Ranking the best right back in Africa: Two-time Champions League winner falls behind Hakimi

It is no coincidence that elite European clubs, despite possessing world-class youth academies, still heavily recruit talent from the African continent. Football has "trademark" positions seemingly destined for players from the Black Continent, especially on the two flanks where explosive speed and boundless stamina are expected to elevate any tactical system. 

While modern football has become more rigid and overly tactical, possessing individuals who can shatter any defensive structure through sheer velocity provides the greatest chance to secure prestigious titles. The 5 legendary figures listed by Livescorecz below represent the best right back in Africa, icons that any club would roll out the red carpet for. Let us explore which star meets your highest expectations.

Ranking of the best right back in Africa

5. Ahmed Fathi (Egypt) 

A cornerstone of the Pharaohs' golden generation, Fathi earned an incredible 134 caps and scored 3 goals during an international career spanning from 2002 to 2021. He was instrumental in Egypt’s unprecedented dominance, winning 3 consecutive AFCON titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Known for his versatility and a "never-say-die" attitude, Fathi was praised by experts for his tactical discipline and elite interception rates. 

He is also a legend at Al Ahly, where he made over 300 appearances and won dozens of trophies, including multiple CAF Champions League titles. Even during his brief stints in England with Sheffield United and Hull City, his professionalism was lauded. Fathi eventually retired in 2024 at the age of 39 while playing for Pyramids FC.

4. Lauren Etame Mayer (Cameroon)

Transitioning from a midfielder to a right-back under Arsène Wenger at Arsenal, Lauren became a vital pillar of the 2003/04 unbeaten Premier League champions. Representing Cameroon 24 times, he won 2 AFCON titles (2000, 2002) and an Olympic Gold Medal in 2000. During the 2002 AFCON final against Senegal, Lauren’s defensive solidity was the platform for Cameroon's victory. 

At Arsenal, he made 242 appearances, scoring 11 goals, including a legendary penalty against Tottenham in 2002. Wenger once described him as "a fantastic fighter who had a great combination of technique and physical power." After retiring in 2010 at age 33 following a stint with Córdoba, Lauren now serves as a technical consultant for FIFA and an ambassador for Arsenal.

3. Geremi Njitap (Cameroon)

With 118 caps and 13 goals for Cameroon between 1996 and 2010, Geremi was a set-piece specialist who conquered every tournament he entered, including 2 AFCON titles and the 2000 Olympics. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses made him a nightmare for defenders. At the club level, Geremi’s resume is glittering: he played for Real Madrid (1999-2003), winning 2 UEFA Champions League titles, and later joined Chelsea (2003-2007) to win 2 Premier League trophies under José Mourinho. 

Mourinho famously praised Geremi’s "unselfish nature and tactical intelligence," noting that he could play anywhere for the team. He made 75 appearances for Real Madrid and 147 for Chelsea. Geremi retired in 2011 at age 32 while at AEL and currently serves as the President of FIFPRO Africa.

2. Stephen Tataw (Cameroon)

As the heart of the Cameroon team that reached the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals, the first African nation to do so, Tataw’s leadership was transcendent. Between 1986 and 1994, he earned 63 caps and led his country to the 1988 AFCON title. His performance in the 1990 opening match, a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina, remains a cinematic moment in football history. 

He played primarily for Tonnerre Yaoundé in Cameroon before a stint in Japan with Tosu Futures, making him a pioneer for African players in Asia. Sadly, the football world mourned his passing in 2020 at the age of 57.

1. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

At just 27 years old, Hakimi has already redefined the position, being named the 2025 African Footballer of the Year. Since his debut in 2016, he has earned over 80 caps and scored 10 goals for Morocco, leading them to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup and victory in the 2025 AFCON. His speed, clocked at over 36 km/h, and his creative output are unparalleled. 

Hakimi has graced the world's biggest clubs: Real Madrid, Dortmund, Inter Milan, and currently PSG. He has won the Champions League, Scudetto, and multiple Ligue 1 titles. With over 150 appearances for PSG since joining in 2021, he continues to break records for assists by a defender. PSG coach Luis Enrique described him as "not just a defender, but a total footballer." 

The 5 best African right-backs of all time:

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Stephen Tataw (Cameroon)

Geremi Njitap (Cameroon)

Lauren Etame Mayer (Cameroon)

Ahmed Fathi (Egypt)

With his current form, world-class pedigree, and young age, Hakimi will continue to exert absolute dominance in the rankings of the greatest wing-backs in history on Livescorecz.net today and for the long-term future. He is the benchmark for the best right back in Africa, blending the raw physical gifts of the continent with elite European tactical maturity.

Beyond the right-back position, in the future, Livescorecz will publish other rankings regarding legends of different positions across Africa and other continents worldwide, and we hope to continue receiving the support of our readers. 

Furthermore, if you wish to follow many interesting football articles and analytical topics, or seek a reliable platform that constantly updates the hottest news and results of the football world, in-depth and objective pre-match analyses, or unique statistical data, do not hesitate to make Livescorecz your favorite website on your browser.