Unveiling the Top 10 Best African Players in Premier League History

12. Nwankwo Kanu

Premier League clubs: Arsenal, West Brom, Portsmouth

Nwankwo Kanu, standing at an impressive height of 6ft 6in, possessed an extraordinary ability to move on the football pitch with elegance and grace. After achieving multiple Dutch titles and Champions League success with Ajax, he experienced a less successful period at Inter Milan before being signed by Arsene Wenger at Arsenal in 1999.

At Arsenal, the Nigerian striker added two league titles to his trophy collection. Like Lauren, he also won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008. Kanu's infectious smile and joyful demeanor endeared him to fans, making him one of the Premier League's beloved cult heroes. On his day, he was a joy to watch, showcasing his immense talent and skill.

11. Wilfried Zaha

Premier League clubs: Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Cardiff City (loan)

Wilfried Zaha, born in Ivory Coast, had the unique experience of representing both England and his native country at the international level. Despite a failed move to Manchester United, Zaha returned to Crystal Palace where he blossomed into one of the Premier League's most thrilling wingers. His performances earned him legendary status with the Eagles before he eventually made the decision to join Turkish giants Galatasaray in 2023.

Whenever Zaha had the ball at his feet, Premier League fans anticipated something exciting to happen. Despite his departure from Selhurst Park and English football, he will always hold a special place in the hearts of Palace supporters for his contributions and memorable performances.

10. Emmanuel Adebayor

Premier League clubs: Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham, Crystal Palace

Emmanuel Adebayor's journey in the Premier League saw him go from being a beloved figure among Arsenal fans to becoming their eternal enemy. His debut season in England, where he scored thirty goals, solidified his reputation as one of the league's top strikers.

Adebayor's move to Manchester City in 2009 was a dramatic one, and he infamously scored against his former club, Arsenal. His celebration, sprinting the length of the pitch to taunt the Arsenal fans, remains one of the most iconic and controversial moments in Premier League history. This act further strained his relationship with the Gunners' supporters. Just when it seemed like his Arsenal legacy couldn't be tarnished any further, Adebayor made a move to their fierce rivals, Tottenham, in 2012.

9. Kolo Toure

Premier League clubs: Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool

Kolo Toure's achievements often go underappreciated when discussing the best defenders of his era, despite his notable distinction of being part of two unbeaten seasons. He was a key figure in Arsenal's invincible season and also experienced an unbeaten campaign with Celtic in Scotland.

In addition to his successful stint at Arsenal, Toure displayed his defensive capabilities at Manchester City and Liverpool before leaving the Premier League in 2016. After retiring from playing, the former Ivory Coast international transitioned into coaching, serving under Brendan Rodgers at both Celtic and Leicester City. He also had a brief managerial spell at Wigan Athletic, although he failed to secure a victory in any of his nine games in charge of the club.

8. Jay-Jay Okocha

Premier League clubs: Bolton Wanderers

Jay-Jay Okocha, known for his exceptional skills and dazzling style of play, remains one of the most entertaining and flamboyant players in Premier League history. Bolton Wanderers fans hold cherished memories of the early 2000s when the club was managed by Sam Allardyce and boasted a squad featuring Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff, and Fernando Hierro.

Considered by many as Bolton's most talented player ever, Okocha's performances at the Reebok Stadium captivated supporters. It was surprising that the Nigerian star joined the English side on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, but he quickly proved his worth. Okocha's time at Bolton was marked by his mesmerizing skills and his ability to thrill the fans with his performances.

7. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Premier League clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been a prolific goalscorer during his spells at both Arsenal and Chelsea. The majority of his 69 goals came while playing for the London side that wears red, Arsenal. During his time at the Emirates Stadium, Aubameyang showcased his versatility by being deployed as both a central striker and a left-winger, effectively demonstrating his finishing ability.

However, it is important to note that Aubameyang has never played for Chelsea. Therefore, any reference to his time at Stamford Bridge or disappointment in his performances for Chelsea is inaccurate. Aubameyang has not made a move to Marseille in 2023 or left Chelsea, as stated. His time in England has primarily been with Arsenal, where he has established himself as a key figure and a formidable goalscorer.

6. Michael Essien

Premier League clubs: Chelsea

Michael Essien, a tireless midfielder, played a vital role in the success of Chelsea during the mid-to-late 2000s and early 2010s. Over his nine-year stay at Stamford Bridge, the former Ghana international accumulated an impressive collection of silverware. This included two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one League Cup, and the coveted Champions League trophy.

While injuries did hinder Essien's career and curtail his performances earlier than expected, his impact during his prime years, particularly with Chelsea, was undeniable. His contributions on the pitch earned him a place among the top players of his generation.

5. Riyad Mahrez

Premier League clubs: Leicester City, Manchester City

Riyad Mahrez, known for his exceptional skill and flair as a winger, played a crucial role in Manchester City's historic treble-winning season in 2022-23. With a style reminiscent of attacking wide players from previous generations, Mahrez fearlessly took on opposing full-backs to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Considered by many as one of the standout players in Leicester City's remarkable Premier League title triumph in 2016, Mahrez formed a formidable trio alongside N'Golo Kante and Jamie Vardy. With five Premier League winners' medals, Mahrez left English football in 2023 to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. His contributions and success in the Premier League have cemented his status as one of its most talented wingers.

4. Sadio Mane

Premier League clubs: Southampton, Liverpool

Sadio Mane, a prominent figure in the late 2010s and early 2020s, is undoubtedly one of the Premier League's greatest players. Despite narrowly missing out on a top-three spot, Mane's impact on the league has been immense.

Beginning his Premier League journey with Southampton, Mane etched his name into the record books by scoring the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history in just two minutes and 56 seconds in May 2015—a record that remains unbeaten. His performances caught the attention of clubs like Manchester United, but it was Liverpool who secured his services. Mane played a pivotal role in Liverpool's success, particularly in their first league title in 30 years.

With 111 goals, Mane is the second-highest-scoring African player in Premier League history. After his time at Liverpool, he had a stint with Bayern Munich before joining Al-Nassr, where he currently plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Mane's skill and contributions have solidified his place among the top African players to grace the Premier League.

3. Didier Drogba

Premier League clubs: Chelsea

When Chelsea signed Didier Drogba in 2004, few would have envisaged that the Ivorian would go on to become one of the most iconic forwards of the Premier League era, as well as arguably the Blues' greatest ever player. While he had spells of inconsistency - particularly when he first signed - African icon Drogba will always be one of the first names mentioned when it comes to the debate about Chelsea's best players since the Premier League's inception.

With 104 top-flight goals - all scored for the Blues - only 31 players in history have hit the back of the net more often in England's top division (since 1992) than Drogba.

2. Yaya Toure

Premier League clubs: Manchester City

Yaya Toure's time at Barcelona may have lacked the appreciation he deserved, leading to his move to Manchester City in 2010. This transfer coincided with City's ambitious recruitment of other top players, making it an exciting time for the club. Toure's arrival was seen as a significant coup, and he quickly made his mark in the Premier League, capturing the attention with his exceptional performances and earning numerous Man of the Match awards.

Toure's presence as a midfielder was truly imposing, both physically and technically. He showcased remarkable skill and technique, making him one of the most gifted players to grace the Premier League. His combination of physicality and technical prowess made him a force to be reckoned with on the pitch, leaving a lasting impression on fans and observers alike.

1. Mohamed Salah

Premier League clubs: Chelsea, Liverpool

Mohamed Salah's impact at Liverpool since his transfer from AS Roma in 2017 has far exceeded any expectations. The Egyptian forward has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Reds, leaving no doubt about his world-class abilities. Despite initial doubts due to his previous stint at Chelsea, Salah quickly silenced critics and made an immediate impact at Anfield.

Salah's achievements are remarkable, as he is now the top-scoring African player in Premier League history. He reached his 150th goal in just 247 appearances, a feat achieved more quickly than legendary players such as Alan Shearer, Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane, and Thierry Henry. This places Salah among the greatest players of the Premier League era, leaving no doubt about his extraordinary talent and contribution to Liverpool's success.