Top 10 Best Black Football Players (All-Time List)

Football is a sport that supports inclusivity. No matter which country you are from, you might support a footballing nation that is on the other side of the planet. Irrespective of where you are from and how you grew up, you can dare to dream of the finest stage of them all, winning the most prestigious accolades.

Our beloved sport is rich with history. Today, in particular, we shift the spotlight to the black football players. Black football players have profoundly influenced the sport, showcasing resilience, leadership, and talent on the global stage.

Their contributions, both on and off the pitch, have broken barriers and inspired many generations. While ranking these great players of football, we’ve weighted their impact on the clubs they have played for, their scoring or playmaking efficiency, and their legacy. Although we have also considered statistical numbers, remember that stats don’t tell the whole story. From Sadio Mane, Pelé to Kylian Mbappe, take a look at who made it to our list of the greatest black football players:

List of Best Black Footballers of All Time

The list below contains names of some of the black football players who made their name in the sport and also achieved greatness through sheer determination and hard work. Our list is based on several ranking factors, which are explained briefly below this section.

How We Ranked the Best Black Footballers of All Time?

In this segment of our article, where we are unveiling the top 10 best black players in football, the listed factors below proved to be very crucial in ranking the black football players. Let us understand each of the factors and how they helped us in ranking the 10 best black football players of all time

• Impact & Influence: The primary factor considered while compiling this list of the best black football players is their impact and influence on the clubs they’ve played for. Their ability to create a spark with their performances lifts morale.
• Performance Stats (Goals & Assists) The second parameter we have considered while making this list of the best black football players is their direct goal contributions throughout their career.
• Trophies Won: The third metric considered while ranking the best black football players is the number of trophies won by them throughout their club career.

Who are the Best Black Football Players of All Time?

The football world has seen some of the finest talents emerge from the African land, with robust speed, vision, and unreal technicality. They have thoroughly entertained the fans for decades. Now, let’s take a look at some of the greatest black football players the world has seen.

10. Yaya Toure – Ivory Coast

If you are looking for a top-tier midfielder in football who has been consistent throughout his career but never got his due credit, it is Yaya Toure. From Barcelona to Premier League giants Manchester City, he has played under many coaches, and all of them are equally wowed by his defensive skills, deep-lying playmaking abilities & darting runs into the attacking third. He has always been an inspiration for the up-and-coming African players. Byt his off-pitch controversies to some extent affected his reputation at the latter stages of his career.

Yaya Toure has been an exceptional player and has won it all. The Ivorian had always gone under the radar, despite being one of the key cornerstones of success for Manchester City, along with being hailed as one of the best black footballers of all time. Mostly playing as a box-to-box midfielder, he dictated the tempo while ensuring he had his defenders covered. While his stats may lack in comparison to others on the list, his impact and influence loom larger in the success the Cityzens have tasted. Hence, it makes sense to count him among the greatest players ever to play for Manchester City.

9. Kylian Mbappe – France

Ex-PSG man and 2022 World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe is still only 27 and already boasts a trophy cabinet that other footballers would be envious of. In his first time making it in the French squad for the FIFA World Cup, he won the trophy. Established himself as one of the best black footballers of all time, Kylian Mbappe was exceptional in the tournament and gave defenders a nightmare when it came to catching him.

Moreover, his spells at PSG were consistent with a lot of Goals every season. From idolising Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo to him being an idol to many young fans and players now, Mbappe has come a long way. Feels like yesterday, when he moved to PSG on the then-world record transfer fee, to becoming one of the best strikers in football currently. With his move to Real Madrid and record-breaking performance in his debut season, he has won the hearts of Madridistas.

Despite Real's struggles this season, he is currently the top scorer in La Liga, which speaks volumes about the quality he possesses.

8. Sadio Mane – Senegal

At number 8, we have Sadio Mane, who has done exceptionally well for both his club and country and even at the age of 33, is going strong. A massive portion of Sadio’s salary goes to the welfare of his hometown and the outskirts of it. His impact during his stay with Liverpool was exceptional; maybe the highlight of his career was his time at Liverpool. His curling shots and breathtaking assists always lit up the Anfield Stadium.

Due to his honourable and charitable work, Sadio Mane has won the Socrates Award as well. Additionally, he is considered one of the best African players ever in the Premier League. His on-field performances are no short of impressive as well, winning domestic and European cups with the clubs he played for. Having played 585 games so far in his professional career, he has scored 241 goals while creating 120 assists.

The Senegalese forward led the line for his nation once again in the 2025 AFCON, as the Senegal national football team played their third AFCON final in four years. His goal against Mohamed Salah's Egypt in the semifinal proved to be decisive, taking his tally to two goals in the tournament.

Impressive, Right? But what's even better is the fact that he played a starring role in the Teranga Lions' 1-0 win over hosts Morocco and won his 2nd AFCON title, and indicated that this is his last ever Africa Cup of Nations tournament. He has cemented his place as one of the finest black football players in history, and who knows, he might even move up ahead on our list if he continues to perform.

7. Clarence Seedorf – Netherlands

If you ever ask a 90s football fan who was the strongest player in the world, their answer will be Dutch icon Clarence Seedorf. Considered as one of the best Dutch players of all time, his impact and influence are defined by his unparalleled achievements, such as winning three UEFA Champions League titles with three different clubs. For some players, winning even one UEFA Champions League trophy is a dream; this guy has won it with three clubs. Such a baller he has.

He racked up a staggering 877 professional club career games under his belt. Seedorf has scored 128 goals and has created 136 assists. His professional career spanned 22 years, during which he won 19 trophies with clubs like Serie A giants AC Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid.

6. N’Golo Kante – France

The French star N’Golo Kante is one of the humblest and quietest football players in the world. The French midfielder made an impact and showed everyone his class and consistency during their surprise campaign in the Premier League, where Leicester City won the league title. Although he isn’t known for his scoring abilities, he has still done great operating in the midfield.

The former Chelsea midfielder has played over 500 games in his professional club career. Kante has scored 32 goals, while he has assisted 39 times. His ability to read the game with his timely interceptions and ability to build plays from the deep-lying position. He has established himself as one of the best black football players of all time. He is currently set to join Fenerbahce and is currently plying his trade with Saudi Arabian giants Al Ittihad, and has led them to league glory as well in the 2024/25 season.

5. Mario Balotelli – Italy

Mario Balotelli is one of the most unique and unpredictable ballers of all time, who made his name in the world of football by his performance and impulsive behaviour. While his skills and long range made him one of the best players, on the other hand, his attitude made sure the player didn’t get the praise he deserved. Balotelli has played for iconic clubs like Manchester City, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. Additionally, Balotelli helped Inter Milan win many domestic trophies and won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2012, making him one of the best black players in football.

People remember him for his power, confidence, and sometimes his wild behaviour. Even though he didn’t reach his full potential, he created many unforgettable memories. His journey is a reminder of how passion and personality can make someone special in football. His cult following has made him relevant in the football discussions even now.

Recently, he made a move to the UAE first division club, Al Ittifaq, at the age of 35, which tells a lot about the passion he still has for the beautiful game.

4. Didier Drogba – Ivory Coast

Chelsea icon Didier Drogba is a living example of what a moment of a second can do in football. Portuguese boss Jose Mourinho liked his performance when he was playing for the French club Marseille. After Mourinho moved to Stamford Bridge, the first transfer he made was to buy Drogba from France. He told Abrahamovic to pay and not speak. Boy, did that investment pay off as he emerged as a club legend.

With 688 games to his name and scoring 302 goals, Drogba is hailed as one of the many world-class black football players, whose name is etched in history and record books. He was an integral part of Chelsea’s League trophies. In his second spell with the Blues, he secured the UEFA Champions League trophy with his winning kick in a penalty shootout. His popularity continued off the pitch with both football and political relations. His place at 4th in the list of best black footballers of all time remains a topic of debate, whether he should be higher or not.

3. Samuel Eto’o – Cameroon

Samuel Eto’o is a true Cameroonian legend and is widely considered one of the greatest African players of all time. When it comes to club competitions, he has won a lot of trophies. From the La Liga with Barcelona to winning the treble with Inter to coming to the Premier League with Chelsea, the Cameroonian striker has won a lot of trophies. From the League titles to the UEFA Champions League, he has won a lot of silverware.

The Barcelona icon won 15 trophies in his illustrious club career. Eto’o established himself as one of the most clinical finishers the football world has seen. With 754 games in his professional club career, he has scored 368 goals and created 121 assists. The legendary forward is highly regarded as one of the best black football players in the world. At the international level, Eto'o led his country to lift the African Cup of Nations twice successfully in 2000 and 2002.

2. George Weah – Liberia

If we are speaking of the top African talents, George Weah is the name everyone expects to appear on the list. Till now, the Liberia legend is the first and only African player to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for his exceptional performances. George Weah has broken the barrier and allowed generations of players to dream big and make it in Europe. His 1995 Ballon d’Or win has been a milestone in African football.

He has played 478 games for clubs like Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, English club Chelsea, and more during his impressive professional club career. With 193 goals and 66 assists to his name alongside 11 major trophies, he had a successful football career. Therefore, Weah is regarded as one of the best black players in football. George was one of his kind; he acted as a motivation for fellow African players to follow in his footsteps to success.

1. Pele – Brazil

If Brazil is making a list and ranking their finest talents accordingly, Pelé is miles clear. The Brazilian is considered one of the best in football to step on the field. Due to his immeasurable global impact and glorious career. He is often hailed as one of the greatest football players of all time. From World Cup glories to personal accolades, the legendary forward has written history that inspires every generation. Even though he never played in Europe, Pelé is regarded as the best black football player

What a player and legend of the game he was, inspiring generations after generations with his skills and abilities. AS per IFFHS, the Brazilian legend has racked up 1241 goals, including unofficial friendlies and tour games in 1363 matches. Pele is highly regarded as one of the greatest black football players of all time. He has often been credited for popularising the spot globally during the 1960s and 70s with his unreal influence.