Benni McCarthy vs Other African Strikers: Where Does He Rank?

Since the turn of the millennium African football has risen to new heights with players from the continent excelling in the world's top and most competitive teams.

The stars of Africa have also given the game some of its defining and iconic moments. Roger Milla and George Weah kick-started the revolution in the 1990s and their legacies are in good hands even today.

But who are the best African players? Who are the ones most deserving of the world's adoration? As we navigate the quarter-mark of the 21st century, the debate continues about where some of the continent’s top strikers rank. 

One name that consistently comes up is Benni McCarthy. But how does he compare to the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Nwankwo Kanu, and Asamoah Gyan?

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Samuel Eto’o is widely regarded as Africa’s most decorated striker as his career is laden with trophies and personal accolades that cement his status as one of the greatest footballers from the continent. 

Winning multiple UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and Inter Milan, Eto’o consistently delivered on the biggest stages, aand four African Player of the Year awards further highlight his dominance over his peers.

Eto’o’s was a key figure in Barcelona’s golden era, forming a lethal partnership with Ronaldinho and later Lionel Messi. His intelligence in front of goal, coupled with his relentless work rate, made him a nightmare for defenders. 

The former Cameroon international also played a crucial role in Inter Milan’s historic treble-winning season under Jose Mourinho in 2010.

For Indomitable Lions, Eto’o was just as prolific thus he remains the nation’s all-time leading goal scorer, guiding them to Africa Cup of Nations triumphs and Olympic glory. 

Didier Drogba’s name is at the top of the list when discussing clutch performers. The Ivorian legend built his reputation at Chelsea, where he delivered numerous game-winning performances, most notably in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final.

Drogba’s physicality, aerial dominance and ability to score in crucial moments set him apart from his peers.

Drogba’s time at Chelsea saw him win four Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups, and the coveted Champions League. His leadership qualities made him a cult hero at Stamford Bridge, where he is still revered. Unlike many strikers, Drogba was not only a goal scorer but also a team player who brought others into play.

Drogba was a talisman for the Ivorian national team, the Elephants, as he played a pivotal role in helping the national team qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2006 and led them to multiple Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Nwankwo Kanu was not your typical striker and unlike traditional center-forwards, Kanu relied more on his technical ability, vision, and creativity. 

Kanu won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax at a young age before making a mark at Inter Milan and later Arsenal. At Arsenal, he was part of the famous "Invincibles" squad that went unbeaten in the 2003-04 Premier League season. Despite not being the most prolific goal scorer, Kanu’s intelligence on the ball and ability to change games made him invaluable.

Papillo’s contributions were legendary as he  led the country to an Olympic gold medal in 1996, famously scoring twice in a dramatic semi-final comeback against Brazil. He also won the African Player of the Year award twice further solidifying his status as one of Africa’s all-time greats.

Asamoah Gyan may not have had the club success of Eto’o or Drogba, but his international record speaks for itself. The 39-year-old football icon is Africa’s all-time leading goal scorer at the FIFA World Cup making history for Ghana on the biggest stage.

Gyan’s club career took him to several countries, including stints in the Premier League, Ligue 1 and the UAE. While he was not as decorated as some of his African counterparts, his goal-scoring ability was undeniable.

Gyan was a hero for Ghana national team, the Black Stars, as he  played a crucial role in the team’s historic 2010 World Cup run, where they reached the quarter-finals. His extra-time penalty miss against Uruguay may haunt him, but his overall contribution to African football remains significant.

Benni McCarthy is South Africa’s all-time leading goal scorer and the only South African to win the UEFA Champions League.

McCarthy’s club career saw him play in top European leagues, including La Liga and the Premier League with his biggest achievement coming in 2004 when he won the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto under Jose Mourinho. 

The Capetonian’s time at Blackburn Rovers also saw him excel in the Premier League, finishing as the league’s second-highest scorer in the 2006-07 season.

McCarthy was a crucial figure at the South African national team as he led the national team to their first-ever World Cup in 1998 and played a key role in their 1996 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. 

Recently, McCarthy was more well known for being the striker coach Erik ten Hag appointed upon his arrival at Old Trafford in 2022 but has since gotten into disagreements with through the media, and is now set to become Kenya national team head coach.