Top five African players with most Premier League titles in history

The star-studded list features the most successful African players in the English top flight

The Premier League over the years has seen quite a lot of talent emerge from the African region, with nations like Nigeria and Ghana sending in some of their best individual knockoffs, to get worldwide recognition and plaudits. 

From Didier Drogba flaring his magic at Stamford Bridge to the pairing of Salah and Mane cracking up club football across Europe, the Premier League’s connection with Africa has also been special and has had an element of excitement and excellence to it.

With that said, let us look at the most successful African players in the Premier League, who have lifted that iconic piece of silverware the most number of times.

5. Nwankwo Kanu - 2 titles

At number five on the list, we start with Nigerian forward Nwankwo Kanu. In his five years with Arsenal, Kanu enjoyed some great success with the club, as he was part of the Invincibles, and had a total of two Premier League titles to his name. Despite having a slow start to life at Arsenal, Kanu soon found his footing in the Prem turned up to the action, and emerged as a key figure for the Gunners. Despite his appearances declining due to the emergence of Frenchman Thierry Henry, Kanu remained a crucial part of Wenger’s incredible Arsenal and deserves a lot more credit than he is given.

4. Laureano Mayer - 2 Titles

Cameroonian international Laureano Mayer or Lauren was another player, who played a crucial role in Arsenal’s incredible team that won the Premier League twice in three years. Playing as a right back, Lauren made a gradual rise into becoming Arsenal’s first choice player, and soon became a crucial part of the team’s defense. Mayer won the Premier League title in 2001-02, as well as in 2003-04, and is still regarded highly in England, as one of the ‘invincibles’.

3. Yaya Toure - 3 titles

Often regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever midfielders, Yaya Toure is easily one of the most decorated African footballers. Having joined the Blues back in 2010, Yaya soon took center stage at the club and started to show his magic in the midfield. In the near decade for which he was at the Etihad, Yaya won the Premier League on three different occasions, in 2012, 2018, and 2014, when Toure displayed one of the greatest seasons ever by a midfielder, as he scored 20 goals while providing 9 assists.

2. Didier Drogba - 4 titles

Didier Drogba is easily one of the most memorable and entertaining Premier League players of his time, and his mesmerizing performances are still a part of the incredible legacy that the Bridge holds. Being brought in by Mourinho from Marseille in the summer of 2004, Drogba took little time to settle in as a player, as he scored 16 goals in his first season with the Blues, and also lifted the Premier League title. Drogba’s finest hour, however, came in the 2009-10 season, when he scored 29 goals in just 32 league appearances and guided his team to glory in the league. Drogba’s other two title victories came in 2005-06 and 2014-15.

1. Riyad Mahrez - 5 titles

With City’s incredible title win this season, Mahrez has now topped the chart for being the most decorated African player in the Premier League. From what seemed to be the most shocking and unusual Premier League title win ever in 2014-15 - when Leicester scripted a tale of utter footballing brilliance, to now having five League titles to his name, Mahrez’s journey to glory has been amazing. The Algerian has won the League four times in just five seasons at the Etihad and has been quite an important part of Pep’s team. Mahrez’s brilliance on the wings is something that has benefitted City a lot, and Riyad can also be trusted on big occasions, as he seldom disappoints with his performances.