Every footballer dreams of representing their country on the biggest stages, from continental tournaments to the World Cup.
Over the years, the continent of Africa has produced countless legends, but only a few stand out for their longevity and consistency at international level.
From the legendary Egyptian Ahmed Hassan to Cameroon’s Rigobert Song, this article takes a look at the top 5 African footballers who played the most games for their respective countries.
Ahmed Hassan (Egypt, 184 caps)
Former Egypt midfielder Ahmed Hassan holds the record for the most international appearances by an African player with 184 appearances for his country and is also the sixth most capped footballer in international football history.
The former Besiktas midfielder made his debut in 1995 and featured in eight African Cup of Nations tournament, winning four editions in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010. He was also named the tournament’s best player in 2006 and 2010, before calling time on his international career in 2012.
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Hossam Hassan (Egypt, 177 caps)
Following his former teammate closely, Hossam Hassan ranks second on this list, having featured 177 times for Egypt. The iconic figure remains the country’s all-time record goalscorer with 69 goals, although Mohamed Salah closing in already with 63 goals.
Hossam Hassan made his debut for the Pharaohs in 1985 and was part of three African Cup of Nations winning squad – in 1986, 1998 and in 2006.
Essam El-Hadary (Egypt, 159 appearances)
Another evidence of Egypt’s longevity in African football, legendary goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary earned 159 caps for the national team and is the only non-outfield player to make this list.
The former Al Ahly goalkeeper made his debut for the national team in March 1996 and was influential in Egypt’s AFCON triumphs in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010, winning the goalkeeper of the tournament award in the last three.
The ex-Egypt international is also the oldest player to feature at the AFCON tournament, when he played for his country in the 2017 edition.
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Rigobert Song (Cameroon, 137 appearances)
Finally breaking Egypt’s dominance, former Cameroon captain Rigobert Song is fourth on the all-time appearance list for an African country with 137 caps.
The defender played in four FIFA World Cup tournaments and a record eight African Cup of Nations tournaments in over 16 years with the national team. The former Metz defender also won two AFCON titles, in 2000 and 2002.
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Ahmed Fathy (Egypt, 135 appearances)
Former Egypt intended Ahmed Fathy rounds off this list in the number five spot, with 135 appearances for the national team.
The fullback was part of the golden generation that dominated African football, winning three consecutive African Cup of Nations tournaments between 2006, 2008 and 2010.
