Salah, Mane, Osimhen: Ranking Africa’s football’s biggest attackers of the last decade

African forwards have been instrumental in shaping the global football narrative over the past decade, with many excelling in Europe’s top leagues and building up legacies on the continental stage. Their remarkable achievements, records, and influence explores Africa’s growing dominance in global football. This piece is set to rank them based on their achievements in the last decade.

1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt): We definitely cannot talk about the growing emergence of African football in Europe without mentioning Mohamed Salah. His journey from Chelsea’s reserved team, a spell at Fiorentina to global superstardom at Liverpool is a story of perseverance. Known for his clinical finishing and electrifying pace, Salah has twice won the Premier League Golden Boot and helped Liverpool to their sixth Champions League title in 2019. He also played a crucial role in Liverpool’s long-awaited Premier League triumph in 2020. Moreover, he is Liverpool’s African top goal scorer with over 230 goals in all competitions for the club.

2. Sadio Mané (Senegal): Next on the list who have been influential over the last decade in making African football’s weight on the global scale is Senegales Sadio Mané. The Teranga Lions’ captain is celebrated not only for his club success with Liverpool and perhaps Bayern Munich but also for leading Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (2021 AFCON) title in 2022. His versatility as a winger or forward has made him one of Africa’s finest in football. Additionally, Mané holds the record for the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history (2 minutes, 56 seconds).

3. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria): Mahrez is another football forward of African descent who has been influential in the game in the last decade, Mahrez’s journey into becoming one of Africa’s most brilliant forwards began when playing a pivotal role in Leicester City’s Premier League title win in 2016, one of the most surprising league title victories for a club that was least expected to have it. Since moving to Manchester City, he has won multiple league titles, the Champions league and domestic cup competitions. Mahrez was instrumental in Algeria’s AFCON triumph in 2019. In addition, he is the first Algerian to win PFA Player of the Year.

4. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): Osimhen’s emergence has redefined African strikers in football across the globe especially in the Serie A, upon his arrival in Napoli. He led Napoli to their first league title in over three decades in 2023, breaking George Weah’s record for goals in a Serie A season by an African player (26 goals). Osimhen was named Serie A Player of the Year in 2023 and won the CAF men’s player of the year in that same year. Through Osimhen exploit in the Serie A, Napoli has grown back again to becoming one of the power house in the Italian league, demonstrating the presence of African football across the globe.

5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon): A prolific striker, Aubameyang’s pace and finishing ability saw him excel in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, where he was top scorer in 2016–17. He replicated this success in England, winning the Premier League Golden Boot in 2019 with Arsenal. Aubameyang record as the first Gabonese player to win the Golden Boot in two leagues is a proof that Africa has a big impact in football history.

6. Odion Ighalo (Nigeria): Although he is not usually celebrated as those on top of the list but regardless when it comes to the best strikers in the African continent for the last 10 years Ighalo is expected to have his feet upon this stage of greatest African footballers. Ighalo’s impact is noteworthy, particularly during his time with Watford and his short spell in Manchester United. He also won the Golden Boot at the 2019 AFCON. Ighalo holds the legacy of being the first and up toil now the only Nigerian to represent and play for Manchester United.

7. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): By pure football tradition and Knowledge, he cannot be categorized as a forward but when it comes to modern style of playing football, Hakimi has shown the world what it means to be a modern-day attacking full-back. Hakimi’s offensive contributions have been central to PSG and Inter Milan. The former Real Madrid player despite being a defender has shown what it is to also play as a forward, his attacking returns and the ability to take and score free kicks have elevated him as a unique player. Hakimi holds numerous achievements of winning domestic league titles in France and Italy. Moreover, through his modern style of playing football, he has helped Morocco become of football’s powerhouse in Africa.

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Records and Global Legacy

These players hold various records that solidify their positions as African icons: Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané are among the few Africans nominated multiple times for the Ballon d’Or, while Victor Osimhen holds the most expensive African transfer in history (Napoli, €81 million) and Riyad Mahrez is the first African to lead a Premier League title-winning side with Leicester City. The last decade has witnessed African players excelling in both Europe and on the continent, breaking barriers and redefining excellence. Their achievements not only highlight individual brilliance but also represent Africa’s contribution to global football. As the next generation emerges, these legends have laid a foundation of success and inspiration that will shape the future of African football.

However, if you feel this ranking is inappropriate, then let us know your thoughts in the comment section, we really appreciate it.