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Thomas N’kono (Cameroon)
The Cameroonian, Thomas N’kono, marked the history of African football by being the first goalkeeper selected twice as the Best African Player in 1979 and 1982. No goalkeeper in the continent has managed to win the same title. Thomas N’kono helped his national team to win the 14th edition of the African Cup of Nations hosted by Ivory Coast in 1984. Besides, he was five-time Cameroon Champion with Canon Yaoundé before joining RCD Español in Spain. N’kono received the France Football’s African Footballer Award in 1979 and 1982.
Larbi Ben Barek (Morocco)
Nicknamed “The Black Pearl”, Larbi Ben Barek was an exceptional striker, recognised as the first successful African player in Europe. “If I am the king of football, then Ben Barek is the god.” This compliment was addressed by Pelé, the Brazilian legend, who, during his trip to
Morocco in 1976, felt that Ben Barek was the best player of his time.
Coming from the slums of Casablanca, Ben Barek arrived in Marseille, France, and shortly became the talk of the town thanks to his skills and technical abilities. His career was interrupted by the onset of World War II, but he was soon back to his best with Stade Français FC before joining Atlético Madrid, where he truly blossomed and became more popular. “The Foot of God,” as the Spanish fans used to call him, helped Atlético Madrid to win La Liga in 1950 and 1951.
Abedi Pele (Ghana)
Africa will always remember the Ghanaian legend, Abedi Pelé, who is regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time. For some, he is the “Pele” of Africa thanks to his exploits on the football field. With the Black Stars of
Ghana, he was the champion of the 1982 edition of the CAN before winning 11 years later, in 1993, the UEFA Champions League while playing for the Olympique De Marseille. Abedi Pele was chosen by the CAF Football Confederation as the Best African Player three times in 1991, 1992 and 1993. He was also named the African Player of The Year by BBC in 1992.
Tony Yeboah
Kalusha Bwalya