The French league has seen enough African footballers. They have all left their mark on Ligue 1. Goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders or strikers, here are the 12 best African players of all time in French Ligue 1.

Let’s take a look at the best African players of all time in Ligue 1

Geoge Weah

If we were talking about a Top 3, he would also be there. George Weah made history during his time at PSG. France’s one and only golden ball winner of African descent is a firm fan favourite at the Parc des Princes. The Liberian striker has made his mark and shown his genius in every competition the club has entered. Against Bayern, Real Madrid, Barcelona and AC Milan, Mister George has always shown himself to be a master.

Jean-Marc Adjovi Boco

The well-known Jimmy Adjovi Boco is the first Beninese player to play in a European Cup. After spells at Créteil, Amiens SC, FC Rouen and Tours FC, it was at Lens that the Ecureuil forged his reputation. He established himself in the Lens defence and played a key role in the club’s dominance of Ligue 1 from 1991 to 1997. Over the course of six seasons, the Beninese played in a number of competitions, including the UEFA Cup (Europa League), a competition in which Jimmy played a total of 8 matches.

Jay Jay Okocha

Pure talent! Considered one of the dribblers of all time, Nigeria international Augustine Okocha remains the most adored African footballer at the Parc des Princes. His dribbling, passing and phenomenal actions have made him a legend at the French club. Arriving for a record 100 million francs, the Nigerian took just one minute 54 seconds to adapt to French football. In four seasons, he scored 20 goals in a total of 113 matches.

Rabah Madjer

It’s hard not to mention the talented Algerian Rabah Madjer. His name will go down in the annals of football for having invented a madman’s move to score goals. Having played in France for RC Paris and Tours FC, Algerian international striker Rabah Madjer is one of the best footballers in history. He made his name with FC Porto in 1979 and again in 1987.

Roger Milla

He has given his all to the Cameroon national team. But he also spent most of his career in Ligue1. At Valenciennes, As Monaco, Bastia, ASSE, Montpellier and Saint-Pierroise, Roger Milla was quite simply monstrous, scoring 125 goals. He is one of the best Africans to have played in Ligue 1.

Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba is one of the greatest African footballers of all time, and also of Ligue1. Discovered at Guingamp, Drogba went on to enjoy a figurative rise, notably at Olympique de Marseille. It was at OM that the Ivorian made history in Ligue1. In one season, he eclipsed all the league’s stars, scoring 19 Ligue1 goals, including a volley into the top corner against Montpellier that was voted “best goal of the year” at the UNFP awards ceremony, and eleven goals in the Champions League and UEFA Cup. The club reached the final of the UEFA Cup.

 Abedi Ayew

The first footballer to win the African Golden Ball three times in a row. Abedi Ayew, also known as Adebi Pelé, has gone down in history. His talent won Olympique de Marseille its only Champions League trophy. He will go down in Ligue 1 history.

Laurent Pokou

Having died recently in Abidjan, the world will find it hard to forget this former Ivorian glory. Born in 1947, N’Dri became a legend in 1964. This former Asec Mimosa striker remains a legend at Stade Rennais.

Joseph Antoine Bell

Phenomenal and historic in Ligue 1! Former Cameroon goalkeeper Joseph Antoine Bell has made Ligue 1 history. From OM to Sporting Toulon and Bordeaux, via ASSE, the lion has played a total of 384 matches in the French league.

Mamadou Niang

After spells at Troyes, Metz and Strasbourg, Senegalese striker Mamadou Niang made his name in Ligue 1 with Olympique de Marseille. The Lions striker has gone down in the history of both the club and Ligue 1. With OM alone, Niang scored a total of 100 goals in 227 appearances.

Japhet N’Doram

Nicknamed Le sorcier de la Beaujoire, N’Doram is a Chadian attacking midfielder and striker who played a key role for FC Nantes in Ligue 1. Born on 27 February 1966 in N’Djaména, he scored a staggering 87 goals in 228 Ligue 1 appearances for Les Jaunes.

Pascal Feindouno

It’s hard to forget Pascal Feindouno’s time in Ligue 1. Born on 27 February 1981 in Conakry, this Guinean international attacking midfielder spent several seasons with Girondins de Bordeaux, Lorient, As Moncao and above all ASSE. Thanks to his remarkable technical ability, the Syli have gone down in the history of African Ligue 1 players.