Know a player of African origin?

[SoMa_InC]

The export of African football talent to Europe has a long history which can be traced back to the colonial period.

 

For example, some of the finest players from Senegal and Cameroon have honed their skills in France - the former colonial master.

 

However, the world is also awash with African-born players who changed nationality for one reason or another.

 

Zinedine Zidane, Claude Makelele, Patrick Vieira and Marcel Desailly are some of the better-known stars of African origin.

 

Our Out of Africa section will track the fortunes of players with African roots as they parade their skills in some of the world's top leagues.

 

Listed below are some of the players with African roots and the countries they now represent.

 

Zinedine Zidane: France (Algeria)

 

 

Sidney Govou: France (Benin)

Jean-Alain Boumsong: France (Cameroon)

Charles Itanje: France (Cameroon)

Bruno N'Gotty: France (Cameroon)

Pascal Nouma: France (Cameroon)

 

Henrik Larsson: Sweden (Cape Verde)

Manuel dos Santos: France (Cape Verde)

 

Rio Mavuba: France (DR Congo/Angola)

Claude Makelele: France (DR Congo)

Peguy Luyindula: France (DR Congo)

Blaise N'Kufo: Switzerland (DR Congo)

Emile Mpenza: Belgium (DR Congo)

Mbo Mpenza: Belgium (DR Congo)

Kiki Musampa: Holland (DR Congo)

Ali Maboula Lukunku: France (DR Congo)

Gaby Mudingayi: Belgium (DR Congo)

Patrick Dimbala: Belgium (DR Congo)

Vincent Kompany: Belgium (DR Congo)

Jose Bosingwa da Silva: Portugal (DR Congo)

 

Rami Shabaan: Sweden (Egypt)

 

Youssouf Hersi: Holland (Ethiopia)

 

John Alieu Carew: Norway (Gambia)

 

Freddy Adu: United States (Ghana)

Gerald Asamoah: Germany (Ghana)

Marcel Desailly: France (Ghana)

George Boateng: Holland (Ghana)

Eric & Daniel Ofori Okyere: Belgium (Ghana)

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie: Holland (Ghana)

 

Miguel: Portugal (Guinea Bissau)

 

Olivier Kapo: France (Ivory Coast)

Djibril Cisse: France (Ivory Coast)

Martin Djetou: France (Ivory Coast)

 

 

Collins John: Holland (Liberia)

 

 

Vikash Dhorasoo: France (Mauritius)

 

Yassine Benajiba: Belgium (Morocco)

 

Abel Xavier: Portugal (Mozambique)

 

Patrick Owomoyela: Germany (Nigeria)

Emmanuel Olisadebe: Poland (Nigeria)

Shola Ameobi: England (Nigeria)

Okonkwo Digger Ifeani: Malta (Nigeria)

Ugochukwu Ehiogu:England (Nigeria)

George Ndah: England (Nigeria)

Nedum Onuoha: England under-20 (Nigeria)

 

Laurent Robert: France (Reunion)

Didier Agathe: France (Reunion)

Florent Sinama-Pongolle: France (Reunion)

 

 

Patrick Vieira: France (Senegal)

Ibrahim Ba: France (Senegal)

David Bellion: France (Senegal)

Patrice Evra: France (Senegal)

 

Carlton Cole: England (Nigeria/Sierra Leone)

Fabio Liverani: Italy (Somalia)

 

 

Sean Dundee: Germany (South Africa)

 

Sabri Lamouchi: France (Tunisia)

 

Robert Earnshaw: Wales (Zambia)

Jeff Whitley: Northern Ireland (Zambia)

 

 

Source

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I always thought the former Ajax player and Holland international, Youssouf Hersi was a Somali but seems like he is Ethiopian.

 

I am glad to see my beloved Africa has produced world class players!

[SoMa_InC]

Fabio Liverani: Italy (Somalia)

 

 

A somalian with that kind of name, weird in deed

[Keyz 1-8-7]

Imagine if they all played for their respective countries. I tell you, DR Congo would be a forced to be reckoned with the likes of Luyindula et al.

 

Fabio Liverani is a Somali? I heard United failed with a bid in january to get him.

[Baluug]

Originally posted by SoMa_InC:

Fabio Liverani: Italy (Somalia)

 

 

A somalian with that kind of name, weird in deed

Must be from Kaasa Itaalia?

[BOB]

His father is an Italian and his Mom is Somali born and raised in Rome and though he plays for Lazio he's a diehard Romanista, a fan!

 

Soma_Inc..i saw this list in one of the local football magz and though i knew most of the players i was amazed to read Lauren Robert is from Africa!

 

Peace,Love & Unity.

[SoMa_InC]

Imagine if they all played for their respective countries. I tell you, DR Congo would be a forced to be reckoned with the likes of Luyindula

Congo has produced so many players, I hope they should have played for their home country.

 

Bob, I also have some doubts of Laurent Robert to be from Africa but one thing that would make me change my mind is his attitude. Don't ask me about this though.

 

Liban the Man, welcome to the sports page

[Keyz 1-8-7]

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie: Holland (Ghana)

Apparently Ghana are trying to persuade him to play for them at the World Cup. He is eligible becasue he only represented Holland at U21 level. Sadly he recently moved to Spartak Moscow from Arsenal, I really thought he was something and would turn into a great player for us.

[BOB]

Originally posted by OneEightSeven:

quote: Quincy Owusu-Abeyie: Holland (Ghana)

Sadly he recently moved to Spartak Moscow from Arsenal, I really thought he was something and would turn into a great player for us.

I have never questioned Arsene Wenger's judgement but lately i am not sure if i agree with him on anything he does...

 

first he got rid of Jermaine Pennant (how we need him back now) second it was Vieira ( look where we are at now) then Quincy and Bentley...I bet Henry will be next and to be honest..if i were him i would move to Barca!

 

Peace,Love & Unity.

[Keyz 1-8-7]

^^^Tell me about it! And dont forget youngster JErmoe Thomas who is at Charlton now and scoring some great goals too. Upson aswell, how badly do we need him now?!

 

Pennant was given way too many chances and he basically needed a new city because he couldn't handle London. BUt all the other Youngsters we let go, would probably have saved us from having this torrid season. Wenger always wants to give youth a chance but he certainly didnt considering the amount he let go.