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Countries with only one player to feature in Premier League history

Published at :January 18, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Modified at :January 18, 2025 at 7:11 PM
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Saikat Sengupta


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Mkhitaryan was part of the United squad that won the Europa League in the 2016-17 season.

The English Premier League, often regarded as the pinnacle of club football, has long been a stage where global talent has flourished, transcending boundaries and uniting fans worldwide. From Cristiano Ronaldo, the small boy from Madeira, who donned the iconic Manchester United jersey to become one of the greatest of all time, to Belgium maestro Kevin De Bruyne, who orchestrates Manchester City’s dominance, the Premier League has witnessed unparalleled brilliance.

However, amidst the towering giants from established footballing nations, there exists a unique charm in players hailing from lesser-known footballing countries, who have managed to etch their names into the league’s illustrious history. These solitary representatives, from nations with limited footballing heritage, have showcased resilience, passion, and sheer talent, leaving an indelible mark.

In this feature, we delve into the stories of these nations and their lone flag-bearers, players who rose against the odds to find their place in the footballing heavens of the Premier League. Let us uncover their journeys and celebrate their contributions to a league that thrives on its diverse and inclusive nature.

1. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Armenia)

Henrikh Mkhitaryan stands as Armenia’s sole representative in Premier League history, leaving a significant legacy through his performances with Manchester United and Arsenal. During the 2016-17 season at Old Trafford, the 35-year-old attacking midfielder played a pivotal role in securing the EFL Cup, FA Community Shield, and UEFA Europa League, showcasing his technical brilliance and ability to thrive under pressure.

Following his successful tenure at Manchester United, Mkhitaryan moved to Arsenal, where he spent two seasons demonstrating his creativity and attacking flair. Now plying his trade with Inter Milan in Serie A, he remains a symbol of pride for Armenian football, proving that talent knows no borders.

2. Hamza Choudhury (Bangladesh)

Hamza Choudhury recently grabbed headlines by opting to represent the Bangladesh national football team, making him a standout figure in South Asian football. The 27-year-old defensive midfielder from Leicestershire, England, has enjoyed a noteworthy career in English football, primarily with Leicester City, where he made 91 appearances and scored one goal. Hamza was a key part of Leicester’s triumphs, including their FA Cup, FA Community Shield, and EFL Championship victories between 2020 and 2024, highlighting his contributions to the club’s success during a golden period.

In addition to his achievements at Leicester, Hamza also gained valuable experience during loan spells with Burton Albion and Watford, solidifying his reputation as a dependable midfielder. His decision to play for Bangladesh marks a significant chapter in his career, as he aims to bring his wealth of experience and skill to the international stage, inspiring a new generation of footballers in the region.

3. Frederic Nimani (Chad)

Frédéric Nemani, the Chad international born in Marseille, France, had a brief stint in the Premier League with Burnley as a loanee from AS Monaco. During his time at Burnley, Nemani made two appearances, both of which ended in defeats, including his debut against Bolton Wanderers in a 1-0 loss. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t prevent Burnley’s struggles, and the club were eventually relegated back to the Championship.

Following their relegation, Burnley decided not to make Nemani’s move permanent, bringing his short-lived Premier League chapter to an end. While his time in England was fleeting, Nemani’s journey remains a unique footnote as a Chadian player competing at the highest level of English football.

4. Onel Hernandez (Cuba)

Onel Hernández, the 31-year-old Cuban left-winger, has carved a unique path in English football, representing Norwich City in both the Premier League and the EFL Championship. Before joining Norwich, Hernández honed his skills with German clubs Werder Bremen and VfL Wolfsburg. His time with Norwich has been particularly memorable, as he played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League twice, winning the EFL Championship titles in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons.

Hernández has made 183 appearances and scored 11 goals for Norwich City, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the club’s recent history. Currently still part of the Norwich City squad, he has also had impactful loan spells with Middlesbrough and Birmingham City, showcasing his versatility and dedication across English football.

5. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Guatemala)

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, the lone Guatemalan to feature in the Premier League, was born and raised in Birmingham, UK. Rising through the Wolverhampton Wanderers youth academy, he honed his craft and gained valuable experience as a young prospect. Mendez-Laing’s career saw him represent various English clubs, including Sheffield United, Cambridge United, and Cardiff City, where he played a pivotal role in securing the team’s promotion to the Premier League in 2017.

Though his Premier League stint was brief, Mendez-Laing’s contributions at Cardiff City solidified his reputation. On the international stage, he has represented the Guatemala national team 15 times, proudly carrying the nation’s flag in professional football.

6. Danny Higginbotham (Gibraltar)

Danny Higginbotham, the Manchester-born Gibraltar international, emerged from the esteemed Manchester United Youth Academy, making four appearances for the senior team before transferring to Southampton in 2003. At Southampton, Higginbotham became a key figure, making nearly 100 appearances and solidifying his reputation as a reliable defender.

In the 2007-08 season, he joined Sunderland, later enjoying a successful stint with Stoke City. Higginbotham also experienced loan spells with clubs such as Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town before eventually securing a permanent move to Sheffield United. His career reflects dedication and versatility across English football’s various tiers.

7. Gunnar Nielsen (Faroe Island)

Gunnar Nielsen, the 38-year-old goalkeeper from the Faroe Islands, remains an inspirational figure for his journey to the English top flight. Starting his career with Blackburn Rovers, Nielsen joined Manchester City in 2009, where he spent three years. However, much of his time was spent on loan at clubs like Motherwell, Wrexham, and Tranmere Rovers, as he often found himself in a substitute role.

Despite limited appearances, Nielsen’s ascent to the Premier League, coming from a nation with a modest footballing reputation, stands as a testament to perseverance and determination, inspiring countless players from lesser-known footballing regions.

8. Junior Firpo (Dominican Republic)

Junior Firpo, the 28-year-old left-back from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has carved a notable career path in European football. After rising through the ranks at Real Betis and showcasing his talent at Barcelona, Firpo joined Leeds United in 2021. Since then, he has become a vital part of the Leeds squad, amassing 87 appearances and contributing two goals.

Firpo’s first goal for Leeds came during a 3-1 victory over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup fourth round. He followed it up with his maiden Premier League goal in 2023, securing a crucial 1-0 win against Southampton. His contributions highlight his importance to the team’s defensive and attacking dynamics.

9. Jordi Amat (Indonesia)

Jordi Amat, the Spanish-born Indonesian international, has had a noteworthy football journey across Europe. Having started his career with Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano, Amat moved to Swansea City in 2013, where he became a reliable figure in defence. During his time with the Welsh club, he made 52 appearances in the Premier League, showcasing his composure and versatility.

Amat remained with Swansea until 2018, although he spent the final year of his tenure on loan at Real Betis. His ability to adapt to different leagues and his commitment to the game have made him a respected figure, especially as one of the few players representing Indonesia on the global stage.

10. Ali Al-Hamadi (Iraq)

Ali Al-Hamadi, the talented Iraqi centre-forward from Maisan, has embarked on an inspiring football journey through England’s leagues. Having previously showcased his skills at Wycombe Wanderers and AFC Wimbledon, he recently joined Ipswich Town, where he has quickly established himself as a pivotal figure. Following Ipswich’s promotion to the Premier League, Al-Hamadi has played a crucial role in their remarkable performances, helping the team secure notable victories over giants like Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

As Ipswich Town continue to rise as one of the most exciting teams in the league, Al-Hamadi’s eye for goals and ability to lead the attack make him a vital asset. He will undoubtedly aim to add to his goal tally and drive Ipswich forward as they strive to solidify their status among the Premier League elite.

11. Victor Wanyama (Kenya)

Victor Wanyama, Kenya’s sole representative in the English Premier League, has had an illustrious career that brought pride to his nation. Born in Nairobi, Wanyama began making his mark in European football with Celtic before joining Southampton in 2013. During his tenure at Southampton, he made 85 appearances and scored four goals, showcasing his exceptional midfield prowess and earning admiration for his robust playing style.

In 2016, Wanyama moved to Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent four successful seasons. Notably, he was a key part of the Spurs squad that reached the UEFA Champions League final in the 2018-19 season under Mauricio Pochettino, further cementing his legacy as a trailblazer for Kenyan football on the global stage.

12. Dylan Kerr (Malta)

Dylan Kerr, the Maltese international hailing from Valletta, carved a notable path in football during his playing days. Starting with Sheffield Wednesday, he joined Leeds United in 1989, where he made 20 appearances. Kerr played a pivotal role in Leeds’ triumphs, helping the club secure both the EFL Division 2 and Division 1 titles, marking a golden era for the team.

Following his stint at Leeds, Kerr continued his career with various clubs before transitioning into football management. His journey from a player to a manager highlights his enduring passion and commitment to the sport, making him a respected figure in footballing circles.

13. Ryan Donk (Suriname)

Ryan Donk, the 38-year-old Surinamese international born in Amsterdam, showcased his versatility and skill across various top-tier clubs. After starting his career in the Netherlands, he joined West Bromwich Albion on loan in 2008, making 16 appearances in the Premier League. Despite his brief stint in England, Donk demonstrated his potential before moving on to Club Brugge.

At Brugge, he cemented his reputation with over 100 appearances, earning admiration for his composure and adaptability. In 2016, Donk joined Galatasaray, where he enjoyed a highly successful tenure, contributing significantly to the Turkish giants’ domestic and European campaigns. His career remains a testament to his resilience and impact on the field.

14. Neil Etheridge (Philippines)

Neil Etheridge, the London-born Philippines international, has had an eventful career across various leagues. Starting at Fulham, Etheridge honed his skills before going on loan spells to Charlton Athletic and Bristol Rovers. His time at Cardiff City proved to be a career highlight, where he became the first Filipino to play in the Premier League and made a significant impact with his shot-stopping abilities.

After a stint with Birmingham City, Etheridge embraced a new chapter by joining Buriram United, aiming to leave his mark on South Asian football. As one of the most prominent Filipino footballers, his journey exemplifies determination and the pursuit of excellence.

15. Zesh Rahman (Pakistan)

Zesh Rehman, the trailblazing Pakistani footballer, holds the distinction of being the first and only player from Pakistan to feature in the English top flight. Born and raised in Birmingham, Rehman emerged from Fulham’s Youth Academy and initially served loan stints at Brighton & Hove Albion and Norwich City. In 2006, he joined Queen’s Park Rangers, where he made 50 appearances before venturing beyond England to explore opportunities with various clubs globally.

Though he represented England at the youth level, Rehman later chose to play for Pakistan, earning 22 caps for the national team. His journey from England’s elite leagues to becoming a symbol of pride for Pakistani football epitomizes resilience and ambition.

16. Ali Al-Habsi (Oman)

Ali Al-Habsi, the legendary Omani goalkeeper from Muscat, made his mark in English football through his stints with Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic. Known for his composure and reliability, Al-Habsi later joined Brighton & Hove Albion on loan in 2014 before successful spells with Reading and Saudi giants Al-Hilal. In 2019, he signed with West Bromwich Albion, where he continued his career as a dependable secondary goalkeeper.

Despite often serving as a backup at the club level, Al-Habsi remains a pivotal figure for the Oman national team, earning an incredible 136 caps. His illustrious journey has not only elevated Oman’s footballing presence but also inspired countless aspiring players from the region.

17. Mahmoud Dahoud (Syria)

Mahmoud Dahoud, the 29-year-old Syrian defensive midfielder hailing from Amuda, has carved out an impressive career across top European leagues. Beginning his journey with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Dahoud showcased his talent and earned a move to Borussia Dortmund, where he made 101 appearances and became known for his tactical intelligence and ball control.

In 2023, Dahoud joined Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, but his stint yielded only nine appearances before he was loaned to VfB Stuttgart. Seeking consistency, Dahoud returned to Germany’s top division and currently plies his trade with Eintracht Frankfurt, reaffirming his position as a dynamic midfield presence.

18. Mbwana Samatta (Tanzania)

Mbwana Samatta, the trailblazing Tanzanian striker from Dar es Salaam, etched his name in history as the first player from his nation to play and score in the Premier League. Before his move to England, Samatta honed his craft with Simba SC in Tanzania and later achieved significant success with Genk in Belgium, where his goal-scoring prowess earned him a move to Aston Villa in 2020.

During his stint with Aston Villa, Samatta made 14 appearances and netted a solitary but historic goal in a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth, marking a milestone for Tanzanian football. Though his time in the Premier League was brief, his impact as a pioneer remains monumental for aspiring footballers from Tanzania.

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