The Premier League is renowned for its global appeal, attracting some of the best football talent from around the world. Among these players, African footballers have made a significant impact on England’s top football competition. From goal-scoring heroes to midfield maestros and defensive stalwarts, African players have shaped Premier League history in profound ways. This post takes a look at the best African signings in Premier League history, ranked from least to most influential.
7. Claude Makélélé (Chelsea)
Claude Makélélé, a French-born player with African roots, made a massive impact on the PL after joining Chelsea in 2003. His role as a defensive midfielder, often tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and controlling the tempo of the game, was key to Chelsea’s success under José Mourinho.
Makélélé’s presence in Chelsea’s midfield became so vital that his style of play became known as the “Makélélé role,” defining the importance of a defensive midfielder in modern football. He was a key part of Chelsea’s Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006, making him one of the best African signings to ever grace the league. His tactical intelligence and ability to dictate the game were crucial to Chelsea’s dominance during his tenure.
6. Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal, Portsmouth)
Nigerian forward Nwankwo Kanu enjoyed a distinguished Premier League career, playing for Arsenal and Portsmouth. Kanu’s skillful playing style, composure in front of goal, and knack for scoring crucial, memorable goals made him a standout figure in English football.
Kanu was instrumental in Arsenal’s 2002 Premier League-winning team, and his contributions to the club’s success included scoring vital goals, particularly during their FA Cup triumphs. Later, he helped Portsmouth win the FA Cup in 2008. Kanu’s legacy in the PL is cemented through his elegance on the ball and his contributions to two major English clubs.
5. Patrick Vieira (Arsenal)
One of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders, Patrick Vieira, represented Arsenal with distinction from 1996 to 2005. While Vieira’s heritage is tied to France, he has African roots through his Senegalese ancestry. His physicality, leadership, and ability to dominate the midfield were key factors in Arsenal’s success under Arsène Wenger.
Vieira captained Arsenal to several successes, including three Premier League titles, with the most iconic being the 2003-2004 “Invincibles” season when Arsenal went unbeaten throughout the entire league campaign. His importance to the club cannot be overstated, and his fierce leadership made him one of the most influential African signings in Premier League history.
4. Yaya Touré (Manchester City)
Yaya Touré, an Ivorian powerhouse, was one of the most influential midfielders in Premier League history. Joining Manchester City in 2010, Touré quickly became a key figure in the club’s rise to prominence. His incredible combination of strength, vision, and creativity helped propel City to multiple successes, including their first Premier League title in 2012.
Touré’s incredible goalscoring ability, particularly from midfield, and his dominance in both attacking and defensive aspects of the game, were crucial to City’s four Premier League titles during his time at the club. His impact on City’s rise to the top of English football cements his place as one of the best African signings in Premier League history.
3. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah has redefined what it means to be a Premier League forward since his arrival at Liverpool in 2017. The Egyptian forward has been a record-breaking force in English football, known for his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and exceptional finishing.
Since joining Liverpool, Salah has won multiple EPL Golden Boots, helped the club win their first league title in 30 years (2019-2020), and led them to Champions League glory in 2019. His individual awards and achievements, including his role in Liverpool’s domestic and international success, make him one of the best African signings in Premier League history.
Salah’s incredible consistency and his ability to perform on the biggest stages have solidified his place as a legend in Premier League history.
2. Sadio Mané (Liverpool)
Sadio Mané, also from Senegal, has been one of the most transformative African players in Premier League history. Signed by Liverpool in 2016, Mané quickly became one of the Premier League’s top forwards, forming a deadly attacking trio with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Mané’s speed, technical ability, and knack for scoring goals made him one of the most valuable players for Liverpool, helping them win the Premier League title in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019. His contributions to Liverpool’s resurgence on the world stage cannot be overstated, and his relentless work ethic and ability to score crucial goals have earned him a place among the Premier League’s elite.
1. Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
At the top of the list, Didier Drogba is arguably the most influential African signing in Premier League history. The Ivorian striker’s move to Chelsea in 2004 marked the beginning of an era of success for the club. Drogba’s combination of strength, aerial ability, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders across the league.
Drogba’s most iconic moment came in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final, where he scored the equalizer and converted the winning penalty in the shootout, securing Chelsea’s first-ever Champions League title. During his time at Chelsea, Drogba helped lead the club to four EPL titles, four FA Cups, and two League Cups. His leadership on and off the field, combined with his goal-scoring prowess, make him the best African signing in Premier League history.
Conclusion
African players have made an undeniable impact in the Premier League, with numerous stars shaping the history of the competition. From Didier Drogba’s leadership to Mohamed Salah’s record-breaking feats, African signings have provided unforgettable moments and brought immense value to the clubs they’ve represented.
SUGGESTED FOR YOU
The Evolution of EPL Fantasy: 7 Key Changes That Revolutionized the Game
As the Premier League continues to attract global talent, African players will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of the competition, contributing to the league’s ever-growing global appeal and success. These African legends, through their talent and determination, have solidified their places in Premier League history.
