Top 10: The best African scorers in UEFA Champions League history!

Europe 29 April 2025 at 14:59

Amine Jomni

News Editor

For several decades, African footballers have been showcasing their talent on European fields, etching their achievements indelibly into the prestigious history of the UEFA Champions League.

From the legend George Weah, the only African to have won the Ballon d'Or, to the dazzling Mohamed Salah, the spearhead of Liverpool, and through the illustrious Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o, these ambassadors of the Mother Continent have left their mark of genius on the "Cup with the big ears."

As the 2024-2025 semi-finals, which begin this Tuesday, April 29, approach, it's the perfect time to revisit the most prolific African scorers in this mythical competition.

Mohamed Salah, king of Europe

At the top of the ranking, Mohamed Salah reigns supreme. The Egyptian striker from Liverpool boasts an impressive total of 51 goals, cementing his status as an offensive benchmark of African football.

A two-time African Ballon d'Or winner, he is also among the top 10 scorers in Champions League history.

African legends at the top

Behind the "Pharaoh," Didier Drogba takes second place with 44 goals. A true Chelsea hero, the Ivorian long stood as one of the tournament's iconic faces.

In third position, Samuel Eto'o, a three-time winner of the competition, completes this elite podium with 30 goals.

An impressive African elite

The ranking also includes major names in modern African football such as Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, all of whom have left their mark on the competition with their talent.

Below is the ranking of the top 10 African scorers in the Champions League (as of April 29, 2025):

1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 51 goals
2. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) – 44 goals
3. Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon) – 30 goals
4. Sadio Mané (Senegal) – 27 goals
5. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – 20 goals
6. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) – 17 goals
7. Seydou Doumbia (Ivory Coast) – 15 goals
8. Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon) – 14 goals
9. George Weah (Liberia) – 14 goals
10. Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo) – 14 goals

This ranking perfectly illustrates the significant contribution of African footballers to the grandeur of European football. And with the rise of new generations, this hierarchy could soon be shaken by new talents emerging from Africa!