10 Greatest Footballers of Recent Times

Africa has produced numerous great players in history. To list them all in this piece will be suicidal. However, only a few who have been quite remarkable in recent years that have gone by will be recognised. They include;Didier

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Drogba

The lion of Africa as he is fondly called. This Ivorian star is a strong forward player who has an insatiable hunger for goals. He has contributed greatly to the national and international scene. His dedication to duty is commendable. This has earned him successive Awards, national and league cups. A two time African footballer of the year winner, in the top 3 of the same award eight times and won two league cups and the Champions league with the Chelsea side. He is unquestionably one of the most decorated African players.

Samuel Eto’o

He is the finest and most skilful striker Africa ever produced. He scored more than 100 goals in 5 seasons at Barcelona. He knows how to pull a goal from the most difficult situations. A four time African footballer of the year winner and once voted third as the FIFA world player of the year. On the national scene with the Cameroon team, he won two African cup of nations and the Olympic gold.

El Hadji Diouf

This Senegalese player has bagged two African footballer of the year awards. His contribution to the Senegalese football and African football as a whole has been remarkable. He was multifaceted. Functioning either as an attacker or on both wings. He was fast, swift and ready to score.

Jay Jay Okocha

Okocha’s technical and artistic skills on the field of play is what kept people watching and enjoying the game. He brought fun and excitement in every game he played. Everyone was always anxious to see what Jay Jay would do with the ball. He took the Nigerian team to their first Olympic goal victory in the early 90s and two African nation cups. A two time African player of the year award winner and also recognised internationally as among the 125 greatest players in history by Pele.

Yaya Toure

Yaya’s immense contribution to Manchester City’s midfield since he arrived from Barcelona has been remarkable. This Ivorian has been consistent in his powerhouse delivery and even scoring of goals. He has been recognised twice as the African footballer of the year and named in the PFA Premier League team of the year in 2012.

Michael Essien

According to the Bleacher Report, This Ghanaian was considered as the most impressive specimen in football in the last 10 year. His outstanding performance in the national and international scene (playing with Lyon), announced him to the world and earned him a signing to the Chelsea side in 2005. Once named the BBC African Player of the Year. Essien has also been third on the podium for the CAF award a remarkable four times and runner-up once. 

Emmanuel Adebayor

This fast paced Togolese player started his professional career in 1999. His great contribution to the national team, French, English and Spanish football is unquestionable. This earned him the African player of the year award in 2008.

Mustapha Hadji

Hadji is remembered for his innovative and agile midfield role at both the National and international scene. This Moroccan excelled in his role which earned him the African footballer of the year award in 1998. Becoming the first non-west African to be recognised for such an award.

Pat Mboma

Mboma is remembered for his incredible power and technical prowess on the field of play. A consistent goal scorer with the Cameroon team, earning them two AFCON titles and an Olympic gold. His great skills and goal scoring ability earned him the African Footballer of the year and BBC African footballer of the year in 2000.

Nwankwo Kano

Kano’s authentic, unpredictable yet remarkable skills is what football lovers remember Him by. His sheer love for the game could be seen in every move, every pass and every goal. Well thought of and executed. He has been fabulous in both the international and national scene of play which has earned him two African Player of the year award, BBC footballer of the year and the Olympic gold.