An XI of top footballers of African descent

Midfield

Two of the best young midfielders in the world right now are of African origin

Claude Makelele:

When a particular position on the football field is often referred to using a player’s name, it is hard to exclude him. Makelele redefined the modern day defensive midfield role and has played for top clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSG.

He was born in Zaire but moved to France when he was four years old. Unlike his father who played for DR Congo on the international stage, Makelele chose to play for France and he represented them 71 times.

Zinedine Zidane:

This man needs to introduction. If you don’t know him as one of the greatest footballers of all time, you surely know him as the successful manager of Real Madrid.

Zidane was born in France but his parents are of Algerian descent and they emigrated to France in 1953 before the start of the Algerian war. The current Real Madrid manager played 108 games for France scoring 31 goals and also winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000.

Paul Pogba:

For almost a year, Paul Pogba was the world’s most expensive player following his £89m move in 2016. Aged just 24, he already considered one of the best midfielders on the planet.

Paul was born in France to Guinean parents but he chose to play for France. However, his brothers, Florentin and Mathias have represented Guinea on the international stage.

Dele Alli:

England’s biggest talent in recent years, Dele Alli, was born to a Nigerian father and an English mother in England.

Alli was eligible to play for Nigeria because of his father and Nigeria were interested in calling him up. However, his impressive debut season for Spurs earned him a callup to England and he has gone on to represent the Three Lions 20 times already.