The Best South African Soccer Players Ever

So, with that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best South African soccer players ever - those who have made a mark on the sport not just in their own country, but across the world.

1. Lucas Radebe

Lucas Radebe, a South African footballer, is famous for his tenure at Leeds United in the UK - at a time when this club was doing pretty well in the UK football betting odds! 

Known as the Chief, he was a big character for Leeds during their Premier League era - and his leadership, impressive defensive skills and sportsmanship earned him a lot of fans in the UK and abroad. Testament to his talent, he has captained both Leeds United and the South African national team - embodying sheer determination and hard work. 

However, his legacy goes beyond this - as well as his on-field prowess, he’s been at the forefront of trying to help combat racism. This has also helped to solidify his legacy as one of South Africa's finest footie exports… and a respected figure in the world of English football.

2. Benni McCarthy

Benni McCarthy, a South African striker, has left quite a mark on football thanks to the time he spent playing for FC Porto. His impressive goal-scoring ability and fast play style earned him the reputation for being quite the successful forward. During his time with Porto, he helped them to both UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League victories, making him a big name in European football at that time. 

His successful stint in Portugal was followed up with some impressive footballing at Blackburn Rovers - where he became known for his clinical finishes. To this day, Benni McCarthy is considered one of South Africa's most impressive football exports.

3. Steven Pienaar

Steven Pienaar earned a name as a versatile South African midfielder - managing to carve out a pretty impressive career in European football. He had a very solid time playing at Everton - where his creativity, determination, and technical skills were at their very best. 

Pienaar had the ability to dictate play and contribute those vital goals - and this earned him a lot of fans and admiration across the EPL. However, his impact extended even beyond England and he spent time playing at Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.

Known for his vision and pure, raw talent, his journey through top-flight European football has more than earned him a reputation as one of South Africa's best midfielders in recent times.

4. Doctor Khumalo

You have to be confident to call yourself a Doctor, right? Well, Doctor Khumalo, a South African football icon, showed off some serious skills and leadership in his career. He spent most of his time playing for the Kaizer Chiefs - where he earned praise for his artistic flair on the pitch. 

His precise passing, and ability to perfectly read a game made him a popular and respected midfielder. He also played a major role in his country’s win at the 1996 African Cup of Nations. The Doctor also spent a short time at the Columbus Crew in the USA… bringing his talent to international audiences. 

5. Shaun Bartlett

Shaun Bartlett, a famous South African forward, has also earned himself a good reputation in the beautiful game. During his career, he played in various leagues - in each one, showing off his impressive scoring ability. 

He became famous for his time spent at Charlton Athletic where he was both tenacious and a pretty solid goal scorer. However, he could also adapt to different positions, which made him even more of an asset. Bartlett managed to score some incredibly important goals - most notably during the 1998 African Cup of Nations, which had a big impact on his team’s success. 

Because of this, he became a hugely respected figure in South African football - and his international career and goal-scoring achievements are forever written in South African football history.

So, there you have it. No doubt there are many more that deserve a place…and there will be in the future.