The English Premier League is widely regarded as the most competitive club league in the world due to the quality of its teams and its massive audience. Many African footballers have graced the league with their presence over the years, highlighting the continent’s growing influence in football.
The 2025-26 season is already into its ninth gameweek and once again another African player has made history.
From Ivorian legend Kolo Toure to Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, here are the five African footballers with the most appearances in EPL history.
Kolo Toure (353 appearances)
Former Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure holds the record for the most appearances by an African player in the English Premier League, with 353 matches.
Toure made his debut in the league with Arsenal, before moving on to Manchester City, where he played alongside his brother Yaya.
He then left the Cityzens to join Liverpool, before leaving in 2016, ending his EPL career with two league titles among several cup trophies.
Celebrating his 44th birthday today!
🎂 Kolo Toure pic.twitter.com/xf8nq2PaOK
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 19, 2025
Mohamed Salah (310 appearances)
Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah ranks second on this list with 310 appearances. The Liverpool forward marked his 310th appearance last weekend with a goal in his side’s 3-2 defeat to Brentford.
At 33, he still has a chance to surpass Kolo Toure and claim the top spot on this list, having signed a contract extension with the Reds toward the end of last season.
He also holds numerous records in the EPL, including being the highest-scoring African in Premier League history and the African with the most Golden Boots awards.
Wilfried Zaha (305 appearances)
Ivory Coast winger Wilfried Zaha made 305 appearances during his playing days in the English Premier League.
The forward began his career at Crystal Palace, before sealing a dream move to Manchester United.
However, he struggled for minutes at the 20-time league champions and returned to his former side, where he sealed his legendary status before his departure in 2023.
Wilfried Zaha winner…enough said 🤩
Of course he’s our Great Clips Clip of the Month pic.twitter.com/UxnQYhQ5zd
— x – Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) September 9, 2025
Jordan Ayew (305 appearances)
Ghanaian striker Jordan Ayew also has 305 appearances in the EPL since making his bow for Aston Villa in 2015.
The Leicester City striker also had spells with the likes of Swansea City and Crystal Palace before joining the foxes.
He featured 31 times last season, but could not help Leicester City avoid suffering relegation into the lower division.
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Alex Iwobi (300 appearances)
Just a week after setting the record for the most appearances in the English Premier League by a Nigerian, Alex Iwobi reached another milestone with his 300th league appearance when he featured for Fulham against Newcastle United, placing him into the top five all-time by an African player.
The Super Eagles midfield maestro began his career at Arsenal, before making the switch to Everton.
Alex Iwobi at Fulham FC: career, salary, market value and more
He has since joined Fulham, where he has shown consistency and looks well on course to climb higher on this list before the end of the season.
