Riyad Mahrez Beats Drogba and Yaya Toure as Africa’s Most Successful Player in EPL History

Riyad Mahrez has usurped Didier Drogba as the most successful African footballer in Premier League history after helping Manchester City secure their third successive title on Sunday, May 21.

The Algerian first clinched his maiden EPL silverware with Leicester City before proceeding to add four to his personal trophy collection, with the most recent coming in the soon-to-be-concluded 2022-23 season.

Meanwhile, legendary Ivorian striker Drogba drops down to second position on the list. Sports Brief takes a look at the top five most decorated African players in the English Premier League:

5. Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and co - 1 title

Although Mohamed Salah experienced initial disappointment during his first stint in the Premier League with Chelsea, he has undeniably risen to become arguably Africa's greatest player of all time in the EPL. Despite possessing only one league crown to his name, Salah's remarkable achievements and consistent performances have firmly established his legacy in the league.

Accompanying Salah on the list of Africans with a single title triumph is his former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane. Together, Salah and Mane wreaked havoc in the English top division for multiple seasons, ultimately playing pivotal roles in ending Liverpool's enduring three-decade-long quest for EPL glory.

Notable mentions in this regard encompass Liberia's Christopher Wreh, South Africa's Quinton Fortune, Cameroon's Joel Matip, and Guinea's Naby Keita, thus completing the list of African players with a solitary EPL title, per Soccer Laduma.

4. Essien, Kanu, Mikel and three others - 2 titles

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The list of African stars who have clinched the EPL crown on two occasions includes a diverse range of players. Among them are Ghana's Michael Essien, as well as Nigeria's Mikel Obi and Nwankwo Kanu, showcasing the continent's talent and impact in the English top-flight.

In addition to the aforementioned trio, the list is further complemented by Kolo Toure, who made notable contributions to Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool throughout his career.

Joining him are Lauren and Geremi Njitap, completing the distinguished roster of African players who have twice tasted success in the EPL.

3. Yaya Toure - 3 titles

Yaya Toure, the former Ivorian international, is widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders to have graced the Premier League. Having spent an impressive eight seasons with Manchester City, the 38-year-old made a lasting impact during his successful tenure at the Etihad, GOAL reports.

Toure's versatility allowed him to excel in various positions throughout the midfield, but it was in the central midfield role where he truly showcased his natural ability, using his physicality to bamboozle his way through the middle of the park.

With a remarkable record of more than 230 appearances in the Premier League, Yaya proved to be an influential figure on the field, contributing 59 goals and 35 assists. His significant impact was evident in City's three Premier League victories, including one achieved under the guidance of their current manager, Pep Guardiola.

2. Didier Drogba - 4 titles

Didier Drogba is a bona fide Chelsea and Premier League legend following his successful stint at Stamford Bridge across two spells. He held the fought as Africa's most decorated player in EPL history with his four titles, having won it in 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2009-2010 and 2014-2015.

Unfortunately, the Ivorian has been dethroned as the most successful player from the continent. Regardless, his legacy remains intact, and is widely regarded as the greatest African footballer to have ever graced the English top flight.

The two-time Golden Boot award winner made over 250 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 104 goals.

1. Riyad Mahrez - 5 titles

Sitting pretty on top of the list is none other than the newly crowned Premier League winner, Riyad Mahrez, who helped Manchester City win their third league title on the bounce.

Before shooting to the top of the lists of Africans who have won multiple English Premier League titles, the Algerian winger first tasted EPL success with the highly unfancied Leicester City in their fairytale 2015-2016 campaign.

His move to the Etihad to join Man City has since proven to be a feather in his cap as the 32-year-old has scooped a staggering four Premier League titles in five seasons, underlining Pep Guardiola's unmistakable dominance in England.