Ranking the five greatest African footballers in history

These athletes have dazzled fans with their skill, determination, and passion, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game.

Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba, born on March 11, 1978, in Ivory Coast, is one of the most iconic strikers to grace the football world. His journey from the Ligue 2 club Le Mans to becoming Chelsea's all-time top foreign scorer is nothing short of legendary. Drogba's move to Chelsea in 2004 for a club-record fee of £24 million marked the beginning of a remarkable era, and this player was always one of the favourites when betting on football matches with regards to scoring goals. Drogba's knack for scoring crucial goals in big matches, especially his equaliser and winning penalty in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final against Bayern Munich, cemented his status as the "ultimate big game player."

Drogba's international career was equally impressive. He captained the Ivory Coast national team, leading them to their first FIFA World Cup in 2006 and scoring their first goal in the tournament. He retired as Ivory Coast's all-time top scorer with 65 goals in 105 appearances.

Samuel Eto'o

Samuel Eto'o, born on March 10, 1981, in Cameroon, is another African football legend. Eto'o's career took off at Mallorca, where he became the club's all-time top scorer before making a high-profile move to Barcelona. At , Eto'o was a key part of a devastating attacking trio with Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi, winning multiple La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League titles.

Eto'o's success extended to the international stage, where he helped Cameroon win the Africa Cup of Nations twice and the Olympic gold medal in 2000. He remains the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations and Cameroon's top scorer. Eto'o's remarkable career also includes stints with Inter Milan, Chelsea, and several other clubs.

Abedi Pele

Abedi Pele, born Abedi Ayew on November 5, 1964, in Ghana, is widely regarded as one of Africa's greatest midfielders. Known for his skilful dribbling and playmaking abilities, Abedi Pele made a significant impact in European football, particularly with Marseille, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 1993. His performances in the French Ligue 1 earned him recognition as one of the finest African players of his era.

Abedi Pele's international career with Ghana was equally impressive. He played a pivotal role in Ghana's victorious 1982 African Cup of Nations campaign and was named the tournament's best player in 1992.

George Weah

George Weah, born on October 1, 1966, in Liberia, is a name synonymous with African football excellence. Weah's career took him to some of Europe's biggest clubs, including AC Milan, where he won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1995, becoming the first and only African to do so. Known for his incredible athleticism, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability, Weah left an indelible mark on the sport.

Jay-Jay Okocha

Augustine Azuka "Jay-Jay" Okocha, born on August 14, 1973, in Nigeria, is renowned for his flair, creativity, and dribbling wizardry. Okocha's career spanned several top European leagues, including the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and the Premier League. His ability to entertain and mesmerise fans with his skills made him a beloved figure in the football world.

Okocha's international career with Nigeria was equally spectacular. He was a key player in Nigeria's 1994 and 2000 Africa Cup of Nations victories and played in three World Cups. His influence extended to mentoring future stars like Ronaldinho, showcasing his impact on the next generation of football talent.