Top 10 African Football Legends Who Left Their Mark on AFCON

Since its inception, the Africa Cup of Nations has been home to some of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen. These icons have dazzled fans with their skill, passion, and determination. Here are ten legendary players who shaped the history of AFCON.

1. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

AFCON Titles: 2000, 2002
Goals, leadership, and sheer brilliance defined Samuel Eto’o’s contribution to Cameroon’s dominance.

2. Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire)

Though he never lifted the trophy, Drogba’s iconic performances and goalscoring ability made him an AFCON great.

3. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Salah’s pace and finishing continue to make him a standout player for Egypt as he carries their footballing legacy forward.

4. Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire)

A midfield powerhouse, Touré’s composure and vision helped drive his country to AFCON glory in 2015.

5. Hossam Hassan (Egypt)

Egypt’s all-time top scorer at AFCON, Hassan led his nation to multiple championships with his relentless energy and scoring touch.

6. Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria)

Okocha’s flair, dribbling, and creativity brought magic to every AFCON appearance and made him a fan favorite.

7. Roger Milla (Cameroon)

Known for his iconic goal celebrations, Milla’s goals at an advanced age are the stuff of AFCON legend.

8. Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia)

Bwalya inspired a generation of Zambian footballers with his leadership and skill, almost leading Zambia to an AFCON victory in 1994.

9. Sadio Mané (Senegal)

Senegal’s dynamic forward helped deliver the country’s first-ever AFCON trophy in 2021 with crucial goals and assists.

10. Laurent Pokou (Côte d’Ivoire)

One of the earliest superstars of African football, Pokou set scoring records that stood for decades.

These ten legends are a testament to the passion, pride, and quality that define African football. Their stories continue to inspire millions of fans and players across the globe. Who else is your favourite African Football Legend?