Ranking the best African players in the Premier League in 2023

Ranking the best African players in the Premier League in 2023

Kenneth Mwenda, Jackline Wangare
updated at May 6, 2023 at 10:34 AM

The Premier League is home to some of the most talented football players from around the world, including many from the African continent. With the 2022/23 season in full swing, it's the perfect time to take a look at some of the top performers from Africa in the Premier League. In this article, we will be ranking the best African players in the Premier League in 2023, considering their performance in recent seasons and their impact on their respective teams.

Best African players in the Premier League
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

The Premier League has always been a league known for its diversity and inclusivity, and African players have played a crucial role in its success over the years. From Didier Drogba's heroics with Chelsea to Yaya Toure's dominant midfield displays with Manchester City, African players have left an indelible mark on the league. Below are some of the top performers who are making a significant impact on their teams and the league as a whole.

Top 20 African players in the Premier League in 2023

The best African players in the Premier League include some of the top players who have solely led their teams to significant trophies, earning great respect from clubs and fans. The list of African players in the Premier League includes the current players in various teams, ranked according to the number of goals they have scored.

20. Mohammed Salisu

African players in Europe
Mohammed Salisu of Southampton running during the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St James' Park on January 31, 2023. Photo: Richard Sellers
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mohammed Salisu Abdul Karim
  • Age: 23 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Ghanaian
  • Current team: Southampton
  • Total career goals: 3

Mohammed Salisu plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Southampton and the Ghana national team. He joined The Saints in 2020 and scored 79 appearances, scoring only one goal.

19. Daniel Amartey

Black Premier League defenders
Daniel Amartey of Leicester City controls the ball during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Chelsea FC at The King Power Stadium on March 11, 2023. Photo: Malcolm Couzens
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Daniel Amartey
  • Age: 28 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Ghanaian
  • Current team: Leicester City
  • Total career goals: 9

Daniel Amartey is a defender who currently plays for Leicester City. He has been with The Foxes since 2015 and has been a strong presence in defence, helping them win the Premier League title in 2015/2016. He is among the most popular black Premier League players in 2023.

18. Mohamed Elneny

Black Premier League players 2023
Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal during the FA Cup 3rd round match between Oxford United and Arsenal at Kassam Stadium on January 09, 2023 in Oxford, England. Photo: David Price
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mohamed Naser Elsayed Elneny
  • Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Egyptian
  • Current team: Arsenal
  • Total career goals: 18

Mohamed Elneny is an Egyptian midfielder currently playing in the English Premier League for Arsenal. He has been a consistent presence in the Gunners' midfield since 2016, providing defensive cover and assisting the team in maintaining possession. He was a member of Egypt's senior national squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, where the country finished second.

17. Wilfred Ndidi

African players in Premier League 2023
Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City drives the ball during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Leicester City and Newport County at King Power Stadium on November 8, 2022. Photo: Plumb Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi
  • Age: 26 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian
  • Current team: Leicester City
  • Total career goals: 18

Since joining Leicester, Wilfred Ndidi has become a key player for the club, known for his tough tackling and excellent positional awareness. He has helped the team to win the 2020/21 FA Cup and reach the 2021 Community Shield. Ndidi has also been a regular player for the Nigeria national team since 2015, representing the team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

16. Frank Onyeka

How many black players are in the Premier League?
Frank Onyeka of Nigeria during the friendly match between Portugal and Nigeria at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 17, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: Carlos Rodrigues
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ogochukwu Frank Onyeka
  • Age: 25 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian
  • Current team: Brentford
  • Total career goals: 23

Frank Onyeka joined FC Midtjylland's youth academy in 2012 and made his first-team debut in 2017. In 2021, Onyeka signed for Brentford, who had just been promoted to the Premier League. He has since become a key player for the club, helping them to compete in the top division of English football.

15. Alex Iwobi

Best African players in Premier League history
Alex Iwobi of Everton FC controls the ball during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Brentford FC at Goodison Park on March 11, 2023 in Liverpool, England. Photo: Alex Livesey
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Alexander Chuka Iwobi
  • Age: 26 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: British-English-Nigerian
  • Current team: Everton
  • Total career goals: 23

Chuka Iwobi made his first-team debut for Arsenal in 2015 and quickly became a regular player for the club. He helped them win two FA Cups and the Europa League final. In 2019, he joined Everton and has since become a key player for the club. Iwobi has also represented the Nigeria national team since 2015 and has played in several matches.

14. Thomas Partey

African players in Premier League history
Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on March 12, 2023 in London, England. Photo: David Price
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Thomas Teye Partey
  • Age: 29 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Ghanaian
  • Current team: Arsenal
  • Total career goals: 29

The Ghanaian international has been one of the best African players in Europe's EPL. He represented his country in three Africa Cup of Nations (2017, 2019, and 2021) and the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Thomas joined Arsenal in 2020 and has appeared in 86 games, scoring five goals.

13. Joel Matip

Who is the best African player in the EPL?
Joel Matip of Liverpool controls the ball during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on February 25, 2023 in London, England. Photo: Chloe Knott
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Job Joël André Matip
  • Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Cameroonian-German
  • Current team: Liverpool
  • Total career goals: 34

Joel Matip is known for his propensity for dribbling up the pitch to create momentum and was once regarded as one of the best black Premier League defenders in the world during his prime. He joined Liverpool in 2016 and has played 184 games, scoring ten goals.

12. Jeffrey Schlupp

Which Premier League club has the most African players?
Jeffrey Schlupp of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on February 04, 2023 in Manchester, England. Photo: Alex Livesey
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Jeffrey Schlupp
  • Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: German-Ghanaian
  • Current team: Crystal Palace
  • Total career goals: 36

Jeffrey Schlupp is known for his extreme pace and athleticism, which allows him to be a versatile option and ability to play anywhere on the left wing. He plays as a forward, winger, or occasional left-back for Premier League club Crystal Palace and the Ghana national team.

11. Naby Keita

African players in Europe
Naby Keita of Liverpool during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux on January 17, 2023 in Wolverhampton, England. Photo: Matthew Ashton
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Naby Laye Keïta
  • Age: 28 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Guinean
  • Current team: Liverpool
  • Total career goals: 52

The Ghanaian international has played an important role in Liverpool's midfield. The 28-year-old midfielder has largely appeared as a substitute, where he has excelled. He has scored 52 goals throughout his career.

10. Maxwel Cornet

Black Premier League defenders
West Ham United's Maxwel Cornet during the UEFA Europa Conference League group B match between West Ham United and FCSB at London Stadium on September 8, 2022. Photo: Rob Newe
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Gnaly Albert Maxwel Cornet
  • Age: 26 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Ivorian
  • Current team: West Ham United
  • Total career goals: 61

Maxwel Cornet is an Ivorian winger who currently plays for West Ham United. He joined the club on August 5, 2022. He agreed to a five-year contract with a one-year option. He has also previously played for Lyon, Burnley, and Metz.

9. Kelechi Iheanacho

Black Premier League players 2023
Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leicester City at Friends Provident St. Mary's Stadium on March 04, 2023. Photo: Alex Pantling
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Kelechi Promise Iheanacho
  • Age: 26 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian
  • Current team: Leicester City
  • Total career goals: 74

Kelechi Iheanacho made his professional debut for Manchester City in 2015 and won several domestic titles, including the Premier League, before joining Leicester City in 2017. He has since become a key player for the club, scoring many important goals and helping them to reach the FA Cup final in 2021.

8. Jordan Ayew

African players in Premier League history
Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Crystal Palace at Gtech Community Stadium on February 18, 2023. Photo: Sebastian Frej
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Jordan Pierre Ayew
  • Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Ghanaian
  • Current team: Crystal Palace
  • Total career goals: 78

Jordan Ayew is a Ghanaian striker who plays for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. The 31-year-old has been an important player for Palace since joining the club in 2019, scoring crucial goals and helping his team maintain their position in the league.

7. Bertrand Traore

Black Premier League players 2023
Bertrand Isidore Traore' in action during the UEFA Europa Conference League group A match between ACF Fiorentina and Istanbul Basaksehir on October 27, 2022. Photo: Gabriele Maltint
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Bertrand Isidore Traoré
  • Age: 27 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Burkinabe
  • Current team: Aston Villa
  • Total career goals: 81

Bertrand Traore joined Chelsea's youth academy in 2013 and made his first-team debut for the club in 2015. After leaving Chelsea in 2017, Traore joined the French club Lyon, where he continued to impress with his performances. In 2020, he signed for Aston Villa, where he has become a regular player and has scored several goals for the club.

6. Wilfried Zaha

Black Premier League defenders
Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace at Villa Park on March 4, 2023 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Photo: Marc Atkins
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha
  • Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: English-Ivorian
  • Current team: Crystal Palace
  • Total career goals: 89

Zaha started his football career at Crystal Palace and quickly became a star player for the club, earning a move to Manchester United in 2013. However, he struggled to establish himself at United and returned to Crystal Palace on loan before rejoining the club permanently in 2015.

5. Patson Daka

black premier league defenders
Patson Daka of Leicester in action during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match at Poundland Bescot Stadium on January 28, 2023, in Walsall, England. Photo: Michael Regan
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Patson Daka
  • Age: 24 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Zambian
  • Current team: Leicester City
  • Total career goals: 89

Daka began his football career at the Kafue Celtic Academy in Zambia before joining the youth academy of Red Bull Salzburg in Austria in 2017. He made his senior debut for the club in 2018 and has since established himself as one of the top scorers in the Austrian Bundesliga. He currently plays for Leicester City and is known for his pace, skill, and clinical finishing ability in front of the goal.

4. Hakim Ziyech

Black Premier League players 2023
Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 26, 2023. Photo: Craig Mercer
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Hakim Ziyech
  • Age: 29 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Dutch-Moroccan
  • Current team: Chelsea
  • Total career goals: 110

Despite not seeing enough action since joining Chelsea from Ajax in 2020, the star has impacted key games for the Blues. He is especially adept at playing deft balls over the defence.

3. Riyad Mahrez

African players in Premier League 2023
Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between RB Leipzig and Manchester City at Red Bull Arena on February 22, 2023. Photo: Ulrik Pedersen
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Riyad Karim Mahrez
  • Age: 32 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Algerian-French
  • Current team: Manchester City
  • Total career goals: 158

Riyad Mahrez is one of the best African players in Premier League history. He joined Le Havre's youth academy in 2010 and made his first-team debut for the club in 2011.

He later moved to the English Premier League, signing for Leicester City in 2014. In 2018, Mahrez signed for Manchester City, where he has won several titles, including the Premier League and the Community Shield. He is known for his excellent dribbling skills, pace, and ability to score crucial goals.

2. Mohamed Salah

Best African players in Premier League history
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool runs with the ball during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on March 11, 2023 in Bournemouth, England. Photo: Luke Walker
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly
  • Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Egyptian
  • Current team: Liverpool
  • Total career goals: 255

Who is the best African player in the EPL? Liverpool's forward is regarded as the best on the list of all African players in the Premier League. The Egyptian international began the year by guiding his country to the Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegal defeated them on penalty kicks.

Salah has thrived for the Reds during his half-decade spell, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, and Club World Cup. He is now the leading scorer in the League.

1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

African players in Premier League history
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on January 15, 2023 in London, England. Photo: Robin Jones
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Pierre-Emerick Emiliano François Aubameyang
  • Age: 33 years old (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: French
  • Current team: Chelsea
  • Total career goals: 304

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang plays as a striker for Premier League club Chelsea. He is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the league and has been a key player for Arsenal since joining the club in 2022. He has so far scored three goals and made 18 appearances.

How many black players are in the Premier League?

The Premier League has a significant number of black players from different countries worldwide, and they play for various clubs in the league. The average estimated number is over 500 players.

Which Premier League club has the most African players?

Some clubs have had a significant number of African players. For instance, in the 2022/2023 season, Leicester City and Watford lead with five players, followed by Arsenal, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Liverpool, each with four players.

Who are the South African players in the Premier League?

Currently, the league has no South African players. However, many players from the country have graced the English first division. The most recent was Percy Tau, who left to join the Egyptian Giants Al Ahly SC.

Who was the first African player in the EPL?

Peter Ndlovu was the first African player to play in the English Premier League (EPL). He is a retired Zimbabwean footballer who played as a forward. He was born on February 25, 1973, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and began his professional football career in 1988 with Highlanders FC in Zimbabwe. He is best known for playing in the English Premier League, where he played for Coventry City from 1991 to 1997.

Summary of the best African players in the Premier League

Below is a table of the best African players of all time in the Premier League.

Rank

Name

Total career goals

1

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

304

2

Mohamed Salah

255

3

Riyad Mahrez

158

4

Hakim Ziyech

110

5

Patson Daka

89

6

Wilfried Zaha

89

7

Bertrand Traore

81

8

Jordan Ayew

78

9

Kelechi Iheanacho

74

10

Maxwel Cornet

61

11

Naby Keita

52

12

Jeffrey Schlupp

36

13

Joel Matip

34

14

Thomas Partey

29

15

Alex Iwobi

23

16

Frank Onyeka

23

17

Wilfred Ndidi

18

18

Mohamed Elneny

18

19

Daniel Amartey

9

20

Mohammed Salisu

3

There is a very high number of African players in the Premier League, and all of them are representing the continent quite amazingly.

READ ALSO: Who are the top 15 best right-wingers in the world as of 2023?

Sportsbrief.com recently published an article listing the top 15 best right-wingers in the world as of 2023. Football is a sport that is constantly evolving. Several right-wingers have caught the attention of football fans across the globe.

The position of the right-winger requires pace, skill, and creativity, and the players who occupy this role often significantly impact their team's attacking play. Discover some of the best right-wingers in the world as of 2023.

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.
Jackline Wangare photo
Jackline Wangare
Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Sports Brief covering sports and lifestyle topics. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University and as a Content Creator (Briefly.co.za, Legit.ng, Tuko.co.ke, Yen.com.gh).