Yaya Touré has named his five greatest footballers of all time, with the former Ivorian international giving pride of place to African legends Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o in a line-up that blends personal legacy, admiration, and continental pride.
The former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder made his selections during an appearance on a show hosted by ex-England defender Rio Ferdinand, choosing a list that balances raw talent with personal experience and cultural impact.
Touré’s choices are sure to ignite conversations across the footballing world—not just for who made the cut, but also for the message it sends about Africa’s footprint on the global stage.
At the top of his list is Argentina’s Lionel Messi, widely regarded by many as the greatest player to have ever played the game. Touré, who faced Messi both in training during his time at Barcelona and in high-level competition, hailed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s brilliance as unmatched. His inclusion comes as little surprise.
Joining Messi are two other icons Touré once shared a dressing room with at Barcelona: Andrés Iniesta and Thierry Henry.
Iniesta, known for his vision, control, and ability to dictate the tempo of a match, played a pivotal role in both Spain’s international dominance and Barça’s era of club supremacy.
Henry, meanwhile, brought flair and finesse to the attacking third with blistering pace and clinical finishing, leaving an indelible mark on European football.
But it is Touré’s African selections that stand out most—both emotionally and symbolically. In naming Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o, Touré pays homage to two of the most influential forwards the continent has ever produced.
Drogba, a fellow Ivorian and long-time talisman for Chelsea, is remembered not just for his imposing presence on the pitch and knack for scoring crucial goals, but also for his leadership qualities and role in uniting a divided Côte d’Ivoire off the field.
With four Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League medal, and numerous domestic accolades, Drogba’s legacy continues to resonate deeply within African and world football.
Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, meanwhile, is a player Touré describes with reverence. The only African player to win the treble in two consecutive seasons with different clubs—Barcelona and Inter Milan—Eto’o was known for his relentless drive, sharp instincts, and killer finishing.
He remains one of Africa’s most decorated players, with an illustrious career spanning Europe’s top leagues and numerous personal awards.
Touré’s top five is a reflection of both personal experience and cultural acknowledgment. It highlights players who have shaped his understanding of greatness, not just through individual skill, but through consistent impact on the game and the lives of those who watched and played alongside them.
By including Drogba and Eto’o, Touré places African football firmly within the conversation of global excellence.
His list is not just a celebration of skill, but a statement—reminding the world that the contributions of African players to the sport’s rich history are as enduring as they are profound.
