African stars shining across Europe’s top leagues

African football continues to produce world-class talent, with some of the continent’s finest players making a major impact in Europe’s top five leagues.

From England to Spain, these players have not only strengthened their clubs but also raised the profile of African football on the global stage.

Premier League
Mohamed Salah remains the standout figure in England.

The Egyptian forward, crowned the Premier League’s best player last season, scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists for Liverpool, underlining his decisive influence.

Expectations around Salah remain high as Jürgen Klopp’s side aim to replicate past successes.

Salah is not alone in flying the African flag in England.

Fellow Egyptian Omar Marmoush joined Manchester City in January 2025, adding further firepower to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Cameroonian striker Bryan Mbeumo also secured a high-profile move, signing for Manchester United in a deal worth €81m, a transfer that reflects both his growing reputation and the Premier League’s appetite for African talent.

Serie A
Italy boasts its own African stars.

Ivorian defender Evan Ndicka has been a cornerstone of AS Roma since 2023 and was a key figure in his country’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2024.

His presence has brought stability and resilience to Roma’s backline.

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has also established himself as one of Serie A’s most reliable attackers.

Since joining in 2022, the Nigerian international has scored 52 goals in three seasons.

His crowning moment came in the 2024 Europa League final, where his hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen secured Atalanta their first European trophy.

Ligue 1
France remains a vital platform for African footballers.

Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has returned to Marseille following a season in Saudi Arabia with Al-Qadsiah FC.

The veteran forward is targeting success in the Champions League and has already impressed in pre-season, scoring twice against Aston Villa.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi continues to be one of the best right-backs in world football.

The Moroccan international has been integral to PSG’s domestic and European campaigns since his arrival in 2021, and he is expected to play another decisive role in their pursuit of silverware this season.

Bundesliga
In Germany, Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy has enjoyed an exceptional spell with Borussia Dortmund, netting 38 goals in 50 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign.

His 13 goals and five assists in the Champions League highlighted his ability to deliver on the biggest stage.

Meanwhile, Algerian forward Mohammed Amoura has been a rising force at VfL Wolfsburg since 2024.

His performances have caught the attention of Benfica, with transfer talks currently underway.

La Liga
Spain has also witnessed African brilliance.

Ghanaian striker Iñaki Williams, a mainstay at Athletic Bilbao since 2014, was named La Liga’s best African player in both 2024 and 2025.

His consistency and loyalty to Bilbao continue to earn widespread admiration.

At Real Madrid, Moroccan international Brahim Díaz has cemented his place as a regular starter and lifted the Champions League trophy in 2024.

Another emerging name is Cape Verde defender Logan Costa, now with Villarreal, who previously played a key role in Toulouse’s 2023 Coupe de France triumph by scoring twice in the final.

Across Europe’s elite leagues, African players are not only shaping the fortunes of their clubs but also inspiring the next generation of footballers across the continent.