African football has produced some of the greatest players in the history of sports. These players have left an indelible mark on the game, both at the club level and on the international stage.
However, despite their immense talent and numerous accolades, there are a few African football legends who retired without ever winning the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy.
1- Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast):
Regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers, Didier Drogba left remarkable footprints on the European stage, notably during his tenure at Chelsea. Despite his numerous accolades, the coveted AFCON trophy eluded him throughout his career with the Ivory Coast national team. The closest he came to lifting the trophy was in 2012, when the Elephants suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Zambia in the final. Drogba retired from international football in 2014, a year before his compatriots finally secured AFCON glory.
2. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria):
Nwankwo Kanu, the masterful Nigerian forward known for his technical prowess, claimed the African Player of the Year title twice, in 1996 and 1999. However, despite his individual brilliance, Kanu’s quest for AFCON triumph remained unfulfilled. The year 2000 saw Nigeria reach the final, only to be thwarted by Cameroon, denying Kanu the opportunity to hoist the coveted trophy.
3- El-Hadji Diouf (Senegal):
El-Hadji Diouf, a gifted Senegalese player, garnered multiple CAF Player of the Year awards throughout his career. Despite his exceptional talent, Diouf fell short of securing AFCON glory. The closest he came to achieving this feat was in 2002 when Senegal reached the final, only to be defeated by Cameroon in a hard-fought battle.
4- Michael Essien (Ghana):
Michael Essien, the revered Ghanaian midfielder and iconic figure at Chelsea FC, enjoyed a stellar club career. However, his aspirations for AFCON triumph with the Black Stars remained unfulfilled. In 2010, Ghana reached the final, with Essien playing a pivotal role. Unfortunately, despite his contributions, the team fell short of clinching the prestigious trophy.
5- George Weah (Liberia):
George Weah, the legendary Liberian striker and the only African to have claimed the prestigious Ballon d’Or, left an indelible mark on the football world. Weah was also named the CAF Player of the Year in 1989 and 1995. However, his international success was hindered by the limitations of his homeland, Liberia. Weah managed to guide Liberia to two AFCON editions, in 1996 and 2002, but on both occasions, the team failed to progress beyond the group stage, preventing Weah from showcasing his talents on the continental stage.
These African football legends may have missed out on the AFCON trophy, but their contributions to the game will forever be remembered. Their talent and achievements have left an unforgettable mark on African football, and they will always be remembered as true legends of the sport.
