Mohamed Salah has boldly declared that he considers himself the greatest African footballer in history, citing both his personal achievements and impact on the global stage.
In an interview with France Football, the Egyptian forward was asked who he believed deserved the title of the best African player in the sport’s long and storied history.
Salah responded without hesitation.
Who is the best African player in history? Me, but there are many. I could also mention George Weah, Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o, said the Liverpool star.
Salah’s confidence is backed by an illustrious career that has seen him become one of the most celebrated African players in the modern era.
Since joining Liverpool in 2017, the winger has amassed an impressive collection of individual accolades and major trophies, helping to reshape the club’s fortunes under manager Jürgen Klopp.
Among his most notable team honours are two Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League triumph in 2019, the latter marking Liverpool’s sixth European crown.
Salah played a pivotal role in that continental success, finishing as one of the top scorers during the campaign and netting the opening goal in the final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Beyond silverware, Salah’s consistency and influence in English football have been remarkable.
He has earned multiple Premier League Golden Boot awards, broken numerous club and league records, and helped elevate the profile of African talent in top-tier European football.
However, his comments are likely to spark debate across the footballing world, especially given the legacy of other African greats.
George Weah, the only African to win the Ballon d’Or, Didier Drogba’s unforgettable exploits at Chelsea, and Samuel Eto’o’s trophy-laden stints with Barcelona and Inter Milan remain benchmarks of African excellence in football.
Still, Salah’s self-assessment reflects the belief of a player at the peak of his powers, with a resume that continues to grow.
As he prepares for another campaign with Liverpool, the Egyptian forward shows no signs of slowing down—either on the pitch or in his ambitions.
Whether or not he is ultimately crowned the greatest African player in history may be a matter of opinion, but Salah has certainly ensured his name remains firmly in that conversation.
