The Premier League, often hailed as the most enthralling football league in the world, has long been a stage where talent from every corner of the globe comes to shine. Among the myriad of international stars who have graced its pitches, African players have consistently stood out, not just for their skill and athleticism. But for their ability to influence games, lift trophies, and etch their names into the history books.
From dazzling dribblers to clinical finishers and midfield maestros, African footballers have brought a unique brand of flair, power, and passion to the English top flight. They’ve defied expectations, broken records, and, in many cases, become legends at their respective clubs. So, settle in, because we’re about to take a stroll down memory lane and celebrate some of the very best African players to have lit up the Premier League.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Chelsea, Liverpool
Where else to begin but with the “Egyptian King” himself, Mohamed Salah? Since arriving at Liverpool in 2017, Salah has been nothing short of a phenomenon, consistently tearing apart defences with his blistering pace, mesmerising dribbling, and deadly accurate left foot. He swiftly transformed from a Chelsea outcast to one of the world’s most feared attackers.
Salah’s list of achievements at Liverpool is quite something. He’s a Premier League champion, a Champions League winner, and has lifted the FA Cup and League Cup, amongst other silverware. Individually, he’s scooped up three Premier League Golden Boots, the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award twice, and the FWA Footballer of the Year award.
His goal-scoring feats are phenomenal. He holds the record for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season with 32 goals in 2017-18. As of July 2025, Salah is still a pivotal figure for Liverpool, continuing to be their primary goal threat and a true leader on the pitch. His Premier League goal tally stands at an impressive 186 goals in 301 appearances, making him the highest-scoring African player in Premier League history.
Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast): Manchester City
Next up is the powerhouse from Ivory Coast, Yaya Touré. After joining Manchester City in 2010, Touré quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dominant midfielders. He was a force of nature, combining immense physical presence with incredible technical ability, an eye for a pass, and a knack for scoring crucial goals. Particularly his trademark long-range efforts and free-kicks.
Touré was instrumental in Manchester City’s golden era, helping them to lift three Premier League titles, two League Cups, and an FA Cup. His most iconic season was arguably 2013-14, where he netted an astonishing 20 league goals from midfield.
He played 230 Premier League matches for City, scoring 60 goals. Yaya Touré left Manchester City in 2018 and had brief spells with Olympiacos and Qingdao Huanghai before retiring from playing. He has since transitioned into coaching, and as of July 2025, he has taken up a role as a first-team assistant coach at Manchester City, where he continues to influence the club’s fortunes from the dugout.
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast): Chelsea
When you think of a Premier League striker who thrived on the grandest stages, Didier Drogba immediately springs to mind. The Ivorian colossus arrived at Chelsea in 2004 and quickly became the focal point of their attack. Terrorising defenders with his power, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing. He was a player for the big moments, consistently delivering in finals and crucial matches.
Drogba’s Chelsea career was laden with trophies, including four Premier League titles, three League Cups, four FA Cups, and, most famously, the UEFA Champions League in 2012, where he scored the equaliser and the winning penalty in the final.
Some might have labelled him as a flopper, but he still scored 104 goals in 254 Premier League appearances for Chelsea across his two spells. After leaving Chelsea for the second time in 2015, Drogba played for Montreal Impact and Phoenix Rising before hanging up his boots in 2018. He remains a beloved figure at Chelsea and is often seen around the club and involved in various football ambassadorial roles.
Sadio Mané (Senegal): Southampton, Liverpool
Another Liverpool sensation, Sadio Mané, was a vital cog in Jürgen Klopp’s all-conquering side. The Senegalese forward joined Liverpool in 2016 from Southampton and instantly added a new dimension to their attack with his electrifying pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing. His partnership with Salah and Roberto Firmino became one of the most feared attacking trios in European football.
Mané’s time at Anfield saw him win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup. He shared the Premier League Golden Boot in 2018-19. He bagged 111 goals in 263 Premier League outings for Liverpool and Southampton combined. Sadio Mané left Liverpool in the summer of 2022 to join Bayern Munich, and in August 2023, he moved to Al-Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League, where he currently plays.
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria): Leicester City, Manchester City
From the deserts of Algeria to the dazzling lights of the Premier League, Riyad Mahrez’s journey is a testament to his sheer talent and perseverance. He first grabbed headlines as the star of Leicester City’s fairytale Premier League triumph in 2015-16. Displaying his mesmerising dribbling, deft touches, and crucial goals. His performances earned him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award that season.
After his heroics with Leicester, Mahrez joined Manchester City in 2018, where he continued to collect silverware. He added five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, and a Champions League to his collection with City. In total, he notched up 82 goals in 284 Premier League appearances. Riyad Mahrez departed Manchester City in the summer of 2023 to join Al-Ahli SFC in the Saudi Pro League, where he continues to showcase his considerable skills.
Michael Essien (Ghana): Chelsea
Michael Essien, affectionately known as “The Bison” by Chelsea fans, was a midfield powerhouse during his time in the Premier League. The Ghanaian international joined Chelsea in 2005 and quickly became a fan favourite due to his tenacious tackling, boundless energy, and thunderous long-range strikes. He was a true box-to-box midfielder, equally adept at breaking up play and driving forward.
Essien was a key part of Chelsea teams that won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a League Cup, as well as the Champions League in 2012. His powerful goals were often a highlight, and he made 168 Premier League appearances for the Blues, scoring 17 goals.
After leaving Chelsea in 2014, Essien had spells with AC Milan, Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung, and Sabail before retiring from playing in 2020. He has since moved into coaching and is currently an individual player coach at Danish club FC Nordsjælland.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabong): Arsenal, Chelsea
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang burst onto the Premier League scene with Arsenal in 2018, immediately making an impact with his searing pace and clinical finishing. The Gabonese striker quickly established himself as one of the league’s deadliest forwards, consistently finding the back of the net.
Aubameyang won the Premier League Golden Boot in his first full season (2018-19), sharing the award with Salah and Mané. He also led Arsenal to an FA Cup triumph in 2020. He scored 68 goals in 128 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and a brief spell at Chelsea. After leaving Arsenal in early 2022, he joined Barcelona, and later had a stint with Chelsea. In July 2023, he signed for Olympique Marseille, and in July 2024, he moved to Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, where he continues his career.
Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria): Bolton Wanderers
Jay-Jay Okocha brought a level of flair and artistry to the Premier League that few could match. The Nigerian maestro joined Bolton Wanderers in 2002 and quickly became a cult hero at the Reebok Stadium. His spellbinding dribbling, outrageous tricks, and audacious goals were a joy to behold, often leaving defenders in a tangled mess and fans on the edge of their seats.
While team honours weren’t as plentiful for Okocha at Bolton, he was undoubtedly the creative heartbeat of a side that punched above its weight, even reaching a League Cup final in 2004.
He played 124 Premier League games for Bolton, scoring 14 goals. But his influence extended far beyond mere statistics. After leaving Bolton in 2006, Okocha played for Qatar SC and Hull City before retiring in 2008. He remains a highly respected and cherished figure in football, often appearing as a pundit and ambassador for the sport.
Kolo Touré (Ivory Coast): Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool
The elder statesman of the Touré brothers, Kolo Touré, was a rock at the heart of the defence for two Premier League giants. He first made his name at Arsenal, where he was a key member of the legendary “Invincibles” squad that went an entire Premier League season unbeaten in 2003-04. His pace, strength, and astute positioning made him a formidable opponent for any striker.
Touré went on to join Manchester City in 2009, where he again played a significant role in a title-winning side, helping them to their first Premier League crown in 44 years in 2011-12. He later had a spell at Liverpool, but not as memorable as with other powerhouse clubs. He accumulated 353 Premier League appearances across his career, scoring 14 goals. After retiring from playing in 2017, Kolo Touré moved into coaching. He has held roles at Celtic and Leicester City and, as of July 2025, has rejoined Manchester City as a first-team assistant coach under Pep Guardiola.
Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo): Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham, Crystal Palace
Emmanuel Adebayor was a striker with immense talent and a flair for the dramatic. The Togolese international made his mark in the Premier League with Arsenal, where his powerful running and prolific goal-scoring made him a feared opponent. He later went on to play for Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Crystal Palace, leaving his imprint on each club.
Adebayor was part of an exciting Arsenal side that challenged for honours and finished as the Premier League’s fourth-highest scorer in 2007-08 with 24 goals. He scored 97 goals in 242 Premier League appearances. After his Premier League career, Adebayor played in Turkey and Paraguay before officially retiring in 2023. He is now involved in various personal ventures and philanthropic work.
