Europe’s top five leagues, which consist of the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, have seen several African footballers make their mark over the years.
Most of these footballers have enjoyed successful spells at some of the biggest clubs in Europe, earning recognition for their performances and establishing themselves among the best players in their positions.
While some are known for their goals and trophies, others have built impressive careers through consistency and longevity, making record number of appearances at the highest level.
Here are the top five African players with the most appearances in Europe’s top five leagues.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (496 apps)
Gabon forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ranks as the African player with the most appearances in Europe’s top five leagues with 496 games, with spells across England, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
The 37-year-old is also the highest scoring African footballer in Europe’s top five league with 251 goals and is the all-time top scorer in Europa League with 34.
Aubameyang has also won multiple individual awards across these leagues, including several player of the months and Golden Boot awards. He joined Spanish newly promoted side Deportivo A Coruña in the summer and has more time to add to his number before he calls time on his career.
Jordan Ayew (464 apps)
Next on the list is Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew, who played 464 games in Europe’s biggest leagues.
The Sheffield United forward began his career at French side Marseille and he also played for the likes of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Ayew scored 73 goals and provided 36 assists across these games, while his single league title came during the 2009/10 season when he won the Ligue 1 with Marseille.
Idrissa Gueye (462 apps)
Senegalese midfield maestro Idrissa Gueye is ranked third on this list with a total number of 462 matches for clubs in Europe’s biggest leagues.
The 37-year-old moved to Saudi Pro League side Al Diriyah in the summer after leaving Everton following a second spell.
Gueye began his career at Lille and also played for Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Everton. He also won three league titles and had 39 goal contributions across these games.
Jeremy Morel (425 apps)
Former Madagascar defender Jeremy Morel made 425 appearances during his playing career in Europe’s top five leagues and that number ranks him in fourth place on this list.
The French-born defender began his career at Lorient, and he also played for the likes of Marseille, Lyon and Rennes in the French top flight.
Morel made 411 starts and had 27 goal contributions as well, winning the Trophees des Champions and the Coupe de la Ligue during his time with Marseille.
Souleymana Camara (423 apps)
Ex-Senegalese forward Camara completes this list with 423 appearances across Europe’s major leagues during his playing career.
He began his playing career at AS Monaco and also played for for Guingamp and Nice, before moving on to Montpellier where he cemented his status as a club legend.
Camara holds the record for the most appearances for Montpellier with 433 games across all competitions and is also their second-highest goalscorer in history with 76 goals. He also won the Ligue 1 title with the club in the 2011-12 season.
