10. Rabah Madjer
Regarded as the best Algerian striker of all time, Madjer made his name with FC Porto as he helped them win the European Cup and the Super Cup. Named as the Algerian Footballer of the 20th Century, as well as African Footballer of the Year, Madjer was instrumental in leading Algeria to the 1990 African Nations Cup title.
09. Ibrahim Sunday
A former African Footballer of the Year, Sunday was fantastic when representing Ghana and Asante Kotoko. Despite two seasons in Germany, he never played more than once, but back home, Sunday was one of the best midfielders, dictating the pace of play with his sublime movement and passing.
08. Thomas N’Kono
For 18 years, Thomas N’Kono was the Cameroonian goalkeeper and is widely considered as one of the best to come out of that continent. The fact that Gigi Buffon took inspiration from N’Kono before deciding to play as goalkeeper, and named his son after this great player, is a sign of how good N’Kono was between the posts.
07. Theophile Abega
He was the captain of the Cameroon team when they went on to lift their first ever African Nations Cup! Abega was a midfielder who commanded the respect of his teammates and dread of his opponents. He had power and control over the ball, creating an absolutely fascinating atmosphere within the team and amongst the fans.
06. Victor Ikpeba
When Nigeria won the 1994 African Nations Cup and the 1996 Olympic Gold Medal, it was Ikpeba who ran the show. A fantastic showman, Ikpeba had extraordinary skills with the ball but more importantly, had the confidence to show it off on the pitch. Deft touches and spectacular goals were his trademark as this fantastic ambassador of the game showed throughout his vibrant career.
05. Samuel Eto’o
Power, pace and precision – three words that can describe Samuel Eto’o and his skill at the highest level! Twice leading Cameroon to the African Nations’ Cup title as well as helping them win the 2000 Olympic Gold Medal, Eto’o has won every title, except the FIFA World Cup. His stint with Mallorca really put him into the limelight and thereafter, Eto’o went on to play with FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, winning the UEFA Champions League title to become the only player to win the treble in consecutive seasons.
04. Didier Drogba
When it comes to power, defenders shudder at the sight of Didier Drogba. It isn’t all about power either as “The Drog” has shown with his fantastic finishing and scoring ability. Capable of holding of defenders like flies, Drogba has created a new level of striker, one that the world will struggle to match. Although Cote d’Ivoire may not have won any international titles, Drogba has been one of the key reasons for the phenomenal rise of the Elephants in world football.
03. Roger Milla
One of the most recognizable faces of African football, Roger Milla may have attained greatness for a variety of reasons but the most important has to be Cameroon’s run to the quarter-finals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where the 38 year old Milla scored four goals. Known for his fantastic goal celebrations that were mini-parties on their own, Milla is truly a representative of hope.
02. Abedi Pele
He was widely regarded as the best African Footballer ever, with fantastic ability and never-before seen talent. The Ghanaian was the first to make African football popular amongst the Europeans, showing that Africans could also play as well, even better in his case, than most Europeans. He helped Ghana win the African Nations Cup and was awarded African Player of the Century.
01. George Weah
Despite his ranking as the number one African Player of the Century, Abedi Pele is not our number one choice and that is merely for one reason – George Weah has been a bigger ambassador for African teams than any of the names in the list. Weah is also the only African player to have won the World Player of the Year award. He was also named as the European Player of the Year once as well as the African Player of the Year thrice. Weah also gave back to African football in kind, opening many schools and starting many academies. A fantastic player and human being, Weah is undoubtedly the number one African Player ever.