Top 5 Goalkeepers In African History

Modified Mar 27, 2018 16:17 GMT

Malaga CF v FC Barcelona - La Liga — Africa has been the home of many great goalkeepers

#1 Thomas Nkono

Enter capti — Nkono was an inspiration for Gianluigi Buffon

Here it is, it is The Indomitable Lions on top of the tree. Thomas Nkono was publicised in a Trans World Sport, Special about the African Goalkeepers, and it was clear that he was the reason behind the great legacy of Cameroonian goalkeepers.

Italian shot-stopper, Gianluigi Buffon, arguably the best keeper of the 21st century so far, decided to become a goalkeeper after he watched Nkono’s heroics during the Italia '90 World Cup, where Nkono, alongside teammates Roger Milla and Cyrille Makanaky, was one of the event's best players.

Nkono was an represented for his country for almost 20 years but built up his status as one of the world’s best goalkeepers in a decade with Spanish side Espanyol.

Despite all the odd controversies over the years, Africans are quite truly proud of a player who aided in taking African football into world consciousness.

About the author

Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.

Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.

In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.

Know More

Edited by Alan John