AFCON continues its work as Africa’s greatest athletes return to the spotlight in Morocco.
Big names like Mohamed Salah are yet to win their first AFCON title, while Ivory Coast are aiming for back-to-back titles and Nigeria are aiming for their first title since 2013.
African soccer has grown tremendously since the turn of the 21st century, but who are the best players to emerge from the continent since the turn of the millennium?
20
Kalidou Coulibaly
(Senegal)
Kalidou Koulibaly is considered one of the best African defenders of our time. At Napoli and later at Chelsea, his excellent physicality, combined with his excellent reading of the game, made him almost impossible to beat.
He played a key role in Senegal’s victory in AFCON as a leader and currently leads the Teranga Lions as captain.
Koulibaly has been named in the CAF Team of the Year four times and in the Serie A Team of the Season four times.
19
Ahmed Hassan
(Egypt)
Ahmed Hassan’s longevity and leadership made him one of Egypt’s greatest ever players.
As the Pharaohs’ most capped player, he was a central figure in their unprecedented AFCON triumph in the 2000s, making 184 appearances for his country.
His work rate, discipline and stability made him an invaluable asset in midfield and the anchor of a team that won four AFCONs in 12 years.
18
Mohamed Aboutrika
(Egypt)
Mohamed Aboutrika was a key player in Egypt’s powerful national team in the 2000s.
A technically gifted playmaker, I think of players like Aboutrika when I think of Africa’s growth as a football powerhouse.
Rather than move to a major European club, he remained loyal to his homeland, making over 500 appearances for Al Ahly and Egypt, winning the Egyptian Premier League seven times and the AFCON twice.
17
El Hadj Diouf
(Senegal)
El Hadji Diouf’s influence in the 21st century is inseparable from Senegal’s incredible 2002 World Cup campaign.
His confidence and talent helped Senegal become recognized as a global soccer power.
Although his club career never quite matched his talent, his peak impact was historically significant, winning trophies with iconic clubs such as Liverpool and Rangers.
16
Younes Berhanda
(Morocco)
Younes Belhanda was a key creative force in North African football in the early 2010s. With his technical ability and vision, he made an impact at club level and in Morocco, paving the way for the rise of playmakers such as Brahim Dias and Azzedine Unahi.
Berhanda played for more than a decade at top clubs across Europe, winning trophies with France, Ukraine and Turkey, and earning 50 caps for his country.
15
Seydou Keita
(Mali)
Seydou Keita was the unsung pillar of one of the best club teams ever assembled.
His intelligence and versatility made him a creative star at Barcelona, with the Catalan winning La Liga three times during his four years at the club.
Although rarely in the spotlight, his role in multiple Champions League victories highlights the growing tactical sophistication of African players in modern football.
14
Emmanuel Adebayor
(Togo)
At Emmanuel Adebayor’s peak, he was one of Europe’s most feared strikers. His combination of size, finishing and refined technique made him popular with huge clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City.
As Togo’s star player, he took on great responsibility and led the team to their first World Cup appearance.
Having led his native team for almost 20 years, he earned 87 caps and scored 32 goals.
13
Gyan Asamoah Gyan
(Ghana)
Asamoah Gyan was the face of Ghana’s golden generation. He scored decisive goals in multiple World Cups and became one of Africa’s top international scorers.
Gyan’s strength, speed and decision-making ability made him a constant threat and helped establish Ghana as a global football presence in the 21st century.
Perhaps because of his famous penalty miss against Uruguay, he is often underestimated despite scoring an impressive 51 international goals.
A notable player who has scored over 50 goals for his national team. | the goal |
|---|---|
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) | 143 |
Lionel Messi (Argentina) | 115 |
Miroslav Klose (Germany) | 71 |
Wayne Rooney (England) | 53 |
Asamoah Gyan (Ghana) | 51 |
12
Vincent Enyama
(Nigeria)
Vincent Enyeama is perhaps the greatest African goalkeeper of the 21st century. His performances for Nigeria at AFCON and the World Cup will forever be remembered.
At club level, especially Lille, he was recognized as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Europe.
Enyeama was also selected in the AFCON tournament squad during Nigeria’s 2013 and 2004 championships.
11
Achraf Hakimi
(Morocco)
Achraf Hakimi represents the evolution of African players in modern tactical systems.
As an attacking full-back, he combines speed, intelligence and end product at an elite level and was recently named Africa’s Player of the Year in 2025.
The Champions League winner, who enjoyed a glittering club career with PSG, Inter and Real Madrid, is nearing his 100th cap for Morocco despite still being in his prime.
