Victor Osimhen shattered the record for the most goals scored by an African in the history of Serie A during Napoli’s title party on Sunday.
The 24-year-old will be proud of breaking the record of none other than George Weah, the only African to win a Ballon d’Or.
African footballers have left an indelible mark on the world stage, and their impact continues to be felt across Europe’s top five leagues.
Bolanews delves into the list of African titans with the most goals in each of Europe’s top five leagues.
PREMIER LEAGUE
Mohamed Salah: 139 goals
In October 2021, the Egyptian wizard etched his name in Premier League history by breaking the record previously held by Ivorian icon Didier Drogba. Salah’s remarkable achievement came during Liverpool’s memorable 5-0 decimation of Manchester United at Old Trafford. With a tally of 139 goals in 228 appearances, Salah continues to build his case for a place among the greatest players in Premier League history.
LA LIGA
Samuel Eto’o: 162 goals
Samuel Eto’o, a formidable force in the world of football, established himself as Africa’s most prolific scorer in the Spanish topflight. The Cameroonian legend notched an impressive 162-league tally for RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona.
He remains Mallorca’s all-time top scorer to this day, despite departing from the club almost 20 years ago. The African icon who is now the Cameroonian FA president was also the leading goalscorer in La Liga when FC Barcelona secured their first-ever continental treble by a Spanish club in 2009.
SERIE A
Victor Osimhen: 47 goals
Nigerian sensation Victor Osimhen recently made headlines by breaking a record held by Africa’s solitary Ballon d’Or winner, George Weah. The Super Eagles striker became the African player with the most league goals in Italy.
Osimhen achieved this historic feat during Napoli’s title celebration win at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium on Sunday. He netted the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina. With 47 goals in 79 appearances, Osimhen’s rise as a prolific scorer in Serie A has been nothing short of remarkable.
BUNDESLIGA
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 98 goals
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, renowned for his blistering pace and clinical finishing, holds the distinction of being the top-scoring African player in the Bundesliga. The Gabonese forward enjoyed a successful spell at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 98 goals in 144 appearances. Aubameyang’s electrifying performances earned him the Bundesliga’s top-scorer title in the 2016–2017 season.
LIGUE 1
Francois M’Pele: 119 goals
Francois M’Pele remains a revered figure in Ligue 1. Having played in the 1970s, the Congolese forward is a pioneer for many African stars that have been plying their trade in Europe. During his illustrious career, M’Pele showcased his exceptional goal-scoring ability at clubs such as AC Ajaccio and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He amassed 119 goals in 324 appearances in the French top flight.
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The remarkable achievements of Mohamed Salah, Samuel Eto’o, Victor Osimhen, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Francois M’Pele highlight the extraordinary impact of African footballers in Europe’s top five leagues.
These scoring legends have written their names in history, shattered records, and inspired a new generation of players. Their success exemplifies the talent and determination that Africa brings to the world of football.
