African players who have won the UEFA Champions League

THE NATION

The UEFA Champions League is considered the biggest competition in European football. Established in 1955, the competition has gained the hearts of football players and fans.

This article delves into African players who have achieved success by winning the prestigious competition with their respective clubs.

1. 1983/84: Bruce Grobbelaar (Zimbabwe) – Liverpool

Grobbelaar is considered a pioneer of African Champions League winners being the first to win the prestigious competition in the 1984 European Cup final against AS Roma set the stage for future African players to shine on Europe’s grandest stage.

2. 1986/87: Rabah Madjer (Algeria) – FC Porto

Madjer became the second African player to win the Champions League, scoring a memorable backheel goal to help FC Porto secure a victory over Bayern Munich.

3. 1992/93: Abedi Pele (Ghana) – Olympique de Marseille

Ghanian legend sailed Olympique de Marseille to their first and only Champions League title, playing a pivotal role in the team’s success.

4. 1994/95: Finidi George and Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria) – Ajax Amsterdam

The Nigerian legends were integral members of the young, exciting Ajax team that conquered Europe in the mid-90s, defeating AC Milan in the final.

5. 1996/97: Ibrahim Tanko (Ghana) – Borussia Dortmund

Although Tanko did not feature in the final, he was part of the Borussia Dortmund squad that won the Champions League, defeating Juventus in the final match.

6. 1999/00 and 2000/01: Geremi (Cameroon) and Samuel Kuffour (Ghana) – Real Madrid and Bayern Munich

Geremi claimed two Champions League titles with Real Madrid, while Kuffour won the prestigious trophy with Bayern Munich. Both players were key contributors to their respective teams’ successes.

7. 2003/04: Benni McCarthy (South Africa) – FC Porto

South Africa’s finest footballer, McCarthy, won the Champions League with José Mourinho’s FC Porto, contributing crucial goals en route to the final.

8. 2004/05: Djimi Traoré (Mali) – Liverpool

Traoré was part of Liverpool’s historic “Miracle of Istanbul” team that came back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat AC Milan in a penalty shootout.

9. 2005/06, 2008/09, and 2009/10: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – FC Barcelona and Inter Milan

Eto’o holds the distinction of being the African player with the most Champions League titles, winning the competition thrice – twice with FC Barcelona and once with Inter Milan.

10. 2008/09: Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast) and Seydou Keita (Mali)…