France Football Ranks Emmanuel Adebayor Among Top African Players
The renowned French magazine France Football has begun a new series ranking African footballers, encompassing both active and retired players. The first installment of this ranking has highlighted players occupying positions 26 through 30, with Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor earning the 28th spot.
Adebayor, currently playing for Istanbul Basaksehir in the Turkish Super Lig, has enjoyed a career spanning over a decade at the highest levels of European football. While his recent statistics may not match the prolific output of his earlier years, his overall impact on African football remains undeniable. His performances have consistently placed him among the continent’s standout players for more than a decade.
Born in Lomé, Togo, Emmanuel Adebayor first made his mark on the international stage during the qualifiers for the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2006 World Cup. His success at the club level further cemented his status as one of Africa’s elite footballers. Adebayor shone with Arsenal during the 2007–2008 season, contributing key goals and assists as the Gunners competed at the top of the Premier League and in European competitions. Following his spell in North London, he moved to Manchester City in 2009, where he continued to demonstrate his versatility and clinical finishing.
In 2011, Adebayor joined Real Madrid on loan, making an immediate impact and helping the Spanish giants secure the Copa del Rey title that season. These achievements, combined with his performances for other European clubs, illustrate the breadth of his career and the consistency with which he performed at top levels of the game.
Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Adebayor continues to contribute to his teams. In the recently concluded Turkish Super Lig season, the forward scored three goals in 19 appearances for Istanbul Basaksehir. While these numbers may seem modest compared to his peak years, they demonstrate his ongoing ability to influence matches and support his club in competitive leagues.
On the international stage, Adebayor has been a pillar for Togo over the years, leading the team through multiple qualifying campaigns for the Africa Cup of Nations. Although Togo narrowly missed out on qualification for the next AFCON, his experience and leadership have been invaluable for a team that has often faced challenges in competing against Africa’s traditional powerhouses.
France Football’s inclusion of Adebayor at number 28 among all African players—past and present—underscores the respect and admiration he commands for his career achievements. The magazine highlights not just the statistics but also the influence of players on the continent, both on and off the pitch. For Adebayor, this ranking reflects a career marked by perseverance, skill, and a sustained presence at football’s highest levels.
As the series continues, football fans and analysts alike eagerly await the next installments, which will reveal the top 25 African players in history. Emmanuel Adebayor’s inclusion among the 30 best is a testament to his enduring legacy in African football.
John Attisso
