The most successful African soccer player of all time and one of the supreme strikers of the last 10 years, Eto’o made a headline grabbing move to Anzhi Makhachkala in August 2011. The ambitious Russian club wanted a marquee signing and Eto’o’s consistency for Mallorca, Barcelona and Inter Milan convinced them that he was their man. Eto’o possesses pace, power, aggression and a ruthlessness in front of goal that has helped ensure a trophy laden career. More »

Now in the autumn of his career, Drogba’s sheer physical presence and ability to batter defenders into submission will ensure that he can continue playing at a high level for a few years yet. Drogba has been a key protagonist in the Ivory Coast’s rise to prominence in recent years and he also helped Chelsea to three Premier League titles at club level before moving to Shanghai Shenhua in 2012. Top Premier League scorer in the 2006-07 and 9/10 seasons.

The mercurial Boateng impressed as Ghana reached the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals. He can operate behind the strikers or in a more orthodox midfield role, his dribbling and passing capable of slicing defenses wide open. He joined Genoa from Portsmouth after the tournament before moving to AC Milan on loan. After a productive 2010-11 season which saw Boateng’s three goals aid the club’s triumphant title challenge, his move was made permanent.

Injuries have tormented Essien in recent years, but when fit and playing regularly, Essien is one of the best all-round midfielders in the business. The Ghanaian has curbed the reckless side that he displayed when arriving at Chelsea from Lyon in 2005, his marauding runs and cannonball shot making for more positive headlines. Essien’s arrival at Chelsea coincided with the most successful period in the club’s history. Currently on loan at Real Madrid.