African footballers have graced the FIFA Club World Cup tournament with their skills and talents. Over the years, several stars from the continent have lifted the prestigious trophy, writing their names in the history books.
From the likes of the legendary Samuel Eto’o to Egyptian maestro Mohamed Salah, Footy-Africa recalls the top African footballers to have won the competition.
Seydou Keita (Barcelona, 2009 and 2011)
The former Mali midfielder was an integral member of arguably the greatest football squad of all time, winning the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009 and 2011, defeating Estudiantes and Santos respectively. Seydou Keita also won three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League titles before leaving the Blaugrana in 2012.
Samuel Eto’o (Inter Milan, 2010)
One of the greatest African footballers in history, Samuel Eto’o scored the second goal of the encounter as Inter Milan defeated TP Mazembe 3-0 in the final of the 2010 Club World Cup. The former Cameroon international was also awarded the best player of the tournament after his impressive display.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, 2019)
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, one of the three Liverpool players on the list, was part of the team that defeated Flamengo 1-0 in the final of the 2019 edition courtesy of Roberto Firmino’s extra-time strike. Salah also won the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player, a few days after finishing fifth in the 2019 Ballon d’Or rankings.
Sadio Mane (Liverpool, 2019)
The second Liverpool player on the list, Senegalese winger Sadio Mane, was an integral part of the Reds team that conquered Europe in 2019 before clinching the FIFA Club World Cup with a final win over Flamengo, providing the assist for Roberto Firmino’s winner. Mane’s impressive performance saw him finish fourth in the Ballon d’Or rankings before claiming a first CAF African Footballer of the Year award.
Naby Keita (Liverpool, 2019)
The former Liverpool midfielder also lifted the prestigious trophy in 2019 while playing for the Reds. Naby Keita scored in the 2-1 semifinal victory over Monterrey before playing 100 minutes in the final, eventually replaced by James Milner as Liverpool won the tournament for the first time.
