Top 10 African Footballers with the Most Trophies in History

African footballers have done incredible things around the world, winning tons of trophies and becoming huge stars. They’ve shown everyone how talented they are, far from home. This is about the ten most famous African players who grabbed the most trophies playing for clubs outside Africa. When I say famous, I mean how much people know them, how they changed the game, and what they achieved. I’m counting trophies from their time at foreign clubs and with their national teams. Each guy has a story that’s inspiring, so let’s jump in.

1 Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – 18 Trophies

Samuel Eto’o is a legend.  Born in Douala, Cameroon, this striker is one of the african footballers that was capable of scoring from any position.  He has previously played for major European clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea.. Eto’o was so fast and cool under pressure, he racked up 18 trophies, including big ones in Spain and Italy, plus some with Cameroon. He always seemed to score when it mattered most. He won African Footballer of the Year four times, which shows how awesome he was. Eto’o isn’t just famous for goals—he’s a hero who got kids across Africa dreaming big. Playing abroad, he proved African players can run the show.

2. Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast) – 18 Trophies

 Yaya Touré was a beast in midfield. From Bouaké, Ivory Coast, he could do everything—tackle, pass, and bang in goals. He played for Barcelona and Manchester City, picking up 18 trophies. At City, he helped turn them into a top team in England. Yaya was strong, smart, and had this knack for long-range shots. He also won stuff with Ivory Coast. Getting African Footballer of the Year four years straight (2011–2014) made him a superstar. Yaya’s fame comes from owning the pitch and changing clubs for the better. He demonstrated that African players can form the heart of Europe’s toughest teams. 

3. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) 17 trophies.  

Didier Drogba is a well-known name among football fans, particularly those who follow Chelsea.  He was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and was built like a tank—strong, quick, and deadly in big games. He won 17 trophies, mostly with Chelsea and a few with Galatasaray in Europe. Drogba loved scoring in finals, and fans adored his leadership. He didn’t lift the AFCON with Ivory Coast, but his impact was huge. He won African Footballer of the Year twice and even helped bring peace to his country, working with the UN. Drogba’s fame stems from more than just football; he demonstrated that African strikers can dominate anywhere.  

4. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria) 17 trophies. 

Kanu’s story gives you chills.  Born in Owerri, Nigeria, this tall, thin man moved like a magician.  He won 17 trophies while playing for Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal and Portsmouth. At Arsenal, he was part of the “Invincibles” team that went unbeaten in the Premier League. Kanu’s smart passes and calm style were unreal. He also grabbed Olympic gold with Nigeria in 1996. Even after a scary heart issue early on, he kept shining. Kanu won African Footballer of the Year twice and is a cult hero in England. He proved African players with flair can make it big in Europe.

5. Samuel Kuffour (Ghana) – 15 Trophies

Samuel Kuffour was a wall at the back. Samuel Kuffour was a wall in the back.  He was born in Kumasi, Ghana, and won 15 trophies, the majority of which came with Bayern Munich in Germany.  This guy was tough and led the defense like a boss, helping Bayern win major championships in Germany and Europe.  He was a big deal in the early 2000s, and he earned widespread respect. Kuffour didn’t win AFCON with Ghana, but his club success put him on the map. His fame comes from being one of Africa’s greatest defenders. Playing in Germany’s intense league, he showed African defenders can be world-class.

6. Kwadwo Asamoah (Ghana) – 13 Trophies

 Kwadwo Asamoah was a jack-of-all-trades. Born in Accra, Ghana, he could play midfield or left-back, and he killed it at Juventus in Italy, winning 13 trophies. He was a big part of Juventus ruling Italian football from 2013 to 2018. Asamoah ran hard, passed well, and was super smart. He also played for Ghana in World Cups and AFCON. Fans in Italy loved his effort. Asamoah’s fame grew because he could handle any role. He showed African players can adapt and win big in Europe’s top leagues.

7. Michael Essien (Ghana) – 12 Trophies

 Michael Essien, affectionately known as “The Bison,” was a midfield powerhouse.  He was born in Accra, Ghana, and owns 12 trophies from Lyon, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.  His tenure at Chelsea was invaluable, as he helped the club win both in England and Europe. Essien could tackle, shoot from distance, and never stopped running. Injuries slowed him down, but he was still a star. He didn’t win AFCON, but his club career made him a big name. Essien’s fame comes from dominating tough games in England. He showed African players can be the engine of elite teams.

8. Seydou Keita (Mali) – 12 Trophies

Seydou Keita was a quietly impressive player. Born in Bamako, Mali, he represented Barcelona during their most successful years, winning a total of 12 trophies.His smart passing and diligent work ethic blended seamlessly with that dream team.Keita also did well at Sevilla and other clubs. He didn’t win AFCON, but his success in Europe made him a legend in Mali. Keita’s fame comes from shining alongside the world’s best at Barcelona. He proved African midfielders can hold their own in Spain’s technical leagues

9. John Obi Mikel (Nigeria) – 12 Trophies

John Obi Mikel was the epitome of reliability. Born in Jos, Nigeria, he collected a total of 12 trophies, most of which he earned during his time at Chelsea. As a composed midfielder, he played a crucial role in the team’s success both in England and across Europe..  Mikel’s passing and defense were incredibly smooth. He also won AFCON with Nigeria in 2013. Chelsea fans loved his quiet brilliance. Mikel’s fame grew over his long time at Chelsea. Playing in England’s rough league, he showed African players can nail defensive roles and inspire others to stay focused.

10. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – 11 Trophies

Riyad Mahrez is pure magic on his wings.  He was born in Sarcelles, France, to Algerian parents and rose to prominence after deciding to live there.  He won 11 trophies with Leicester City and Manchester City, including a thrilling Premier League title win with Leicester in 2016. Mahrez’s dribbling and goals are unreal. He also led Algeria to AFCON in 2019. His fame exploded after Leicester’s miracle, making him a symbol of believing in the impossible. Mahrez’s time in England and now Saudi Arabia shows African wingers can light up top leagues.

Conclusion 

These ten players did more than just win trophies; they altered public perceptions of African players.  They made history, with Eto’o’s killer instinct and Mahrez’s silky moves.  Their fame is based on talent, guts, and success away from home.  They competed against the best outside of Africa and won, demonstrating that Africa has some of the greatest football players of all time.