Africa has produced an abundance of footballing talent over the years, and many African strikers have made their mark on the world stage. These players have not only demonstrated exceptional skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability but have also earned a reputation for their contributions to their national teams and clubs alike. From legendary goal-scoring records in European leagues to international successes in continental tournaments, African strikers have been key to the growth of football both on the continent and globally. This article will delve into the best African strikers of all time, examining their achievements, skills, and influence on the sport.
1. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
Samuel Eto’o is widely regarded as one of the best African strikers to ever play the game. His career spanned across multiple top European clubs, and he proved himself as a lethal striker in every league he played in. Eto’o made his name at Real Mallorca before moving on to bigger clubs such as FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and others.
Eto’o’s remarkable career saw him win numerous trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, La Liga titles, and the prestigious African Player of the Year award four times (2003, 2004, 2005, 2010). He was a key player for both Barcelona and Inter Milan, achieving major success at both clubs. His incredible goal-scoring ability, quickness, and poise in front of goal earned him a reputation as one of the best strikers of his generation.
On the international stage, Eto’o was also incredibly successful. He is the all-time top scorer for Cameroon, with over 50 goals in international matches. His crowning achievement with the national team came in 2000 and 2002 when he helped Cameroon win back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles. Eto’o also led his country to the Olympic gold medal in 2000. His leadership, consistency, and record-breaking career solidified his place as one of Africa’s greatest ever strikers.
2. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
One of the most iconic strikers in African football history, Didier Drogba became a global star with Chelsea in the English Premier League. Known for his strength, technical ability, and physicality, Drogba was a powerful force on the field, and his presence often intimidated defenders. Drogba’s style of play made him the perfect forward for English football, and his ability to score in crucial moments, particularly in finals, made him a true legend at Chelsea.
Drogba’s crowning achievement with the Blues came in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final, where he scored the equalizing goal and then netted the decisive penalty in the shootout, helping Chelsea win their first-ever Champions League trophy. Over his two stints at Chelsea, Drogba won numerous domestic league titles, FA Cups, and the aforementioned European title.
Drogba also had a significant impact with the Ivorian national team. He played in three World Cups and several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, helping the Ivory Coast reach the final of the 2006 and 2012 AFCON. While he never won a major continental title with the Ivory Coast, Drogba’s leadership and consistency made him a revered figure in African football.
3. George Weah (Liberia)
George Weah is perhaps the most iconic African footballer to ever play the game, not only because of his on-field accomplishments but also due to his historical achievement of winning the Ballon d’Or in 1995. Weah’s success is even more remarkable given the context of Liberia’s political instability during his career. Despite these challenges, Weah made his name in Europe, particularly in Italy and France, where he played for clubs like AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan.
Weah was known for his incredible speed, vision, and technical ability, making him a nightmare for defenders. His time at AC Milan was particularly fruitful, and he became a star in Serie A, where he won several domestic titles and individual awards. His Ballon d’Or win was a monumental achievement, as he became the first and only African player to win the prestigious award.
While Weah did not win significant international trophies with Liberia, his individual brilliance and the fact that he played for a relatively less competitive team compared to other international stars showed his exceptional talent. Weah is also remembered for his philanthropy and political career, which led to his election as the president of Liberia in 2018.
4. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Riyad Mahrez may not have the sheer number of goals as some other African strikers on this list, but his impact and skill make him one of the best African attacking players of all time. Mahrez’s rise to prominence came with Leicester City during their historic 2015-2016 Premier League title-winning season. He was instrumental in Leicester’s fairytale run, earning the PFA Player of the Year award that season.
Following his success in England, Mahrez moved to Manchester City, where he continued to impress with his dazzling dribbling and creativity. Mahrez helped City win multiple Premier League titles and played an important role in their Champions League campaign. His technical skills, vision, and ability to score from wide positions make him one of the most exciting players to watch.
On the international stage, Mahrez was the captain of Algeria when they won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, a title that was immensely important for both the player and the nation. Mahrez’s performances in the tournament, including his late free-kick against Nigeria in the semifinals, cemented his legacy as one of Africa’s top attacking players.
5. Hossam Hassan (Egypt)
One of the most prolific strikers in the history of African football, Hossam Hassan enjoyed a career that spanned over two decades. Representing Egypt, Hassan became one of the most decorated players in the nation’s football history, winning three Africa Cup of Nations titles (1986, 1998, and 2010) and several domestic league titles with clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek.
Hassan’s playing style was defined by his physicality, work ethic, and goal-scoring ability. He was not only a great finisher but also a tireless worker who contributed to both ends of the pitch. Over the course of his career, Hassan earned over 170 goals in club competitions and helped Egypt reach its golden era in African football.
Although Hassan never played in a major European league, his success on the continent, especially with the Egyptian national team, made him one of Africa’s most respected forwards. His leadership on the field, coupled with his goal-scoring feats, elevated him to the status of one of the continent’s greatest ever strikers.
6. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)
Nwankwo Kanu’s career was nothing short of remarkable. The Nigerian forward played for some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, including Ajax, Arsenal, and Inter Milan. Kanu’s technical ability, creativity, and flair made him one of the most unique strikers of his generation. His ability to control the ball and his vision for through balls made him more than just a traditional goal-scorer.
At Arsenal, Kanu formed a formidable attacking partnership with Thierry Henry and helped the club win multiple Premier League titles and FA Cups. Kanu’s crowning achievement came in 2000 when he led Nigeria to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, cementing his legacy as one of the best Nigerian players of all time.
Although Kanu had his share of injuries, he played in multiple World Cups and was instrumental in Nigeria’s success in African competitions. His technical mastery and leadership made him an icon in Nigerian football.
7. Benni McCarthy (South Africa)
Benni McCarthy is one of South Africa’s greatest ever footballers and a legendary striker on the African continent. McCarthy’s rise came in Europe, where he played for top clubs such as Ajax, Porto, and Blackburn Rovers. McCarthy’s most significant achievement came with Porto, where he won the UEFA Champions League under José Mourinho in 2004, playing a key role in the club’s success.
With a deadly left foot and a powerful shot, McCarthy was known for his ability to score goals from a variety of positions. His goal-scoring exploits earned him numerous individual accolades, and he remains South Africa’s all-time top scorer in international competitions.
On the international scene, McCarthy represented South Africa in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and was a key player in their 1996 AFCON victory. His skill, leadership, and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him one of Africa’s most talented strikers.
8. Youssef El-Arabi (Morocco)
Although Youssef El-Arabi may not have reached the level of fame of some other African strikers, his performances, particularly with Olympiacos and Al-Duhail, have been exceptional. El-Arabi’s style is defined by his clinical finishing and his ability to perform in high-stakes situations. For Morocco, he has been a consistent and reliable forward, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s qualification for various tournaments, including the World Cup.
Conclusion
These African strikers have not only excelled in their respective leagues but have also made lasting contributions to their national teams. Each of them has brought something unique to the table, whether it be Eto’o’s clinical finishing, Drogba’s physicality, or Weah’s speed and technical brilliance. African football has a rich history, and these legendary strikers have been at the forefront of it, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. As football continues to evolve, the legacy of these players will continue to inspire future generations.
