Over 42 players of African descent will be showcasing their talents at the European Championship, highlighting the global reach and unity of football.
Football, like no other sport, has the incredible power to bridge cultures and unite people from all corners of the globe. Its universal appeal inspires countless individuals to cross seas and continents in pursuit of their dreams or simply for a better life.
The Euros, one of the world’s most-watched football tournaments, showcases top talents the sport has to offer. This year, the tournament in Germany features a remarkable representation of players of African descent, highlighting the rich diversity and multiculturalism inherent in modern football.
Footballblogzz takes a look at the top 10 players of African heritage lighting up the tournament.
10Lamine Yamal
The Barcelona star, at just 16 years old, is the youngest player in the competition. He has a diverse heritage, with his father hailing from Morocco and his mother from Equatorial Guinea.
Born in Spain, he represented the country at the youth level before being called up to the senior national team.
9Jamal Musiala
Musiala is considered one of the standout players in Germany’s squad for the tournament, but he might have played in the Africa Cup of Nations if he had chosen to represent his father’s country, Nigeria.
The Bayern Munich star’s father is from Nigeria’s Yoruba tribe, while his mother is German with Polish roots. A product of Chelsea’s academy, Musiala played for both England and Germany at the youth level before committing to Die Mannschaft in 2021.
8Johan Bakayoko
Born in Belgium to a Rwandan mother and an Ivorian father, he was eligible to play for any of these nations, but decided to represent his country of birth.
Known for his strength, versatility, and sharp attacking instincts, Bakayoko adds depth to Belgium’s formidable squad. As a forward, he brings a potent goal-scoring threat and an ability to create opportunities for his teammates.
7Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay, with roots tracing back to Ghana through his father, brings a unique blend of skill and flair to the Netherlands’ campaign. Known for his technical prowess, powerful shots, and creative playmaking, Depay has been instrumental in the Dutch attack.
His ability to score crucial goals and provide decisive assists makes him a pivotal figure in their quest for success in the tournament.
6Jeremie Frimpong
Frimpong, whose Ghanaian roots enrich his background, is expected to make a notable impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Known for his blistering pace and attacking prowess from the right-back position, Frimpong brings a dynamic energy to the Dutch squad. His defensive tenacity coupled with his ability to join the attack seamlessly makes him a formidable presence on the pitch.
5Bukayo Saka
With Nigerian roots, the winger brings versatility to the England side. Saka has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents in football, known for his speed, creativity and tactical intelligence.
At 22, he is becoming a key player both for club, Arsenal and the national team.
4Romelu Lukaku
The former Chelsea striker will compete in his third European Championship for the Belgian national team, despite his parents being from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The AS Roma star’s father played internationally for the Leopards, but both of his sons represent Belgium. Lukaku, the Red Devils’ all-time leading scorer with 85 goals, has the chance to add to his tally in Germany.
3Eduardo Camavinga
Camavinga has even stronger roots in Africa, having been born in a refugee camp in Cabinda, Angola in 2002, to an Angolan-Congolese father and a Congolese mother who fled the civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His family moved to France when he was just two years old.
Now at 21, the midfielder has emerged as a key player known for his composure on the ball, tactical awareness and ability to dictate play in midfield. Camavinga’s skillful dribbling and precise passing have provided crucial support to France’s midfield stability and attacking prowess.
2Leroy Sané
With Senegalese roots through his father, Sané brings a dynamic and explosive presence to Germany’s campaign. Known for his blistering pace, technical skills and goal-scoring ability, Sané is a formidable winger who poses a constant threat to opposition defences.
His ability to cut inside and unleash powerful shots on goal has been instrumental in Germany’s attacking strategies.
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1Kylian Mbappe
The former Paris Saint-Germain star is one of the players expected to shine in the competition. However, his international career could have taken a different path had he chosen to represent his parents’ countries.
His mother is of Algerian descent and his father is originally from Cameroon. Instead, the new Real Madrid signing opted to represent his birth country, France, on the international stage.
