Who are the greatest players to ever wear the number 9 jersey in AFCON history?
The Africa Cup of Nations has seen a multitude of stellar strikers who have represented their countries wearing the coveted number 9 jersey.
From the Cameroonian idols to the Nigerian "Goalsfather," we pay homage to the best of the best number 9s that AFCON has ever seen based on their impact in AFCON, overall career achievements, and legacy in African and world football.
Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Roger Milla is an iconic figure in world football, known for his performances in the World Cup and AFCON. He was instrumental in Cameroon's victories in the 1984 and 1988 AFCON tournaments and gained global fame for his goal celebrations at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
Milla's longevity in the sport is also remarkable, having played in the World Cup at the age of 42.
Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria)
Rashidi Yekini is Nigeria's all-time top goalscorer and was crucial in their 1994 AFCON victory. He was the top scorer in both the 1992 and 1994 editions of the tournament.
Yekini's powerful playing style made him one of Africa's most feared strikers, and he also scored Nigeria's first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup in 1994.
Laurent Pokou (Côte d'Ivoire)
Laurent Pokou was a legendary striker for Ivory Coast, known for his impressive goal-scoring ability in the AFCON. He scored 14 goals in just 13 AFCON games, setting a record for the most goals in a single match of the tournament with five goals in a 6-1 win for Ivory Coast against Ethiopia.
His performances in the 1968 and 1970 editions of the AFCON were particularly noteworthy.
Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon)
Samuel Eto'o is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time. He is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, with 18 goals.
His significant achievements also include winning the AFCON with Cameroon in 2000 and 2002, and being named African Player of the Year four times. Eto'o also had a remarkable club career, notably with Barcelona and Inter Milan, winning multiple league titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Hossam Hassan (Egypt)
Hassan is one of the most capped African players and was a key figure in Egypt's football history. He scored 11 goals in the AFCON and represented Egypt in seven different editions of the tournament.
His long career and contributions to Egypt's successes in the AFCON cement his place as a football legend.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
Aubameyang, known for his speed and finishing skills, has been a standout player for Gabon and various European clubs.
Although he hasn't had significant success in the AFCON, his performances at clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal, where he won the Premier League Golden Boot, highlight his calibre as a top striker.
Tony Yeboah (Ghana)
Yeboah is celebrated for his spectacular goals during his time in the English Premier League and the Bundesliga.
He represented Ghana in several AFCON tournaments, contributing to the team's performances with his striking ability. Yeboah's legacy is particularly remembered for his powerful and accurate shots.
Shaun Bartlett (South Africa)
Bartlett had a successful international career with South Africa and played in various European leagues. While his impact in the AFCON might not be as significant as others on this list, his contribution to South African football and his achievements in the European leagues make him a notable figure.
Lomana LuaLua (DR Congo)
Lomana LuaLua is known for his flair, agility, and acrobatic goal celebrations. He had a notable club career, particularly in the English Premier League. While his international career with DR Congo did not reach the heights of some others on this list.
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