Top 10 Best South African Footballers - 2025 (Ranked)

The Republic of South Africa isn’t what comes to mind first when one thinks of footballing powerhouses. Yet, they have shown glimpses of competitiveness, brilliance, and promise in the last two decades whenever given the chance. The South African men’s national football team is nicknamed Bafana Bafana. They hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which remains a cult classic, and previously took part in the competition in 1998 and 2002. The nations have produced some of the best South African footballers, who brought success in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Their first and only major title was the 1996 AFCON on home soil. A lot of this progress is owed to some best South African football players. They have not only shone for South Africa but also made their mark in some of the biggest European clubs. Now, with Bafana Bafana qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after topping their group with a thrilling 3-0 win over Rwanda in October 2025, ending a 16-year absence. Here are the top 10 best South African soccer players in 2025.

List of Best South African Soccer Players

Let's look at the best South African soccer player who are currently at their peak and have helped their team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Check out the list of best South African football player. We have picked the finest players at present.

How we Ranked the Best South African Football Players in 2025?

Ranking the top 10 best South African footballers was not an easy job for us, as there are hundreds of active players around the globe currently representing the nation and the African continent. To make our tasks a little bit easier, we have ensured some ranking factors, and those who are on merit are given a place in our list of the best South African soccer player.

• Consistency: It shows how often a player performs well across an entire season, not just in a few matches. The more reliable a player is, the higher they rank in the list.
• Playing Position: When ranking the best South African football players. A defender’s tackles, a midfielder’s creativity and a forward’s goals all count differently, and it's necessary because we cannot compare a goalkeeper with a striker and keep goals scored as the deciding factor.
• Impact in Key Matches: Big matches reveal the true level of the best South African football player. Performing under pressure, whether scoring a decisive goal, saving a penalty or controlling the midfield, raises a player’s ranking.
• Performance stats: Performance metrics are another vital factor considered in order to rank these players as per their statistical figures.

Note: Data for the aforementioned ranking factors are fetched from reputable football analysis sites like Transfermarkt, Sportsdunia and Fbref.

Who is the Best Football Player in South Africa in 2025?

Here is the detailed list, which will give us a brief about the top 10 players mentioned above in the list of the best South African soccer players. Let's find out who is the best football player in South Africa.

10. Percy Tau (Xan Nam Dinh)

The 31-year-old Percy Muzi Tau is at number 10 on our list of the best South African footballers. The ex-Al Ahly star has magic in his feet and has won everything in Africa. The winger's skill and experience make him special for the South African National football team. He currently plays for the Vietnamese club Xan Nam Dinh in Asia.

For many fans, Percy Tau is forever the best South African soccer player of his era and due to his popularity, reliability and current performance, he justifies his spot in the list, having played all across the globe for clubs like Brighton, Club Brugge, Anderlecht and more. For Bafana and Bafana, he has won 47 caps and scored 15 goals, altogether.

9. Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Iqraam Rayners is the hottest goalscorer in South African football right now and there is no sign of stopping. After banging in goals at Stellenbosch, he moved to popular South African club Mamelodi Sundowns and kept scoring in the 2025-26 season. The forward is known for his smart movements, lethal finishing was the second-highest goalscorer Betway Premiership 2024-25 season with 14 goals in 26 appearances.

He even scored in solo 1-0 win over Ulshan Hyundai in the FIFA Club World Cup. He forced his way into the Bafana squad with pure form and scored in the qualifiers. At present, Iqraam Rayners is counted amongst the best South African soccer players in front of the goal. And if he keeps performing the same way, he might become one of the finest forwards for both club and country. At the international level, he has played 13 matches while scoring 4 goals.

8. Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Don’t be surprised to see the majority of names from Mamelodi Sundowns on this list of best South African football player. Their players have consistently contributed to the national team's success. Another standout from the club is Khuliso Muadu, who is now enjoying the best phase of his career. The defender was a key player in helping South Africa qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

One of the best South African football player, he marked his return to the Bafana Bafana squad in October 2025, earning three more caps. He has been a dependable figure in the backline, with his passing, link-up plays and defensive solidity at the right back position. Also, Mudau made 35 appearances of his club in the 2024-25 season, in all competitions.

7. Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)

The Orlando Pirates centre back Nkosinathi Sibisi is our next pick on the list of best South African footballers currently. The seasoned defender has played over 220 professional club matches for Lamontville Golden Arrows and Orlando Pirates. A highly commendable centre-back who brings solidity, tenacity and leadership quality in his game.

Sibisi had missed the opening two fixtures of the African World Cup qualifiers, but returned to make an impact in the remaining three matches. The 30-year-old, when playing in defence for Bafana Bafana, the team has only conceded a single goal in the last five fixtures. The Orlando Pirates defender has played in at the international level.

6. Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq)

The 21-year-old South African forward, Mohau Nkota, is making a name for himself in the Saudi Pro League with Al Ettifaq. An Orlando Pirates prospect is a highly talented attacker, with 4 goals contributions in 9 games in the SPL where, five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo plays his club football. Termed as one of the most promising talents and amongst the best South African footballers.

The ex-Orlando pirates player Mohau Nkota possesses the ability to glide past defenders with ease, creates chances effortlessly, adding to his decent finishing. Widely regarded as the most technically gifted player in South Africa, he continues to prove why he is a true national treasure. Since making his international debut in July 2025, the right winger has been a regular face in South African national team, winning 7 caps and scoring two goals.

5. Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)

Deservedly called one of the best South African footballers in 2025, Oswin Appollis is a key part of Bafana Bafana and his club side, Orlando Pirates. In the ongoing 2025-26 term, the left winger has netted four times and made five assists in 20 matches across all competitions. Already surpassing his last season's goal mark, Appollis was stunning in Bafana Bafana's World Cup qualifiers campaign.

The 24-year-old has represented his country 19 times at the international level; however, his most recent performances have been remarkable. The former Polokwane City, is exceptional on the ball with dribbles, trickery equipped with tremendous vision. Oswin has amassed 6 goal contributions in 8 African World Cup qualification appearances, spearheading South Africa to the 2026 World Cup.

4. Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB)

One of the well-known faces of the South African football, veteran defender Siyabonga Ngezana has been one of the best South African footballers in recent years. He defends his place on this ranking as well, on the back of a strong performance for his club FCSB in Romania. Ngezana has played a big role in helping his club claim two successive Romanian League titles and Super Cup titles in a row.

The former Kaizer Chiefs defender, has played at the pinnacle of club football, in renowned tournaments like UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League qualifiers. With, 7 international caps for Bafana Bafana, however, he missed out on the country's recent matches due to suspension and fitness issues.

3. Lyle Foster (Burnley)

The only player on the list, plying his trades in one of the top five best leagues in the world, Lyle Foster is the right candidate for best South African football players. The centre forward has played across the top leagues in Europe, played for Monaco, Portugal, and Belgium before settling with Burnley in the EFL Championship.

Forster was a part of an incredible 2024-25 campaign, when the Clarets put up a 100-point campaign in the English second division to secure a promotion to English Premier League. The Orlando Pirates academy graduate is the most valuable South African footballer of all time. Foster has earned 20 national team caps for Bafana Bafana.

2. Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

The Sundowns midfielder Toboho Mokoena has been instrumental in Bafana Bafana's recent World Cup Qualification feat. He was remarkable in the midfield for his country, playing as a deep-lying playmaker and controlling the tempo of the game. Under Hugo Broos, Mokoena started 9 times out of 10 matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The 28-year-old has been equally important for his club side across all competitions. He racked up 47 appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2024-25 campaign. Mokoena started all three of their matches in the FIFA Club World Cup. Over the years, his importance has only grown for South African football, making him one of best South African footballers.

1. Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Ronwen Williams is the only sensible answer to who is the best football player in South Africa? The Bafana Bafana and Sundowns Skipper tops the list. The shot stopper is an undisputed first choice in goal for both club and country, establishing himself as one of the greatest keepers in the country's history. He has played 56 times for the South Africa national team.

The ace goalkeeper helped Sundowns claim their eighth league title, led them to the FIFA Club World Cup. Williams guided his nation to a third-place finish in AFCON 2023 and clinched a berth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leading from the back. He is the only player to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or award from South Africa. And got nominated for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award.