List of the best African players who changed their nationality: 10 African-born footballers who chose to represent another country

Due to the complex historical and social links between Europe and Africa, many players of African descent have grown up and developed their careers in Europe. In this article, livescorecz.net names 10 current best African players who changed their nationality.

Top 10 best African players who changed their nationality

Throughout history, many players were born in Africa or have African roots but chose to represent other countries. France is a clear example, where a large number of players come from mixed backgrounds rather than purely French origins. Beyond France, many famous names have also decided not to play for African national teams, instead choosing European countries.

10. Cody Gakpo (Ghana-Togo / Liverpool)

Cody Gakpo was born in Togo, with family roots in Ghana, but chose to represent the Netherlands at international level. Known for his height and powerful shooting, Gakpo has become a key attacking player and is expected to be a leader of the Dutch team at the 2026 World Cup.

9. Antonio Rüdiger (Sierra Leone / Real Madrid)

Antonio Rüdiger is considered one of the best centre-backs of his generation. With his strength, speed, and physical presence, he has been a key player for both Real Madrid and Chelsea. Rüdiger has Sierra Leonean roots through his mother but chose to represent Germany. He was part of the German squad that won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup before becoming a regular member of the senior national team.

8. Aurélien Tchouaméni (Cameroon / Real Madrid)

Another Real Madrid player on the list, Aurélien Tchouaméni, has Cameroonian heritage but represents France. He joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 and impressed at the 2022 World Cup. Unlike some others, Tchouaméni played for France at youth level for many years before making his senior debut in 2021, quickly becoming the team’s main defensive midfielder.

7. David Alaba (Nigeria / Real Madrid)

David Alaba has Nigerian roots from the Yoruba tribe but chose to represent Austria from a young age. He made his senior international debut at just 17, becoming the youngest player in Austria’s history. Despite Austria’s limited success at international level, Alaba remained loyal, becoming captain and a national legend. He won the Austrian Footballer of the Year award nine times and was named Austrian Sports Personality of the Year twice.

6. Alphonso Davies (Liberia / Bayern Munich)

Alphonso Davies was born to Liberian parents, but represents Canada at international level. His family fled Liberia due to civil war and settled in Canada, where Davies developed into one of the best players in his position. He made his senior debut for Canada in 2017, won the Canadian Men’s Player of the Year award four times, and was named CONCACAF Men’s Player of the Year in 2021.

5. Bukayo Saka (Nigeria / Arsenal)

One of the key players for both Arsenal and England, Bukayo Saka has Nigerian roots, with both parents coming from the Yoruba tribe. Born in England, he has represented the country at all levels. Saka played an important role in helping England reach two European Championship finals, although the team fell short on both occasions.

4. Jamal Musiala (Nigeria / Bayern Munich)

Jamal Musiala was eligible to represent three countries. He was born in Germany to a German mother and Nigerian father, and spent much of his youth career in England. After representing both England and Germany at youth level, he chose Germany in February 2021. At just 23 years old, Musiala is already considered one of the best German players and a key figure for the national team’s future.

3. Ousmane Dembélé (Senegal-Mauritania-Mali / Paris Saint-Germain)

Ousmane Dembélé has the option to represent multiple countries. His mother is of Mauritanian-Senegalese origin, while his father is Malian. Raised in France, he developed his football career there and chose to represent the French national team. After spells at Rennes, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, Dembélé reached his peak in 2025, winning the treble with PSG and being named Ballon d'Or winner.

2. Lamine Yamal (Morocco-Equatorial Guinea / Barcelona)

Lamine Yamal has a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, but was born in Esplugues de Llobregat, near Barcelona. He chose to represent Spain while continuing to honour his heritage, often displaying the flags of Morocco and Equatorial Guinea on his boots. Yamal has already achieved international success, winning a European title in 2024, and is seen as a future contender at the 2026 World Cup.

1. Kylian Mbappé (Cameroon-Algeria / Real Madrid)

Kylian Mbappé has African roots through his Cameroonian father and Algerian Kabyle mother but chose to represent France. He began his professional career at a very young age with Monaco and quickly became a global star. Mbappé won the World Cup at 19, scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final four years later, and became France’s captain at the age of 25. With many years ahead of him, he is expected to continue leading the national team at the highest level.

Above, livescorecz.net has listed 10 African-born players who chose to represent another national team. For more football results, visit our page here.