midfielder known for his longevity and successful career at the highest level of football.
Zé Roberto played for several clubs during his career, both in Brazil and abroad. He has played for clubs such as Flamengo, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Santos and Palmeiras. He has had a significant influence in midfield, thanks to his technique, vision and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
At international level, Zé Roberto has represented the Brazilian national team. He has taken part in several FIFA World Cups and other international competitions, contributing to the reputation of Brazilian football. Zé Roberto is also praised for his exceptionally long career, playing at the highest level even at an advanced age. After retiring as a professional player, he also pursued a career in football as a coach.
18: Nicolas Anelka (France)
Nicolas Anelka is a former French footballer, born on 14 March 1979 in Le Chesnay, France. He played as a striker during his career and was known for his speed, technique and ability to play in several attacking positions.
Anelka played for many top football clubs in Europe and also represented the French national team. Some of the clubs he has played for include Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and others.
His career has been marked by moments of success and controversy. He won domestic and international titles with his clubs, including the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and the English Premier League with Chelsea. However, he was also involved in controversial episodes, including tumultuous transfers and disciplinary incidents.
After his retirement as a player, Nicolas Anelka also tried his hand at management and held various roles in football.
17: Salif Keïta (Mali)
Salif Keïta, born on 25 August 1949 in Bamako, Mali, is a former Malian footballer. He is often regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
Salif Keïta was a talented and prolific striker. He left his mark on the history of African football thanks in particular to his performances with French club AS Saint-Étienne in the 1960s and 1970s. He helped AS Saint-Étienne win three French Ligue 1 championships and was the league’s top scorer on two occasions.
In addition to his success at club level, Salif Keïta also played a key role as captain of the Mali national team. However, he was unable to take part in the FIFA World Cup due to the boycott of the Malian national team.
After his playing career, Salif Keïta became a respected figure in African football. He has also been involved in philanthropic activities and is a respected figure in Mali and beyond. It’s worth noting that there is another footballer of the same name, Salif Keïta, who hails from Mali and played as a defender, notably with the Mali national team and Valencia in Spain.
16: Laurent Pokou (Côte d’Ivoire)
Laurent Pokou was an Ivorian footballer who was born on 10 August 1947 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and died on 13 November 2016. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in the history of Côte d’Ivoire.
Pokou was a talented and prolific striker. He had a significant impact on African football during the 1960s and 1970s. He was top scorer at the African Cup of Nations (CAN) twice, in 1968 and 1970. His record of 14 goals at the 1970 CAN still stands today.
At club level, Pokou played for Africa Sports d’Abidjan and Stade Rennais in France. He enjoyed a successful career, winning the Côte d’Ivoire championship with Africa Sports and reaching the French Cup final with Stade Rennais.
Laurent Pokou was also a major representative of the Ivorian national team, making his mark on the history of Ivorian football. After his playing career, he held administrative positions in football and contributed to the development of the sport in Côte d’Ivoire. His contribution to African football has earned him a place among the legends of the game on the continent.
15: Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria)
Jay-Jay Okocha, whose full name is Augustine Azuka Okocha, is a former Nigerian footballer, born on 14 August 1973 in Enugu, Nigeria. He is widely recognised as one of Africa’s most talented and charismatic footballers.
Okocha has had an impressive career as an attacking midfielder. He has played for a number of big-name clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, Paris Saint-Germain in France, Bolton Wanderers in England, and others.
His time with Paris Saint-Germain in the 1990s helped put his talent on the world map. However, it was with Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League that he continued to shine, becoming an iconic figure at the club.
At international level, Jay-Jay Okocha has been a key member of Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles. He represented Nigeria at several African Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cups.
Okocha was renowned for his exceptional technique, creativity, spectacular dribbling and ability to score remarkable goals. After his retirement as a player, he remained involved in football and held a number of administrative roles.
14: Thierry Henry (France)
Thierry Henry is a former French footballer and current coach, born on 17 August 1977 in Les Ulis, France. He is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the history of football.
Henry had an outstanding career as a player. He played for several major clubs in Europe, including AS Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona and the New York Red Bulls. He is best known for his time at Arsenal, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer. Henry won numerous titles, including the English Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the 1998 FIFA World Cup with the French national team.
In addition to his achievements at club level, Thierry Henry was a mainstay of the French national team for many years. He represented France in a number of international competitions, notably helping them to win Euro 2000.
After retiring as a player, Henry turned to a coaching career. He has held a variety of roles, including assistant coach of the Belgian national team and head coach of AS Monaco and CF Montreal in Major League Soccer (MLS).
13: Abedi Pelé (Ghana)
Abedi Ayew, better known as Abedi Pelé, is a former Ghanaian footballer, born on 5 November 1964 in Kibi, Ghana. He is often regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
Abedi Pele was a talented and creative attacking midfielder. He enjoyed a prolific career at both club and international level. He played for several clubs during his career, including Asante Kotoko in Ghana, FC Zurich in Switzerland, Olympique de Marseille in France, and Torino in Italy.
Abedi Pele is most famous for his time with Olympique de Marseille in the early 1990s. With OM, he won the UEFA Champions League in 1993, becoming the first French club to win this prestigious trophy. He also won three consecutive French championships with Marseille.
At international level, Abedi Pelé was captain of Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars. He took part in three FIFA World Cups with Ghana in the 1980s and 1990s.
After his retirement as a player, Abedi Pelé remained involved in football, notably as a manager. He is the father of two other famous footballers, André Ayew and Jordan Ayew, who also represented the Ghana national team.
12: Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Roger Milla, whose full name is Albert Roger Milla, is a former Cameroonian footballer, born on 20 May 1952 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. He is best known for his starring role at the 1990 FIFA World Cup? in Italy, where his outstanding performances captivated the footballing world.
Milla played as a striker throughout his career. He played for several clubs, including Tonnerre Yaoundé in Cameroon, AS Monaco in France and Montpellier. However, he is most associated with international football and his major impact with the Cameroon national team.
At the 1990 World Cup, Roger Milla scored four goals to become the oldest player (at the time) to score at a World Cup finals. His trademark celebration, dancing around the corner post, has become emblematic. Cameroon reached the quarter-finals under his guidance, which remains the team’s best performance in a World Cup tournament.
Roger Milla also represented Cameroon in other international competitions, including the African Cup of Nations, and is often regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time. After his playing career, he was involved in administrative activities and continued to be a respected figure in football.
11: Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire)
Yaya Touré, whose full name is Gnégnéri Yaya Touré, is a former Ivorian footballer born on 13 May 1983 in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, renowned for his physical strength, vision and ability to score goals.
Yaya Touré’s career has seen him play for a number of top clubs in Europe. He has played for teams such as Beveren in Belgium, Metalurh Donetsk in Ukraine, Olympiacos in Greece, FC Barcelona in Spain, Manchester City in England, and others.
His time at Barcelona, where he played under coach Pep Guardiola, was particularly fruitful. Yaya Touré won the UEFA Champions League with Barça in 2009, as well as several Spanish league titles.
However, it was with Manchester City in the English Premier League that he enjoyed his greatest success. He made a significant contribution to Manchester City’s success, winning several league titles, domestic cups and the Champions League.
Internationally, Yaya Touré has been a mainstay of the Côte d’Ivoire national team, the Elephants. He represented his country at several African Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cups.
Yaya Touré retired from professional football in 2019, bringing to an end an impressive and influential career in the world of football.
10: Claude Makelele (France)
Claude Makélélé, whose full name is Claude Makélélé Sinda, is a former French footballer born on 18 February 1973 in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). He is best known for his role as a defensive midfielder, considered one of the best in his position during his career.
Makélélé has played for a number of top clubs in Europe, including Celta Vigo in Spain, Olympique de Marseille in France, Real Madrid in Spain, Chelsea in England and Paris Saint-Germain in France.
He enjoyed great success with Real Madrid, winning the Spanish Liga and the UEFA Champions League in 2002. However, it was at Chelsea, where he transferred in 2003, that Makélélé enjoyed a particularly successful period. With Chelsea, he won several Premier League titles, domestic cups and European trophies.
Makélélé’s name is also associated with the specific role of defensive midfielder, often referred to as the ‘Makélélé role’. This role involves recovering the ball and distributing it effectively to attacking players, and has had a significant influence on the way the position is perceived and played.
After his playing career, Claude Makélélé turned to a coaching career, taking on various roles in football, including assistant coach and youth development roles.
09: Zizinho (Brazil)
Zizinho is a nickname associated with several football players, but most often it is used to refer to the original legendary Zizinho, who was a renowned Brazilian footballer. His full name was Thomaz Soares da Silva, and he was born on 14 September 1921 in Niterói, Brazil, and died on 8 February 2002.
Zizinho was a talented attacking midfielder and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of Brazilian football. He represented the Brazilian national team during the 1940s and 1950s and played in two FIFA World Cups in 1950 and 1954.
He played for Flamengo and Bangu in Brazil, but also had a successful career abroad, most notably with AS Roma in Italy. Zizinho was known for his exceptional technique, creativity on the pitch and ability to score goals.
It is worth noting that another player, Zinedine Zidane, is often referred to as ‘Zizou’. Zidane is a former French footballer, also considered one of the best players in history, who won the FIFA World Cup in 1998 with the French national team. Nicknames can sometimes be used to refer to different players, depending on the context and geographical region.
08: Patrick Vieira (France)
Patrick Vieira is a former French footballer and current coach, born on 23 June 1976 in Dakar, Senegal. He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation.
Patrick Vieira’s career has taken him to a number of prestigious clubs in Europe. He began his professional career at AS Cannes in France before moving on to AS Monaco. However, it was with Arsenal FC in England that he enjoyed his greatest success. Under coach Arsène Wenger, Vieira was a mainstay of the team that won several titles, including the Premier League and FA Cup.
After his successful spell at Arsenal, Patrick Vieira went on to play for Juventus in Italy and Inter Milan, winning Serie A with the latter club. He also represented the French national team, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000.
After retiring as a player, Vieira turned to a coaching career. He held a variety of roles, including youth coach at Manchester City and head coach at OGC Nice in France before taking charge of Crystal Palace in the Premier League. His career as a player and coach has made him a respected figure in the world of football.
07: Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
Didier Drogba is a former Ivorian footballer, born on 11 March 1978 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He is widely recognised as one of the greatest African strikers of all time and has made his mark on football both at club and international level.
Drogba has had a prolific career at club level, playing for several top teams in Europe. He rose to global prominence during his time at Chelsea in England, where he played from 2004 to 2012. Under coach José Mourinho, Drogba helped Chelsea win numerous titles, including the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League in 2012. He has become one of the most iconic players in the club’s history.
At international level, Didier Drogba has been a pillar of the Ivorian national team, the Elephants. He has represented Côte d’Ivoire at several African Nations Cups (CAN) and FIFA World Cups, playing a central role in the rise of Ivorian football.
Drogba is also renowned for his involvement in charity work and development initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire. After his retirement as a player, he continued to be involved in philanthropic projects and held roles in the development of football in Africa.
06: Didi (Brazil)
The name “Didi” is often used to designate several personalities from the world of football, but most often it is associated with Waldyr Pereira, also known as Didi. Didi was a former Brazilian footballer, born on 8 October 1928 in Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil, and died on 12 May 2001.
Didi was a talented and creative midfielder who played a key role in the history of Brazilian football. He was a member of the Brazilian national team at several World Cups, winning the 1958 and 1962 editions. Didi was renowned for his vision, technique and ability to score goals. His nickname ‘Didi’ is a shortened version of his first name Waldyr.
At club level, Didi played for several teams in Brazil and abroad, including Fluminense, Botafogo, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
It’s important to note that the nickname ‘Didi’ can also be used for other personalities in various fields, and it’s always useful to specify the context to identify the person being referred to.
05: George Weah (Liberia)
George Weah is a former Liberian footballer and politician born on 1 October 1966 in Monrovia, Liberia. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest African players in the history of football.
Weah began his professional football career in the 1980s. He played for several clubs, including Monaco in France, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan in Italy, Chelsea in England and others. His time at AC Milan, where he won the Ballon d’Or in 1995, was the high point of his playing career.
At international level, George Weah was captain of the Liberian national team. He is the only Liberian to have won the Ballon d’Or and was a symbol of pride for his country.
After retiring from professional football, George Weah turned to politics. In 2017, he was elected President of Liberia, becoming the first former international footballer to become Head of State. His journey from football to politics has made him an iconic figure in Africa.
04: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
Samuel Eto’o is a former Cameroonian footballer born on 10 March 1981 in Nkon, Cameroon. He is regarded as one of the greatest African strikers of all time and had a remarkable career with both club and country.
Eto’o has played for several prestigious clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid and Mallorca in Spain, Inter Milan and AC Milan in Italy, Chelsea and Everton in England, and others. He is best known for his time at Barcelona, where he won several titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2006. He also won the Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010.
At international level, Samuel Eto’o has been a mainstay of the Cameroon national team, the Indomitable Lions. He has taken part in several FIFA World Cups and African Cup of Nations tournaments with his country. He is the top scorer in the history of the Cameroon national team.
In addition to his achievements for club and country, Samuel Eto’o is also known for his involvement in charitable and philanthropic activities in Africa. After retiring from professional football, he remained active in the field of sport, and in 2019 he was appointed Cameroon’s goodwill ambassador for sporting and social issues.
03: Eusébio (Portugal)
Eusébio, whose full name was Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, was a Portuguese footballer who was born on 25 January 1942 in Maputo (formerly known as Lourenço Marques), Mozambique, and died on 5 January 2014 in Lisbon, Portugal. He is considered one of the greatest footballers in the history of the sport.
Eusébio was an exceptional striker who left his mark on the history of Portuguese football and Benfica, the club where he spent most of his career. He played for Benfica from 1960 to 1975, winning numerous domestic and international titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 1962.
At international level, Eusébio represented the Portuguese national team. He was a key player in the Portuguese team that reached the semi-finals of the 1966 FIFA World Cup, finishing in third place, and won the tournament’s top scorer award.
Eusébio was renowned for his speed, shooting power, technique and ability to score goals. He was honoured throughout his career and after his retirement for his contribution to football, and remains an icon of Portuguese sport.
02: Larbi Benbarek (Franco-Moroccan)
Larbi Benbarek was a Moroccan footballer who was born on 16 June 1914 in Casablanca, Morocco, and died on 16 September 1992 in Paris, France. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in the history of Morocco and French football.
Nicknamed “the black pearl”, Larbi Benbarek left his mark on his era as a striker and attacking midfielder. He played for several clubs during his career, including USM Casablanca in Morocco and Stade Français, Red Star and OGC Nice in France.
Larbi Benbarek was one of the first North African football stars to play in France in the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his exceptional technique, creativity and ability to score goals. Benbarek also played for France as a non-white player at a time when ethnic diversity in football was relatively rare.
He was a pioneer and an emblematic figure in North African and African football. After his retirement as a player, Larbi Benbarek pursued a coaching career and continued to contribute to the development of football. He has also been honoured with a number of distinctions, including the title of best Moroccan player of the 20th century.
01: Pelé (Brazil)
Pelé, whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is a former Brazilian footballer, born on 23 October 1940 in Três Corações, Brazil. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time and is often mentioned as one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors.
Pelé enjoyed an outstanding career with the Brazilian national team and at club level. He won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, becoming the only player to have won the prestigious trophy three times. Pelé was top scorer at the World Cup in 1958 and 1970.
At club level, Pelé spent most of his career with Santos FC in Brazil, winning numerous titles. He also played for New York Cosmos in the United States towards the end of his career.
Pelé is famous for his exceptional technique, creativity, speed and ability to score spectacular goals. He scored more than 1,000 goals during his professional career, an impressive feat that contributed to his worldwide fame.
Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Pelé is also an iconic figure in football and is often regarded as an ambassador for the sport around the world.
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