Africa has produced a multitude of talented footballers who have graced the world stage with their goal-scoring prowess. From the shores of Cameroon to the heart of Nigeria, these players have left an indelible mark on the global footballing landscape. In this article, we will celebrate the top 10 highest goal scorers from the African continent, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the beautiful game.
African players who have played at least once in Europe during their careers never left unnoticed because of their performances and for those that have followed the game of football for a good number of years now the names on this list will be not be strange to you for sure.
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Who is the highest goal scorer in the history of African football?
Samuel Eto'o (800 games, 426 goals).
While the other individuals on this list may have scored more than Eto'o, or received greater international acclaim, none can match the retiring striker's overall impact.
African Top Scorers In Football History
Since the beginning of football, African players have always showed themselves as great footballers especially when it comes to goal scoring and defending.
So today we are going to based upfront and will rank the African Highest goal scorers of all time. So continue reading down the page to discover the highest goal scorer of all times in Africa.
Over the recent years, the Continent of Africa have hosted incredible talents and in the last Century, African players have entered the World of football with a mind blowing speed , amazing dribbles accurate passes timely shots and most especially excellent scoring technic.
Nowadays, we can also see that some of the best strikers in the World are Africans. African players have proven their worth both in Africa and Europe.
So let us get down to our ranking of the African highest Goal scorers of All time.
1. Roger Milla - 811 games, 479 goals
Roger Milla, a true pioneer of African football, etched his name in history as one of the most iconic players from the continent. Milla gained global recognition during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where he became the oldest goal scorer in World Cup history. His club career saw him play for teams like AS Monaco and Tonnerre Yaoundé, with a total of 479 goals to his name. Milla's contributions helped put African football on the map.
2. Samuel Eto'o - 800 games 426 goals
Samuel Eto'o, a legendary figure in African football, tops the list as the highest goal scorer from the continent. Eto'o enjoyed a successful career playing for clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea. His lightning speed, clinical finishing, and ability to score in crucial moments helped him amass an impressive 426 goals in his club career. Eto'o's contributions also played a vital role in Cameroon's success, including two Africa Cup of Nations triumphs.
Even though you will see other players on this list who have scored more than Samuel Eto'o but the no one on this list can compare the Cameroonian striker's overall impact so this is why he sits 2nd on the list.
Samuel Eto'o was crucial to Barcelona's Champions League wins in the years 2006 and 2008.
He also won 4 League titles in Spain and Italy and also won the Pichichi award in the year 2006.
Coming to International level, Samuel Eto'o won the AFCON twice with his nation Cameroon and retired as all time top goal scorer of the AFCON with 18 goals to his name in the tournament.
3. Godfrey Chitalu - 598 games, 393 goals
Godfrey Chitalu is popularly known as the greatest Zambian player of all time due to the fact that he holds his national team goalscoring record and was also voted Zambian footballer of the year 5 times during his career.
4. Didier Drogba
Despites Drogba's struggle with the Ivorian national team, he did not represent the national team at 3 World Cups but was the top scorer at the 2010 Nations Cup.
Even though he remains the top goal scorer for Ivory Coast, whta mostly gives him this spot in this list, is his achievements with Chelsea.
He was named 2 time African footballer of the year is arguably Chelseas's greatest player and one of Africa's greatest export to Europe.
We can say that Didier Drogba almost single handedly dragged the blues to the Champions League glory in 2012 and is the Club's 4th highest goalscorer of all time.
The Ivorian international is the only player to have score in 4 FA Cups finals and he also won 4 Premier League titles during his career.
5. Dieumerci Mbokani- 704 games , 328 goals
Mbokani is a Congolese professional soccer player who plays as striker for Club Royal Antwerpt in the Belgian Pro League.
Previously in his career, he has played for a multiple number of clubs like TP Mazembe, Anderlecht, Wolfburg, Monaco, Stadard Liege, Norwich City, Hull City and Dynamo Kyiv.
6. Mohammed Salah- 314 Goals
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian superstar, has taken the footballing world by storm in recent years. Known for his speed, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability, Salah has enjoyed incredible success at Liverpool in the English Premier League. With a total of 190 goals and counting, Salah continues to make his mark as one of Africa's most prolific goal scorers.
7. Pierre Emrick Aubameyang- 589 games, 300 goals
The Gabonese international Pierre Emrick is widely known for his finishing, pace and movement without the ball. He is also considered to be one of the best forwards in the game of football nowadays cause he has the qualities of a great forward in him.
Probably there is no doubt in Aubameyang's goal scoring track record, with the star player proving himself on many occasions as one of Europe's most clinical and reliable finishers.
8. George Weah -628 games, 288 goals
George Weah, the only African player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award, is a true legend of the game. Weah's extraordinary career saw him play for clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Chelsea. Known for his speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability, Weah scored a total of 288 goals and remains an inspiration to aspiring African footballers.
9. Asamoah Gyan - 533 games , 274 goals
Asamoah Gyan, a Ghanaian footballer, is revered for his goal-scoring exploits and leadership qualities. Gyan's club career spanned several countries, including Italy, France, England, and the United Arab Emirates. He also had a successful international career, becoming Ghana's all-time leading goal scorer with 51 goals. Gyan's overall goal tally stands at 274.
10. Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo) - 205 Goals:
Emmanuel Adebayor, hailing from Togo, enjoyed a prolific career playing for clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. Adebayor's height, strength, and clinical finishing made him a formidable striker. With a total of 200 goals to his name, he left a lasting impact on the footballing world.
Final Thoughts on African Highest Goal Scorers of All Time
The African continent has produced a wealth of incredible goal scorers who have left an indelible mark on the world of football. From Samuel Eto'o and Didier Drogba to Roger Milla and Hossam Hassan, these players have showcased their immense talent and contributed to the growth and development of African football. As we celebrate their achievements, let us remember and cherish the legacy of these African football legends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the highest goal scorer in the history of African football?
While the other individuals on this list may have scored more than Eto'o, or received greater international acclaim, none can match the retiring striker's overall impact.
Who has scored the most goals in Africa Cup of Nations history?
Among the cup's greatest performers are Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon, who holds the record for most career goals scored in the Cup of Nations (18).
Who is the African highest goal scorer in the Premier League?
Currently the highest African goal scorer in the Premier League is Mohammed Salah with 120 goals.