While the Premier League welcomes players from diverse corners of the globe, African players have etched their legacy in its storied history. Though their numbers may be fewer compared to other regions, their contribution stands out through their exceptional skill, game-changing performances, and iconic moments.
For fans across the world, it’s always thrilling to witness the magic and passion these players bring to the beautiful game. Let’s take a walk down memory lane as we explore the top African goalscorers in Premier League history.
The Greatest African Goalscorers in Premier League History
1. Mohamed Salah (175 goals, 282 matches)
The Egyptian King of Anfield
When Mohamed Salah arrived at Liverpool in 2017, few could have predicted the profound impact he would have. Rejoining the Premier League after a brief stint at Chelsea, Salah wasted no time in making his mark, scoring a record-breaking 32 goals in his debut season. His 175 goals in 282 league matches, breathtaking pace, clinical finishing, and relentless work ethic quickly endeared him to the Anfield faithful.
He has since become Liverpool's all-time Premier League top scorer, overtaking legends like Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard. Salah has averaged at least 18 goals per season, setting the standard for modern wingers. His consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure moments have made him not just a Premier League icon, but one of the greatest African players ever to grace the competition.
In 2023, Salah broke Wayne Rooney’s record for the most games in which he both scored and assisted, cementing his place in history. The Egyptian's legacy in the Premier League is still being written, but one thing’s for sure: his name is already synonymous with greatness.
2. Sadio Mane (111 goals, 263 matches)
The Man Who Tore Defenses Apart
Sadio Mane’s journey in the Premier League began with a bang. After joining Southampton from RB Salzburg in 2014, Mane immediately became a sensation, scoring the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history against Aston Villa.
But it was his move to Liverpool in 2016 that elevated him to true stardom. Alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, Mane formed one of the most lethal attacking trios in football history.
Mane’s relentless energy, creativity, and clinical finishing helped Liverpool secure the long-awaited Premier League title in 2020, alongside their Champions League triumph in 2019. Despite his departure to Al-Nassr in 2023, Mane’s legacy in the Premier League remains strong, with his 111 goals leaving an undeniable mark on Liverpool and the league itself.
3. Didier Drogba (104 goals, 254 matches)
The Ivorian King of Stamford Bridge
Few players in Premier League history have had such a profound effect on the game as Didier Drogba. Arriving at Chelsea from Marseille in 2004, Drogba’s physicality, power, and clutch performances quickly made him a fan favourite. He was more than just a striker; Drogba was a warrior, leading Chelsea to four Premier League titles and scoring some of the most iconic goals in the club’s history.
His performance in the 2012 Champions League final, where he scored the equalizer and then netted the winning penalty, is the stuff of legend. Drogba was the player every defender feared and every manager wanted. His 104 goals and unwavering presence on the pitch cemented his place as one of the Premier League's greatest-ever strikers, and his influence extends far beyond his playing career.
4. Emmanuel Adebayor (97 goals, 241 matches)
The Controversial Goal Scorer
Emmanuel Adebayor’s Premier League career was a rollercoaster ride, filled with brilliant highs and controversial lows. Adebayor initially made his mark with Arsenal in the 2007-2008 season, scoring 24 goals and earning the Golden Boot. His tall frame, aerial prowess, and poacher’s instinct made him a constant threat in the box.
However, his career took a turn when he joined Manchester City in 2009, where he infamously celebrated scoring against Arsenal in front of their away fans, igniting a fiery rivalry. Later, Adebayor moved to Tottenham, further adding to his reputation as a Premier League mercenary. Despite the drama, Adebayor’s 97 Premier League goals show that, at his peak, he was a prolific goalscorer who could find the back of the net against any opponent.
5. Yakubu Aiyegbeni (95 goals, 252 matches)
The Quiet Assassin
Yakubu Aiyegbeni was never one to steal the headlines, but his goalscoring record speaks volumes. Known affectionately as "The Yak," this Nigerian striker had a remarkable ability to find the back of the net, regardless of the team he was playing for. Whether it was Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, or Blackburn Rovers, Yakubu consistently delivered goals for every team he graced.
He was a natural finisher, a player who could score in a variety of ways. His most prolific season came with Everton, where he hit 21 goals in the 2008-09 season. While he wasn’t the most glamorous player, his clinical finishing and steady presence made him a Premier League mainstay for almost a decade. With 95 goals to his name, Yakubu will always be remembered as one of Africa’s most dependable strikers.
6. Riyad Mahrez (82 goals, 284 matches)
The Algerian Magician
Riyad Mahrez’s Premier League journey began in 2014 when he joined Leicester City for a mere £400,000 from French club Le Havre. Little did anyone know, Mahrez would go on to play a pivotal role in one of the greatest football stories of all time. In Leicester’s fairytale 2015-2016 Premier League title win, Mahrez was the undoubted star, contributing 17 goals and providing numerous assists.
His dazzling dribbling, vision, and composure in front of goal earned him the PFA Player of the Year award that season. When Mahrez joined Manchester City in 2018, he added more silverware to his collection, winning multiple Premier League titles and other domestic honours, including the Champions League. Mahrez’s silky skills and knack for scoring in crucial moments have secured his place as one of the Premier League’s best African players.
7. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (69 goals, 143 matches)
The Clinical Striker
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s time at Arsenal cemented his legacy as one of the greatest African goalscorers in Premier League history. Joining in January 2018 for a then-club-record fee, the Gabonese striker hit the ground running, becoming the fastest Arsenal player to reach 50 Premier League goals, achieving the feat in just 79 games.
In 2018–19, his debut season, Aubameyang clinched the Premier League Golden Boot with 22 goals, sharing the honour with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané. Aubameyang was instrumental in Arsenal’s attack, consistently delivering 69 goals in 143 matches that etched his name into Premier League folklore.
8. Wilfried Zaha (68 goals, 305 matches)
The Palace Icon
Wilfried Zaha may not have lifted a Premier League title, but his influence at Crystal Palace was nothing short of legendary. As the club's star player for over a decade, he dazzled fans with his blistering pace, exceptional dribbling, and unmatched flair.
Signed as Sir Alex Ferguson’s last acquisition at Manchester United, Zaha struggled to make his mark and soon returned to Palace, where he rediscovered his spark. Despite frequent links to top clubs, Zaha's loyalty to Palace remained unwavering, and he consistently delivered outstanding performances for his team.
His 68 goals in the Premier League might not make him a household name like some of the others on this list, however, his contributions to Palace’s survival in the top flight and his occasional world-class performances make him one of the most respected African players of his generation.
9. Yaya Toure (62 goals, 230 matches)
The Dominant Midfielder
Yaya Toure’s arrival at Manchester City in 2010 for a then-club record £25 million proved to be a game-changer. The Ivorian midfielder was a powerhouse, combining physical dominance with exquisite technical ability, making him one of Man City's best midfielders of all time. His best season came in 2013-14, when he scored a staggering 20 goals to help Manchester City claim the Premier League title under Manuel Pellegrini.
Toure was the engine of a Manchester City side that was beginning to dominate English football. His leadership and creativity in midfield were instrumental in their success. He was also known for his ability to dictate games. No doubt, Yaya Toure is one of the best African midfielders to ever grace the Premier League.
10. Nwankwo Kanu (54 goals, 273 matches)
The Arsenal Legend
Nwankwo Kanu’s Premier League career might feel like a distant memory, but his legacy lives on. Arriving at Arsenal in 1999 for a modest £6 million, Kanu was part of the famous "Invincibles" squad that went unbeaten in the 2003-2004 season. Known for his grace and vision, Kanu scored key goals for Arsenal, helping them win two Premier League titles during his time at the club.
Although Kanu's goal tally may not match some of the others on this list, his technical skill and ability to turn up in big moments ensured he became a beloved figure at Arsenal. He continued to play in the Premier League with West Brom and Portsmouth, retiring in 2012.
Follow Think Football Ideas across our social channels, on Facebook, X [Twitter] and Instagram.
Comments