5 most successful footballers from nations currently ranked outside the FIFA top 100

Modified Feb 21, 2020 22:38 GMT

Mbwana Samatta became the first Tanzanian to play in the Premier League earlier in 2020

#5 Mbwana Samatta – Aston Villa and Tanzania (ranked #134)

Mbwana Samatta scored on his Premier League debut for Aston Villa

The Premier League has seen its fair share of African players over the years, including stars such as Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) and Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo).

Until recently though, no player from 134th ranked Tanzania had made his way to England. That all changed in January when striker Mbwana Samatta joined Aston Villa.

Samatta – who was born in the Tanzanian capital Dar Es Salaam and has made 56 appearances for his country, scoring 20 goals – signed for the Midlands club for a fee of around £8.5m from Belgian side Genk, and the hope for manager Dean Smith is that he’ll score the goals to keep Villa in the Premier League.

He’s already gotten off to a good start, scoring on his league debut for his new side in a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth.

A proven goalscorer prior to joining Villa, Samatta started his career in Africa, playing in the Tanzanian and the Congolese leagues before moving to Europe with Genk in 2016 after being named as the best African player on the continent.

Following his move, he scored 75 goals in 191 games for the Belgian side – including 20 in 28 appearances in 2018-19 – and Villa fans will be hoping that he can use his powerful finishing skills and goalscoring touch to save them this season.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram