FOOTBALLAfrican players in the Champions League 2026-27
Published on October 15, 2026
The 2026-27 Champions League features 79 African players from 23 countries, spread across 32 of the 36 clubs taking part. Here is who they are, where they play and who has already made an impact.
The most represented African countries
| Country | Players |
|---|---|
| Morocco | 13 |
| Senegal | 10 |
| Nigeria | 9 |
| Ivory Coast | 8 |
| Algeria | 6 |
| Cameroon | 5 |
| Mali | 4 |
| Ghana, Gambia | 3 each |
Morocco lead the way, with Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United) and Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart) among their players. Senegal follow with 10, including Nicolas Jackson and Ibrahim Mbaye (Aston Villa) and Iliman Ndiaye (Manchester City).
African stars to watch
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG): the Atlas Lions captain is one of the best right-backs in the world.
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Galatasaray): the Turkish club's main attacking threat.
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, Borussia Dortmund): one of the most consistent strikers in Europe.
- Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon, Manchester United): decisive from matchday 1.
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atlético Madrid): the 2024 African Player of the Year at a new club.
- Frank Anguissa (Cameroon, Napoli): the leader of Napoli's midfield.
- Rayan Aït-Nouri (Algeria, Manchester City): already provided an assist on matchday 1.
Top African scorers after two matchdays
| Player | Country | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolas Jackson | Senegal | Aston Villa | 3 |
| Serhou Guirassy | Guinea | Dortmund | 2 |
| Assane Diao | Senegal | Como | 2 |
| Geny Catamo | Mozambique | Sporting | 1 |
| Abdallah Sima | Senegal | Lens | 1 |
| Anis Hadj Moussa | Algeria | Feyenoord | 1 |
| Suleiman Camara | Gambia | Slovan Bratislava | 1 |
Nicolas Jackson scored on his Aston Villa debut in a 3-2 win at Club Brugge, then netted twice in the 6-0 win over Fenerbahçe. Serhou Guirassy scored a brace as Dortmund beat Villarreal 3-2.
Clubs with the most African players
Galatasaray, Sabah FK, Slavia Prague and Slovan Bratislava each have 5 African players. Manchester City, Manchester United, Lens, Feyenoord and Villarreal have 4. Arsenal, Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven and Viking FK have none in their squad lists.
Our matchday 3 predictions
Several African players will be at the heart of this week's games:
This article is updated throughout the season.
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