The English Premier League has seen some of Africa’s greatest footballers make history, winning multiple league titles and leaving a lasting legacy. From legendary strikers to dominant midfielders, these players have helped their clubs achieve domestic success while inspiring millions across the continent.
Top African Players with the Most Premier League Titles
Riyad Mahrez (5 Titles) – Leicester City & Manchester City
- Mahrez won his first Premier League title with Leicester City in 2015/16, playing a key role in their historic triumph.
- He later won four more titles with Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, making him the most decorated African player in Premier League history
Riyad Mahrez left an incredible legacy at Manchester City, establishing himself as one of the club’s most influential wingers during his five-year tenure from 2018 to 2023. His time at City was marked by tactical brilliance, clutch performances, and a trophy-laden career, making him one of the most decorated African players in Premier League history.
Mahrez’s Key Stats at Manchester City
- Total Appearances: 145
- Goals: 43
- Assists: 34
- Most Assists by an African Player in Premier League History: 61 (34 with City, 27 with Leicester)
- First City Player to Score a Hat-Trick at Wembley (FA Cup semi-final vs Sheffield United, 2022/23)
Didier Drogba (4 Titles) – Chelsea
- The Ivorian striker was instrumental in Chelsea’s dominance, winning the league in 2004/05, 2005/06, 2009/10, and 2014/15.
- Drogba’s leadership and goal-scoring ability made him one of the greatest African players to ever play in England.
Drogba joined Chelsea in 2004 from Marseille for £24 million, becoming the most expensive Ivorian player at the time. Under José Mourinho, he developed into one of the most feared strikers in world football, combining power, pace, and technical ability.
Drogba’s Key Stats at Chelsea
- Total Appearances: 341
- Goals: 157
- Assists: 71
- European Goals: 36 (Chelsea’s all-time record)
- First African Player to Score 100 Premier League Goals
Yaya Touré (3 Titles) – Manchester City
- Touré was a driving force behind Manchester City’s rise, winning the league in 2011/12, 2013/14, and 2017/18.
- His 2013/14 season was particularly remarkable, as he scored 20 goals from midfield.
Touré was instrumental in City’s first-ever Premier League title win in 2011/12, scoring crucial goals in the final weeks of the season. His 2013/14 campaign was legendary, as he netted 20 league goals, leading City to another title. Yaya Touré’s legacy at Manchester City is one of dominance, leadership, and historic success, making him one of the club’s greatest-ever midfielders. His ability to control games, score crucial goals, and lead by example helped transform City into a Premier League powerhouse.
Touré’s Key Stats at Manchester City
- Total Appearances: 292
- Goals: 81
- Assists: 45
- Most Passes in a Single Premier League Match: 168 (2011)
Nwankwo Kanu (2 Titles) – Arsenal
- The Nigerian forward won two Premier League titles with Arsenal, including being part of the Invincibles squad in 2003/04.
- Kanu’s technical brilliance and versatility made him a key player for the Gunners.
Nwankwo Kanu’s legacy at Arsenal is one of skill, unpredictability, and clutch performances, making him one of the club’s most underrated yet impactful players. His ability to change games in an instant, combined with his technical brilliance, earned him a cult hero status at Highbury. Under Arsène Wenger, he flourished, bringing a unique style of play that made him a nightmare for defenders. His quick feet, intelligence, and ability to score from impossible angles made him a standout performer.
Kanu’s Stats at Arsenal
- Total Appearances: 119
- Goals: 30
- Assists: 15
- Hat-Tricks: 1 (Chelsea, 1999)
Lauren (2 Titles) – Arsenal
- The Cameroonian defender was a crucial part of Arsenal’s defense, winning the league in 2001/02 and 2003/04.
- His contributions helped Arsenal maintain their dominance under Arsène Wenger
Lauren was a key figure in Arsenal’s Invincibles squad, contributing significantly to the club’s success during his tenure from 2000 to 2007. Here are his stats at Arsenal:
Lauren’s Arsenal Career Stats
- Total Appearances: 159
- Goals: 7
- Assists: 8
- Premier League Appearances: 184
- Premier League Goals: 6
- Premier League Assists: 8
- FA Cup Appearances: 26
- FA Cup Goals: 2
- UEFA Champions League Appearances: 53
- Champions League Goals: 1
- Clean Sheets (as a defender): 62
Lauren was known for his defensive solidity, tactical intelligence, and ability to contribute in attack, making him one of Arsène Wenger’s most reliable players. His performances were crucial in Arsenal’s unbeaten 2003/04 season, where he played a vital role in the Invincibles squad.
Mohamed Salah (2) – Liverpool
Mohamed Salah has won two Premier League titles with Liverpool—first in the 2019/20 season and again in 2024/25. His contributions in both campaigns were instrumental, with his goal-scoring prowess and playmaking ability helping Liverpool secure domestic dominance.
In the 2019/20 season, Salah played a key role as Liverpool won their first league title in 30 years, finishing with 19 goals and 10 assists. In 2024/25, he was even more dominant, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists, making him the Premier League Player of the Season and the first player to win the Golden Boot, Playmaker Award, and Player of the Season in the same campaign.
Liverpool Career Stats
- Total Appearances: 401
- Goals: 245
- Assists: 110
- Premier League Appearances: 300
- Premier League Goals: 185
- Premier League Assists: 87
- Champions League Goals: 36 (Liverpool’s all-time European top scorer)
- Trophies Won: 2 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League, 2 FA Cups, 2 EFL Cups, 1 Club World Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup
African Influence in the Premier League
African players have continued to shine in the Premier League, with stars like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Thomas Partey making significant contributions. As more African talents emerge, the league remains a global stage for African football excellence.
Stay tuned for more updates on African footballers making history in the Premier League! You can read more about the top African title winners here.
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