AFCON is one of the greatest championships in Africa. Although it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, AFCON fans come from all over the continent. Some tune in the comfort of their homes while others book tickets to attend a few matches.
AFCON has seen some of the best footballers worldwide, and it will continue as the years pass. Now the question comes, who is the greatest AFCON player of all time? Well, we have outlined for you the top eight. But before that, you can check the best games on your favorite online casino and try your luck today.
Yaya Toure
Yaya Toure was an important member of the Ivory Coast national team. He was crowned four times as the African Footballer of the Year. In 2015, Ivory Coast claimed the AFCON title thanks to the help of Yaya Toure and the rest of his team.
He joined Barcelona, where he won almost all titles he could at the time. Later on, he joined Manchester City, where his career continued to grow to become one of the spectacular footballers. In 2014, he was the 2nd midfielder who scored 20 goals in a single premier league.
Over the years, his starship dimmed with the arrival of Pep Guardiola. However, he secured one more league title in 2018. He then moved to Olympiacos.
Jay-Jay Okocha
The king of technical flair and trickery! Jay-Jay, AFCON for Nigeria in 1994. 2 years later, he won the Olympic goal while in Suoer Eagles. In 2004, Jay-Jay was AFCON’s top scorer and the most outstanding individual.
He was signed into different teams, including Fenerbahce. He settled at Bolton. Jay-Jay made matches fun and with his daring talent. However, his trophy cabinet is disappointing. Okocha remains an African football icon.
Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’
Abedi Ayer, the Ghanaian Pele, starred for his country and Marseille. In 1982 Ayer won AFCON with Ghana. Ten years later, he was the Player of the tournament where the Black Stars lost the title to Ivory Coast.
Abedi Pele joined Marseille in France in the early 90s, where his career grew. He helped the team win back League 1 titles and reach the Champions League final, which they won in 1993.
The Ghanaian Pele is among the top three African players ranked by IFFHS. Unfortunately, he never played for his country in the World Cup. Nonetheless, his three sons are making wonders in the country as international players.
Didier Drogba
The name speaks for itself. No introduction is needed for the Ivorian striker. Drogba won 17 trophies while in Chelsea, the 2012 Champions League title. He won African Payer of the Year twice. Besides football, Drogba assisted in ending the civil war in his homeland.
Samuel Eto’o
The Cameroon star is the most successful African Player to top European football. He won 4 African Player of the Year titles and 3 Champion Leagues while in Barcelona and Inter. In 2006, Eto’o won the man of the match playing against Arsenal in the decider.
Samuel Eto’o also flourished as a striker in Chelsea, Everton, Sampdoria, and Real Mallorca, scoring over 400 goals. He won two AFCON tournaments and remained the top scorer in the competition’s history. Eto’o also won Olympic gold and represented Indomitable Lions in 3 world cups.
George Weah
George Weah, a Liberian national, became African Footballer of the Year 3 times. His football skills earned him the nickname ‘King George.’ His skills made him among the greatest in the 20th century.
In 1995 he won the Ballon d’Or other than the European footballer of the year and FIFA World Player in the same year. He is famous for his play in Milan. He led Rossoneri to 2 Serie A titles. He also played for Monaco and PSG, winning six trophies and winning the FA Cup playing for Chelsea.
George never played at the international level for his country; however, his influence in football was noticeable. He is among the greatest players of the 1990s. George Weah is currently the Liberian President.
Roger Milla
The Cameroonian footballer led his team to the World Cup in 1990. He is the first African who lead his team to the World Cup quarter-finals scoring four goals. Roger Milla is known for his corner flag celebration.
Milla won the African Footballer of the Year twice. Milla scored a goal in the 1994 world cup, making him the oldest Player at 42 to score a goal. The Confederation of African Football in 2007 named him the best African Player for the past 50 years.
Nwankwo Kanu
Kanu won African Player of the Year twice for his successful gameplay. 1.97 meters tall, Kanu was a skillful footballer. His movement, itch intelligence, technical ability, and footwork were notable.
The Nigerian striker played for the National Team in three World Cups. He won Olympic Gold. However, the Super Eagles fell narrowly in the AFCON. He joined Ajax which later won the champions league. He won the UEFA Cup with Inter and Premier Ligue titles with Arsenal and other trophies.
