When it comes to football’s greatest stories, Africa has provided some of the most thrilling chapters, and Arsenal FC has been a proud club for many of them. Over the years, the club has seen lots of African players not only don the famous red and white jersey but also print their names in the sands of time.
From electrifying goals to rock-solid defensive displays, these players have not just graced the pitch, they’ve defined eras, inspired fans, and embodied the club’s values of flair, resilience, and ambition.
In this piece, we look into the 10 best African players in Arsenal’s history. Ranked by their performance, impact, and legacy, these players represent the very best of what the continent has offered to one of England’s elite clubs
1. Kolo Touré
Years at Arsenal: 2002–2009
Appearances: 326
Goals: 14
Honours: Premier League (2004), FA Cup x2 (2003, 2005), Community Shield x2 (2002, 2004)
Kolo Touré wasn’t just a player but a rock in Arsenal’s defence. Signed in 2002 for just £150,000 from ASEC Mimosas, the Ivorian began as a versatile utility player before establishing himself as a commanding centre-back.
His partnership with Sol Campbell was central to Arsenal’s iconic Invincibles campaign in 2003–04, during which the club went unbeaten.
Touré’s influence wasn’t limited to his defensive capabilities. A natural leader, he often captained the team in the absence of senior players like Thierry Henry and Gilberto Silva.
Whether it was his heroic goal in the 2005–06 Champions League semi-final against Villarreal or his tireless performances in the Premier League, Touré epitomized consistency and commitment throughout his seven years at the club.
2. Nwankwo Kanu
Years at Arsenal: 1999–2004
Appearances: 197
Goals: 44
Honours: Premier League x2 (2002, 2004), FA Cup x2 (2002, 2003), Charity Shield (1999)
If unpredictability were an art form, Nwankwo Kanu was its Picasso.
The Nigerian maestro joined Arsenal in 1999 and quickly became a fan favourite. His audacious backheel goal against Middlesbrough and his unforgettable hat-trick against Chelsea in a stunning comeback victory remain etched in Arsenal folklore.
Although Kanu was never Arsenal’s first-choice striker due to the presence of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, his knack for producing magic moments ensured his legacy. He was part of the double-winning team in 2002 and the Invincibles squad in 2004.
3. Lauren Etame Mayer
Years at Arsenal: 2000–2007
Appearances: 241
Goals: 10
Honours: Premier League x2 (2002, 2004), FA Cup x3 (2002, 2003, 2005), Community Shield x2 (2002, 2004)
Lauren was the unsung hero of Arsenal’s Invincibles. Originally signed as a midfielder from Real Mallorca in 2000, Wenger converted him into a right-back. This positional switch turned out to be a masterstroke, as Lauren became a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defence.
Reliable, tough, and versatile, Lauren’s ability to step up in high-pressure situations set him apart.
His penalty-taking abilities in crucial games—such as the North London Derby—cemented his place as one of Arsenal’s most dependable players. Injuries eventually curtailed his time at the club, but Lauren’s contributions during his peak years remain unforgettable.
4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Years at Arsenal: 2018–2022
Appearances: 163
Goals: 92
Honours: FA Cup (2020), Community Shield (2020)
When Arsenal signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a then club-record fee of £56 million, the Gabonese striker wasted no time justifying his price tag. Aubameyang’s blistering pace, clinical finishing, and charisma made him an instant hit with the fans.
In the 2019–20 season, he was instrumental in Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph, scoring braces in both the semi-final against Manchester City and the final against Chelsea.
While his Arsenal career ended on a sour note due to disciplinary issues, his tally of 92 goals in 163 appearances places him among the club’s greatest goal-scorers of the modern era.
5. Emmanuel Eboué
Years at Arsenal: 2005–2011
Appearances: 214
Goals: 10
Honours: Community Shield (2004)
He may not have been the most glamorous name, but his versatility and energy made him invaluable. Signed in 2005, he initially served as a backup but seized his opportunity when Lauren was injured. Whether deployed as a right-back or a right midfielder, the Ivorian gave his all on the pitch.
A key player in Arsenal’s 2005–06 Champions League campaign, Eboué started the final against Barcelona, showcasing his defensive and attacking attributes.
Although he had his share of ups and downs, including a forgettable game against Wigan in 2008 where he was booed by sections of the crowd, Eboué bounced back with resilience.
His cheerful personality and commitment to the team endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
6. Emmanuel Adebayor
Years at Arsenal: 2006–2009
Appearances: 142
Goals: 62
Honours: None
Controversial yet undeniably talented, Emmanuel Adebayor’s Arsenal career was a tale of highs and lows. Joining in 2006, Adebayor idolized Nwankwo Kanu and inherited the iconic No. 25 shirt.
After Thierry Henry’s departure, he stepped up in 2007-08, scoring 30 goals across competitions.
Despite his on-field brilliance, Adebayor’s relationship with Arsenal fans soured after his celebration in front of them while playing for Manchester City. Nonetheless, his time at Arsenal showed his immense talent.
7. Thomas Partey
Years at Arsenal: 2020–Present
Appearances: 161
Goals: 6
Honours: Community Shield (2023)
Thomas Partey, a midfield powerhouse from Ghana, joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid. Known for his tough tackling, tactical intelligence, and composure under pressure, Partey has been instrumental in Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta.
While injuries have limited his appearances, his presence has been crucial in key moments. Whether shielding the defence or distributing the ball from deep, Partey’s contributions continue to shape Arsenal’s midfield.
8. Alex Song
Years at Arsenal: 2005–2012
Appearances: 204
Goals: 10
Honours: None
Cameroon international Alex Song was a versatile midfielder who blossomed at Arsenal under Arsène Wenger. Starting as a defensive option, Song grew into a dynamic playmaker, contributing assists and goals in his later years at the club.
His partnership with Robin van Persie in the 2011–12 season was particularly noteworthy, as Song registered 14 assists that season.
Although he left for Barcelona in 2012, his development at Arsenal remains a big proof of Wenger’s ability to nurture young talent.
9. Alex Iwobi
Years at Arsenal: 2015–2019
Appearances: 149
Goals: 15
Honours: FA Cup (2017), Community Shield x2 (2015, 2017)
An academy graduate, Alex Iwobi rose through Arsenal’s ranks to become a key player under Arsène Wenger and Unai Emery. Known for his versatility, the Nigerian winger could play across the attacking line or as a midfielder.
One of his standout moments was scoring in the 2019 Europa League final, becoming the first African player to do so for Arsenal. Although he moved to Everton in 2019, Iwobi’s contributions during his time in North London remain significant.
10. Mohamed Elneny
Years at Arsenal: 2016–2024
Appearances: 161
Goals: 6
Honours: FA Cup (2017), Community Shield x2 (2017, 2020)
Mohamed Elneny, Arsenal’s first-ever Egyptian player, may not have been a regular starter, but his dedication and professionalism made him a valuable squad member.
Known for his work rate and occasional spectacular goals, Elneny stepped up whenever called upon.
His goal against Barcelona in 2016 and his stellar display at Old Trafford in 2020 are among his standout moments. Elneny’s long stint at Arsenal reflects his reliability and adaptability over the years.
Honorable Mentions
Several other African players have graced Arsenal over the years, including Quincy Owusu-Abeyi, Nicholas Pepe, Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho. While they didn’t make this list, their contributions added to Arsenal’s legacy of nurturing African talent.
