The Premier League is the most famous league in the world. A league that is much appreciated by African players. Some of them are even among the crème de la crème of Europe’s elite leagues. Today, Afrique Sports ranks the best African players in the history of the Premier League.
The list includes some big names who have already retired and others who are still active. When you think of African stars still playing in the Premier League, Mohamed Salah springs to mind. After arriving at Liverpool several years ago, the Egyptian has taken on a whole new dimension. Every season, he has established himself as one of the very best, leading his team to the top. Although Liverpool’s fortunes took a turn for the worse last season, Mo Salah’s effectiveness has remained unchanged. But is he enough to overtake Didier Drogba? The answer is yes. Over the years, Salah has shattered all Didier Drogba’s records to become the benchmark.
All the same, the Ivorian remains an African benchmark when it comes to Premier League strikers. It is not for nothing that he is considered Chelsea’s best player, ahead of the likes of Frank Lampard and John Terry. The two stars are followed by another Ivorian who has made his mark on the Premier League, Yaya Touré. Having moved from Barcelona to Manchester City, Yaya Touré has been exceptional under Mancini, Pellegrini and then Pep Guardiola. He laid the foundations for what is now the Citizens’ undisputed dominance in England.
Ranking of the best African players in Premier League history
1 – Mo Salah (Liverpool)
Mo Salah has made his mark in the Premier League since joining Liverpool in 2017. His outstanding performances have been a testament to his great talent. With his incredible pace and finisher’s estain, Mo Salah has contributed to Liverpool’s successes. The Egyptian international is blessed with incredible technique and attacking versatility. Salah has won several Premier League trophies with Liverpool. Salah won the Premier League Asia Trophy, the Premier League, the Emirates FA Cup, the League Cup and the Community Shield with Liverpool.
2 – Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
Didier Drogba has become one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Premier League. During his time at Chelsea (2004 – 2012), the former Côte d’Ivoire international became one of the club’s legends. His impact on the club goes beyond his impressive statistics. Drogba helped propel Chelsea to the top with his crucial goals and his impact on the players. He has won several Premier League trophies with the club, including: the Premier League (2004/05, 2005/06, 2009/10 and 2011/12), The Emirates FA Cup (2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2011/2012), the League Cup (2004/05, 2006/07 and 2014/15) and the Community Shield.
3 – Yaya Toure (Man City)
The Ivorian icon made Premier League history thanks to his exceptional career, particularly with Manchester City. Known for his physical strength, Yaya Toure had a style and vision that allowed him to dominate other midfielders. Although he was not a prolific striker, Yaya Toure scored great goals that helped his team to important victories. Yaya Touré was a leader in the Cityzens team. The Ivorian won prestigious trophies with the club: the Premier League (2011/12, 2013/14 and 2017/18), The Emirates FA Cup, the League Cup (2013/14, 2015/16 and 2017/18) and the Community Shield.
4 – Sadio Mane ( Liverpool)
Sadio Mane has enjoyed great success since joining the Premier League. On his arrival at Southampton in 2014, the Senegalese established himself as the Premier League’s best winger. Liverpool subsequently set their sights on the young Senegalese, and in 2016 Mané joined the Reds.
Renowned for his speed and explosiveness, his time at Liverpool was crowned with success. Mané was a prolific goalscorer and his crucial strikes helped Liverpool to the top. The Bambali native won several trophies with Liverpool in the Premier League, where he was one of the key men: the Premier League Asia Trophy, the Premier League, The Emirates FA Cup and the League Cup.
5 – Riyad Mahrez (Man City)
Riyad Mahrez has had an impressive Premier League campaign, making him one of the best African players in the Premier League. Mahrez was one of Leicester’s star performers in the club’s Premier League triumph. His time at Manchester City was also crowned with success.
After his exploits with Leicester, Mahrez confirmed his superb form with City, where he was an important part of Pep Guardiola’s team. His time in the Premier League was remarkable, with the Algerian scoring several goals and winning several trophies: the Premier League (2015/16, 2018/19, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23), The Emirates FA Cup (2018/19 and 2022/23), the League Championship, the League Cup (2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21) and the Community Shield (2018/19 and 2019/20).
6 – Essien (Chelsea)
Former Ghana international Michael Essien is also one of the players who have the Premier League. During his time at Chelsea from 2005 to 2014, Essien was one of the Premier League’s most memorable midfielders. He won the Premier League (2005/06 and 2009/10), The Emirates FA Cup (2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2011/12), and the Community Shield (2005/06 and 2009/10).
7 – Adebayor (Arsenal)
Emmanuel Adebayor has left his mark on the Premier League. With spells at several of Europe’s top clubs, particularly in the Premier League, the Togolese has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers. Adebayor has won the Community Shield and the Emirates Cup in the Premier League.
8 – Kolo Toure (Arsenal and City)
The Ivorian rock has established himself as one of the best central defenders in the Premier League. Thanks to his character and explosiveness, Kolo Toure has been one of the key players for Arsenal and Manchester City. Under Arsène Wenger, the Ivorian was a pillar of his team. After his majestic spell at Arsenal, he joined Manchester City and continued to triumph with City. He won the Premier League (2001/02, 2003/04 and 2011/2012), The Emirates FA Cup (2001/02, 2002/03, 2004/05 and 2010/11), the Community Shield (2002/03, 2004/05 and 2012/13) and the Emirates Cup.
9 – Kanu (Arsenal)
Nwankwo Kanu, nicknamed Papilo, had a remarkable career in the Premier League, particularly at Arsenal. His goals left unforgettable memories for Gunners fans. He was a versatile striker, capable of playing both up front and in support. He won the Premier League (2001/02 and 2003/04), the Community Shield and the Emirates FA Cup.
10 – Obi Mikel (Chelsea)
During his time at Chelsea, Obi Mikel was a reliable defensive midfielder. The defensive support he gave his team enabled them to organise themselves better at the back. His recoveries and impact on the game were incredible. Although his role was to help the defence, Obi Mikel facilitated the transition between defence and attack. He won several Premier League trophies with Chelsea: the Premier League (2009/10 and 2014/15), The Emirates FA Cup (2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2011/12), the League Cup (2006/07 and 2014/15) and the Community Shield.
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