From Victor Osimhen to Mohamed Salah, Top 10 Best African Players in 2023

Victor Osimhen was named the 2023 CAF African Player of the Year, and he is considered the best African player right now.

However, other players are not far off as they produced memorable performances for their teams throughout the year.

Moreover, African footballers had to perform at their best for a chance to be selected for the upcoming 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, set to be held between 13 January to 11 February in Cote d'Ivoire.

There have been standout performers all through 2023 but also underrated displays from African stars across the world. Sports Brief looks at the top 10 African players in 2023 as the year comes to an end.

Top 10 African players in 2023

10. Thomas Partey - Arsenal and Ghana

Partey was a key player for Mikel Arteta in their incredible title challenge last season in the Premier League. He has been plagued by injuries this season, and when he returns, Arsenal will be much better.

9. Edmond Tapsoba - Bayer Leverkusen and Burkina Faso

Boniface's teammate has formed the backbone of Leverkusen's defence. He has been ever-present for the Bundesliga side this season and has been attracting interest from top European clubs. He will be looking to lead Burkina Fas0o in the upcoming AFCON tournament.

8. Mohammed Kudus - West Ham and Ghana

The Ghanaian has started catching fire in England. He has been scoring for fun in West Ham colours, and the Black Stars will depend on him to lead them to glory. He has bagged 10 goals this season and was also incredible for Ajax.

7. Andre-Frank Anguissa - Napoli and Cameroon

Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia get all the glory for helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years. They deserve all of that, but the Cameroon star kept things ticking in midfield for Napoli. He is one of the club's unsung heroes.

10. Victor Boniface - Bayer Leverkusen and Nigeria

Boniface is one of the many, many strikers that Nigeria currently has. He has played a leading role in Leverkusen's impeccable start to the 2023/24 season in the Bundesliga. he has bagged 16 goals and eight assists so far this season under Xabi Alonso. Before joining Leverkusen, he was superb for the Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.

6. Andre Onana - Man United and Cameroon

Before joining Manchester United, Onana was arguably the best goalkeeper in world football. he was on fire as he helped Inter Milan reach the Champions League final. Despite a tough start to the 2023/24 season, no player has more clean sheets than him.

4. Serhou Guirassy - Stuttgart and Guinea

The Guinea international shocked many fans in world football following a red-hot start in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart. The striker has scored 19 goals in 16 appearances this season, including 17 in the Bundesliga. He is having one of the greatest campaigns in the Bundesliga by an African player.

3. Achraf Hakimi - PSG and Morocco

Hakimi has been ever-present for PSG all year. He finished third in the recently concluded CAF Awards behind Osimhen and Mohamed Salah. he is considered the best right-back in the world.

2. Mohamed Salah - Liverpool and Egypt

The Egyptian King has been doing it for years now at the top level. Only Erling Haaland has scored more goals in the Premier League this season than the Liverpool legend. He has been consistent for the last few years, and there's only one player who was better than him in 2023.

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1. Victor Osimhen - Napoli and Nigeria

Osimhen became the first African footballer to win the Serie A Golden Boot. His goals played a major role in Napoli's Scudetto triumph, and is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.

Osimhen takes private jet

Sports Brief earlier reported on Osimhen taking a private jet reportedly after the conclusion of the 2023 CAF Awards gala in Marrakesh, Morocco.

After the ceremony, Osimhen had to get back to Italy to prepare for their UEFA Champions League clash against Portuguese side, Braga. They won thanks to an own goal and the Nigerian's first goal since October.

It is possible the Super Eagles ace took the private jet just after the awards ceremony, according to a video posted on Facebook.