The UEFA Champions League is the most prestigious club competition in the world, and over the years, it has seen some remarkable African talents making their mark on the grandest stage.
From spectacular goals to game-changing performances, African players have consistently showcased their skills and contributed to their teams' success in this elite tournament.
Over 25 African players have won the UCL in both Men's and Women's football.
But amidst all these achievements, a question arises: Who is the African player with the most UCL titles?
This article delves into the illustrious careers of these champions to uncover the answer.
Who is the African player with the most UCL titles?
The answer to the question of who is the African player with the most UCL titles reveals two prominent figures: Asisat Oshoala and Samuel Eto’o.
Asisat Oshoala, Africa's best female player, holds the record for the most Women's UCL gold medals, while Samuel Eto’o, one of Africa’s greatest footballing legends, stands out as the most successful African player in the Men's Champions League.
Both players share the remarkable achievement of winning three titles each.
Asisat Oshoala makes history with third Champions League title
Barcelona Women won the Champions League again, beating Lyon Women 2-0 in the final to secure their third title in four years.
Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala, now playing for Bay FC in the United States, watched from California.
Oshoala was key to Barcelona's first two Champions League titles. She scored four goals in 2021 when Barcelona beat Chelsea 4-0 to win their first Champions League.
After a loss in 2022, Barcelona came back to win again in 2023, defeating VfL Wolfsburg 3-2 in the final.
Oshoala scored five goals that season, second only to Wolfsburg’s Ewa Pajor, who scored nine.
In the 2023/24 season, Oshoala scored six goals in nine league games and one goal in two Champions League games before moving to Bay FC in January.
There were concerns about whether Oshoala would receive a winners' medal, but she confirmed on social media that Barcelona will send her the medal soon.
This will make her the first African female footballer to win three Champions League medals.
100% bro 🏆🥇 https://t.co/21m52zdOoU
— ASISAT M.O.N (@AsisatOshoala) May 25, 2024
Asisat Oshoala and Samuel Eto’o: Africa's UCL champions with three titles each
Asisat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala, the Nigerian football star, has etched her name in the annals of football history with her remarkable achievements in the UEFA Women's Champions League.
In the 2019 final against Lyon, Oshoala scored Barcelona's only goal in a 4–1 defeat, becoming the first African (and Nigerian) to score in a Champions League Final.
Her goal was a testament to her skill and determination on the grandest stage of European club football.
Oshoala's impact continued to be felt in the following seasons.
On 21 August 2020, she provided the assist for Kheira Hamraoui's game-winning goal in the quarter-final against Atlético Madrid, propelling Barcelona to the semi-finals of the 2019–20 UEFA Women's Champions League.
Her contribution played a crucial role in Barcelona's journey towards glory.
March 24, 2021, marked another historic moment for Oshoala as she scored the game-winning goal in Barcelona's 3–0 win over Manchester City during the first leg of the 2020–21 UEFA Women's Champions League quarterfinals.
Her knack for scoring crucial goals under pressure showcased her value to the team and further solidified her reputation as a top-class striker.
However, Oshoala's crowning moment came on May 16, 2021, when she became the first African woman to win the UEFA Champions League.
Coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute of the finals, Oshoala played a vital role as Barcelona secured a historic 4–0 victory over Chelsea.
Barcelona's triumph not only marked their first Women's Champions League title but also made them the first club to have won both men's and women's Champions League titles.
In the 2022–23 season, Barcelona defended their title with a 2–0 finals win over Lyon, further solidifying their dominance in European women's football.
Asisat Oshoala's contributions have been instrumental in Barcelona's success, and her achievements continue to inspire a generation of footballers across Africa and beyond.
Samuel Eto’o
Samuel Eto’o, widely regarded as one of Africa's greatest footballers, is celebrated as the most successful African player in the UEFA Champions League.
Eto’o's illustrious career in Europe saw him winning the prestigious tournament three times, showcasing his exceptional talent and solidifying his place in football history.
Eto’o’s first Champions League triumph came with Barcelona in 2006.
His remarkable performance in the final against Arsenal was pivotal, as he scored a crucial goal that helped secure a 2-1 victory for the Spanish giants.
In 2009, Eto’o once again played a vital role in Barcelona's Champions League campaign.
His early goal in the final against Manchester United set the tone for a 2-0 win, earning Barcelona their third title.
After his successes with Barcelona, Eto’o joined Inter Milan and continued his winning streak.
In 2010, he was part of the Inter squad that won the Champions League, although his role was less prominent compared to his time at Barcelona.
Nevertheless, Eto’o’s contributions in the earlier stages of the tournament were significant, helping Inter secure their first Champions League title in 45 years.
Samuel Eto’o’s achievements in the Champions League have left an indelible mark on the competition.
His ability to perform on the grandest stage and deliver in crucial moments has cemented his legacy as the most successful African player in the history of the tournament.
Samuel Eto’o is the only player in football history to win a treble with 2 different clubs:
▪️Eto'o for Barcelona:
👕 199 games
⚽️ 130 goals
🏆 8 trophies▪️Eto'o for Inter Milan:
👕 102 games
⚽️ 53 goals
🏆 6 trophiesToo Cold 🥶 pic.twitter.com/u5ELmFkADP
— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) May 27, 2024
African players with more than one UCL title
Player | Nationality | Club(s) | Years |
---|
Geremi | CM | Real Madrid | 2000 & 2002 |
Seydou Keita | ML | Barcelona | 2009 & 2011 |
Samuel Eto’o | CM | Barcelona and Inter | 2006, 2009, & 2010 |
Asisat Oshoala | NG | Barcelona Femeni | 2021, 2023, & 2024 |
This article was most recently revised and updated 6 months ago