The UEFA Europa Conference League, introduced in the 2021-2022 season, has provided an additional platform for clubs across Europe to compete on an international stage.
the UEFA Europa Conference League serves as the third tier of European club competitions, positioned below the Champions League and Europa League.
The group stage of the competition features 32 teams, reduced from the previous 48 in the Europa League, and is primarily contested by clubs from lower-ranked UEFA member associations.
Teams do not qualify directly for the group stage; instead, they advance from the Europa Conference League qualifiers or drop down from the Europa League play-offs.
The competition's winner earns a place in the following season's Europa League, provided they have not qualified for the Champions League.
Roma won the inaugural title by defeating Feyenoord 1–0 in the 2022 final, while Olympiacos are the current champions, having secured a 1–0 victory over Fiorentina in the 2024 final.
This competition has not only brought thrilling football to fans but also highlighted the remarkable talents of players from around the globe.
Among these standout performers are several African players whose contributions have been pivotal in their teams' successes.
This article celebrates the achievements of African players who have triumphed in the UEFA Europa Conference League, showcasing their journeys, key performances, and the impact they've had on their clubs.
From scoring decisive goals to leading their teams with unwavering determination, these athletes have left an indelible mark on the competition.
Join us as we delve into the list of UEFA Europa Conference League winning players from Africa, honoring their exceptional talent and dedication to the beautiful game.
African players who won the UEFA Europa Conference League
Felix Afena-Gyan
Felix Afena-Gyan is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Serie B club Cremonese and the Ghana national team.
He achieved notable success with AS Roma, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in the 2021–22 season.
During his time at Roma, manager José Mourinho promised to buy Afena-Gyan a pair of shoes costing €800 if he scored a goal.
After scoring, Afena-Gyan ran to Mourinho's bench to remind him of the promise, and the next morning, Mourinho fulfilled it by presenting him with the shoes.
Throwback to when José Mourinho bought Felix Afena-Gyan new €800 shoes that he had promised to get him if he scored for Roma 🥹❤️
🗣️ Mourinho: “He was dreaming of these shoes, so I thought, let’s do it.”
pic.twitter.com/yRCG1dbCcU— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) January 28, 2024
In his first professional season, the Ghanaian striker played 22 games for Roma and contributed to their triumph in the inaugural edition of the Europa Conference League with three appearances.
Nayef Aguerd
Nayef Aguerd is a Moroccan professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club West Ham United and the Morocco national team.
He made his competitive debut for West Ham United on 27 October in a Europa Conference League game against Silkeborg, which West Ham won 1–0.
On 7 June, Aguerd won his first major trophy with the club, helping West Ham secure the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League title with a 2–1 victory over Fiorentina.
Youssef El-Arabi
Youssef El-Arabi is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Super League Greece club Olympiacos and the Morocco national team.
In the 2020–21 season, El-Arabi was the top scorer with 22 goals as Olympiacos retained their league title.
On 4 November 2021, during a UEFA Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt, he became Olympiacos' top European scorer with 16 goals, surpassing Predrag Đorđević and Kostas Mitroglou.
On 15 December, he scored a hat-trick in a 3–0 home win against Atromitos F.C., reaching 50 goals in 81 league appearances and equaling Giovanni's record of four hat-tricks in fewer games.
El-Arabi added another major achievement to his career by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in the 2023–24 season.
Saïd Benrahma
Saïd Benrahma is an Algerian professional footballer who plays as a left winger for Ligue 1 club Lyon, on loan from Premier League club West Ham United, and the Algeria national team.
On 7 June 2023, during the UEFA Europa Conference League final, Benrahma scored West Ham's opening goal with a penalty in the 62nd minute against Fiorentina. West Ham secured their first trophy in 43 years with a 2–1 victory.
David Carmo
David Carmo outstanding as Olympiacos win their first-ever European trophy. Great to see.pic.twitter.com/Vv4n9iW34J
— Sean Gillen (@SeanGillen9) May 29, 2024
David Carmo is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Super League Greece club Olympiacos, on loan from Porto.
Born in Portugal, Carmo represents Angola at the international level.
On 12 March 2024, Carmo received his first call-up to the Angola national team, making his debut ten days later in a friendly match against Morocco.
With Olympiacos, Carmo achieved significant success by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in the 2023–24 season.
Maxwel Cornet
Maxwel Cornet is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a left winger and full-back for Premier League club West Ham United and the Ivory Coast national team.
Cornet's career has seen him previously play in France for Metz II, Metz, Lyon II, and Lyon, as well as in England with Burnley.
His versatility on the field has made him an asset in multiple positions. Cornet's tenure at West Ham United includes a notable achievement, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in the 2022–23 season.
Ebrima Darboe
Ebrima Darboe, a talented Gambian defensive midfielder, currently plies his trade for Serie B club Sampdoria, where he's on loan from Roma. Known for his tenacity and ability to shield the defense, Darboe is a key asset for both club and country.
During his time with Roma, Darboe contributed to the team's success in the UEFA Europa Conference League during the 2021–22 season.
Amadou Diawara
Amadou Diawara, the dynamic Guinean midfielder, currently showcases his skills for Belgian Pro League club Anderlecht and represents the Guinea national team on the international stage.
In 2019, he made a significant move to Roma, signing a deal that extended until 2024. During his time with Roma, Diawara contributed to the team's campaign in the UEFA Europa Conference League during the 2021–22 season.
Ayoub El Kaabi
No one has scored more goals in European competitions this season than Ayoub El Kaabi.
His 14th and final one was 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4h2sGXk69r
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 29, 2024
Ayoub El Kaabi, the prolific Moroccan striker, currently plies his trade for Super League Greece club Olympiacos and represents the Morocco national team on the international stage.
His remarkable performances during the 2023–24 season left an indelible mark on the UEFA Europa Conference League.
In the semi-final first leg against Aston Villa, El Kaabi showcased his scoring prowess by netting a hat-trick in a thrilling 4–2 away victory.
His heroics continued in the second leg, where he scored a crucial brace in a 2–0 triumph, securing Olympiacos' historic berth in their first-ever European final.
In the final showdown against Fiorentina, El Kaabi once again proved to be the hero, scoring the solitary goal in extra time and leading Olympiacos to a historic 1–0 victory.
Table of African players with a UEFA Europa Conference League title
Player Name | Club | Season |
---|
Felix Afena Ohene-Gyan | AS Roma | 2021–22 |
Nayef Aguerd | Olympiacos | 2022–23 |
Youssef El-Arabi | Olympiacos | 2023–24 |
Saïd Benrahma | West Ham United | 2023 |
David Carmo | Olympiacos (on loan from Porto) | 2023–24 |
Maxwel Cornet | West Ham United | 2022–23 |
Ebrima Darboe | Roma | 2021–22 |
Amadou Diawara | Roma | 2021–22 |
Ayoub El Kaabi | Olympiacos | 2023–24 |
This article was most recently revised and updated 8 months ago