As seen on our previous post, the African continent has introduced many world class players to the World of football.
Being a goalkeeper is not an easy task cause when you perform well everybody will say that you have done your duty but on the other hand when you concede a goal almost all the blame comes to you for not being able to make the save.
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Who is the Best Goalkeeper in African History?
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama has been ranked as the greatest African goalkeeper in history. Enyeama was selected above other legendary African goalkeepers such as Joseph-Antoine Bell, Thomas N'Kono, and Essam El-Hadary by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).
Greatest African Goalkeepers of All Time
In the world of football, goalkeepers are often referred to as the last line of defense. They are the ones who safeguard the net, making crucial saves and ensuring their team's success. Africa has produced some exceptional goalkeepers who have made a lasting impact on the game.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 best African goalkeepers of all time, highlighting their achievements, skills, and contributions to the sport.
1. Joseph-Antoine Bell (Cameroon):
Joseph-Antoine Bell is widely regarded as one of Africa's greatest goalkeepers. He represented Cameroon in three FIFA World Cups and played a pivotal role in their success. Known for his agility, acrobatic saves, and exceptional reflexes, Bell earned a reputation for being a formidable presence in the goal.
Regarded as one of the greatest African goalkeepers in the history of football, Joseph Antoine Bell has achieved a quite good number of top level trophies with his clubs and country Cameroon.
The legendary goalkeeper won 2 African Nations Cups as well as the Egyptian League wih his cub during his career in Egypt.
He later then moved on to pursue his career in Europe where he played 109 League games with the probably the most remarkable club of his career, Olympique de Marseille.
2. Thomas N'Kono (Cameroon):
Thomas N'Kono is another legendary Cameroonian goalkeeper who left an indelible mark on African football. He played a crucial role in Cameroon's historic run to the quarterfinals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup. N'Kono was known for his shot-stopping abilities, excellent positioning, and leadership skills.
The goalkeeper played for almost a decade in the 80s for the Spanish club Espagnol and he is loved by most of the fans due to his amazing leadership and great performance.
He first made himself known to the world when he was helped his homeland club Canon Yaounde to secure 5 national titles and 2 African Champions League trophies.
3. Bruce Grobbelaar (Zimbabwe):
Bruce Grobbelaar, born in South Africa and representing Zimbabwe internationally, is considered one of the finest African goalkeepers. He enjoyed great success with Liverpool, winning numerous domestic and European titles. Grobbelaar was known for his unorthodox style, agility, and penalty-saving prowess.
4. Badou Zaki (Morocco):
Badou Zaki is a Moroccan goalkeeper who is widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers Africa has ever produced. He played a crucial role in Morocco's historic run in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16. Zaki was known for his commanding presence, exceptional reflexes, and ability to make crucial saves.
5. Essam El-Hadary (Egypt):
Essam El-Hadary is an Egyptian goalkeeper who holds the record as the oldest player to appear in a FIFA World Cup match. He played a key role in Egypt's dominance in African football, winning multiple Africa Cup of Nations titles. El-Hadary was known for his shot-stopping abilities, leadership skills, and penalty-saving prowess.
Even though he encountered many set backs during his career, he has struggled to overcome many difficulties to help his club, Al Ahly which is the club that holds the record of most trophies won by a club in the World.
El Hadary remains the oldest player to have ever participated in a FIFA World Cup, playing at the age of 45 years and 161 days against Saudi Arabia in the 2018 World Cup organized in Russia.
Coming to International level, Hadary has made 158 appearances for Egypt and as a worthy name to be on the list of the best African goalkeepers. he is the only African goalkeeper to have saved a penalty in the World Cup.
6. Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria):
Vincent Enyeama is a Nigerian goalkeeper who had an illustrious career both domestically and internationally. He represented Nigeria in multiple FIFA World Cups and played a significant role in their success. Enyeama was known for his agility, reflexes, and ability to make crucial saves.
7. Robert Kidiaba (DR Congo):
Robert Kidiaba, hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is known for his unique and energetic goal celebrations. However, he was much more than just his celebrations. Kidiaba was an agile and acrobatic goalkeeper who played a vital role in his team's success at both domestic and international levels.
8. Richard Kingson (Ghana):
Richard Kingson, also known as "Olele," is a Ghanaian goalkeeper who had a successful career both at the club and international level. He represented Ghana in multiple Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup tournaments. Kingson was known for his agility, reflexes, and ability to make crucial saves.
9. Andre Onana (Cameroon):
Andre Onana, a Cameroonian goalkeeper, has been making waves in recent years. He has been a standout performer for Ajax Amsterdam and has caught the attention of top European clubs. Onana possesses excellent shot-stopping abilities, distribution skills, and a calm presence in the goal.
10. Itumeleng Khune (South Africa):
Itumeleng Khune is a South African goalkeeper who has been a mainstay in the national team for many years. He has consistently performed at a high level and has earned recognition for his shot-stopping abilities, leadership skills, and excellent distribution.
Other Honorable Mentions
Idriss Carlos Kameni
Carlos Kameni is a Cameroonian goalkeeper born on the 18 February 1984 in the town of Douala.
Carlos Kameni is a widely known goalkeeper as he has spent the majority of his career in Spain and he played a total of 229 La Liga games within 8 seasons and he has also taken part in 2 World Cups and 6 AFCON.
He holds an exclusive record of the of the youngest player ever to win an Olympics gold medal with Cameroon national team in 2000 and this earn him a transfer to French team Le Havre AC but he could not make to the first team and failed to get even once on the pitch.
In the yeah 2012, he joined Malaga and there he became the first club goalkeeper to provide an assists.
JACQUES SONGO’O (CAMEROON)
Although Zaki played in Spain's Segunda División, he was the first African goalie to win the Ricardo Zamora Trophy. However, Jacques Songo'o won it while guiding Deportivo La Corua to third place in the nation's First Division. The 1996–1997 season saw Songo'o make 37 appearances and allow just 28 goals for a league-best coefficient of 0.76.
Songo'o is still the only African goalkeeper to have won the Ricardo Zamora Trophy while competing in La Liga, while other talented African goalkeepers, such as fellow Cameroonian Thomas N'Kono and Carlos Kameni, grace the league.
Final Thoughts on Greatest African Goalkeepers of All Time
These ten goalkeepers have left an indelible mark on African football with their exceptional skills, leadership qualities, and contributions to their respective teams. Their performances have inspired a generation of aspiring goalkeepers and have solidified their places among the best African goalkeepers of all time. These remarkable individuals have not only represented their countries with distinction but have also earned the respect and admiration of football fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best goalkeeper in history?
Lev Yashin. Lev Yashin is widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper of all time. From 1950 to 1970 he only played for one team, Dynamo Moscow, who he guided to five league titles and three domestic cups.
Who is the best African player in football history?
The best African player in football history is the legendary Samuel Eto'o.
Who is the first African goalkeeper to win UEFA Champions League?
The first African to win the Champions League was Bruce Grobbelaar. The Zimbabwean goalkeeper won the competition with Liverpool in May 1984 in Rome, Italy.