AFCON once again showcased Africa’s greatest footballing talent to a global audience. Established stars such as Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen competed alongside rising names like Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande. Some major players, including Antoine Semenyo, missed the tournament entirely but still remain among Africa’s elite. African footballers now dominate major clubs across Europe, raising the question: who stands at the top in 2026?
Africa’s Best Footballers Ranked
This ranking evaluates form, consistency, influence, and long-term impact. Each player has delivered at club or international level, shaping African football in the modern era.
20. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana – Attacking Midfielder)
Kudus drives Ghana’s attack with ball-carrying, versatility, and end product. His Tottenham move has been challenging, but a breakthrough remains possible if the team stabilises.
19. Nicolas Jackson (Senegal – Striker)
Jackson has grown from a raw talent into a reliable striker. His pace, pressing, and improving finishing make him vital for Senegal’s future success.
18. Youssef En‑Nesyri (Morocco – Striker)
En‑Nesyri delivers consistent goals in La Liga and Europe. His aerial dominance and movement remain key strengths for both Sevilla and Morocco.
17. André‑Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon – Midfielder)
Anguissa’s physicality and ball-carrying powered Napoli’s Scudetto win. An AFCON title would cement his legacy as one of Cameroon’s greatest midfielders.
16. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria – Winger)
Mahrez has won Premier League titles, a Champions League, and AFCON. His quality remains high even after leaving Manchester City.
15. Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon – Forward)
Aubameyang continues scoring across multiple leagues. His movement and professionalism keep him among Africa’s most effective forwards.
14. Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal – Winger)
Ndiaye has become one of the Premier League’s most exciting attackers. His pace and trickery were crucial in Senegal’s 2026 triumph in Morocco.
13. Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast – Winger)
Amad won AFCON Player of the Tournament and is now essential for Manchester United. His ceiling is enormous, and he will rise in future rankings.
12. Omar Marmoush (Egypt – Striker)
Marmoush’s rise has been rapid. His Bundesliga form earned him a £63m move to Manchester City. He remains inconsistent but produces spectacular moments.
11. Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon – Winger)
Mbeumo is now an elite attacker. Manchester United paid £71m for him in 2025, and his influence continues to grow.
10. Yassine Bounou (Morocco – Goalkeeper)
Bono has delivered some of the biggest goalkeeping performances in recent years. His penalty heroics and consistency set him apart.
9. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal – Centre‑Back)
Koulibaly remains a defensive leader. His strength, positioning, and experience keep him among the world’s best defenders.
8. Antoine Semenyo (Ghana – Forward)
Semenyo’s rise has been dramatic. His physicality and goal output earned him a major move to Manchester City in 2026.
7. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea – Striker)
Guirassy’s goal-scoring explosion places him among Europe’s elite. His efficiency and composure define his game.
6. Brahim Díaz (Morocco – Attacking Midfielder)
Díaz has become a decisive creator. He won the AFCON Golden Boot but hurt Morocco with a failed Panenka in the final. More minutes at Real Madrid would elevate him further.
5. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria – Forward)
Lookman made history with a Europa League final hat-trick. His output and consistency earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination.
4. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria – Striker)
Osimhen won Serie A, claimed African Footballer of the Year, and scored countless decisive goals. He remains Nigeria’s biggest star.
3. Sadio Mané (Senegal – Forward)
Mané has won AFCON twice and continues to deliver for Senegal. His Player of the Tournament award in 2026 confirms his enduring quality.
2. Mohamed Salah (Egypt – Forward)
Salah’s consistency is unmatched. His goals, assists, leadership, and longevity keep him near the top of African football.
1. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco – Right‑Back)
Hakimi redefined the modern full-back role. His elite performances and major trophies make him the best African footballer in the world in 2026.
Source: FootballFanCast
