Benni McCarthy and other African legends who won UEFA Champions League
By Joel Masibo, March 10, 2026The UEFA Champions League (UCL) stands as the most elite club football tournament in the world, widely recognised for its immense global appeal and prestige. Its widespread following and influence make it one of the most-watched sporting competitions worldwide.
As this week’s football attention turns to the competition’s Round of 16 action, K24 Sports delves deep into notable African legends who won the prestigious club gong, led by Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy.
Apart from Harambee Stars coach, FKF Vice President MacDonald Mariga also won the coveted UEFA Champions League in 2010 with Inter Milan.
Apart from its reputation, the tournament’s excitement is further heightened by the diversity of talent it attracts. Fans from different countries often rally behind players from their own nations who compete in the competition, creating a unique sense of pride and connection across continents.
Champions League African stats
Among African players who won the Champions League, Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) tops the list with three medals.
Most African winners in a single team: Four players with Chelsea during the 2011–2012 season – Didier Drogba, John Obi Mikel, Salomon Kalou and Michael Essien.
Country with the most Champions League winners:
Ghana – four players (Abedi Pelé, Samuel Kuffour, Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien)
Notable African UEFA Champions League winners
Bruce Grobbelaar (Zimbabwe) – Liverpool, 1983–84
Rabah Madjer (Algeria) – FC Porto, 1986–87
Abedi Pelé (Ghana) – Olympique de Marseille, 1992–93
Finidi George (Nigeria) – Ajax, 1994–95
Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria) – Ajax, 1994–95
Samuel Kuffour (Ghana) – Bayern Munich, 2000–01
Benni McCarthy (South Africa) – FC Porto, 2003–04
Djimi Traoré (Mali) – Liverpool, 2004–05
Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – Barcelona (2005–06, 2008–09) and Inter Milan (2009–10)
Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast) – Barcelona, 2008–09
Seydou Keita (Mali) – Barcelona, 2008–09 and 2010–11
Sulley Muntari (Ghana) – Inter Milan, 2009–10
McDonald Mariga (Kenya) – Inter Milan, 2009–10
John Obi Mikel (Nigeria) – Chelsea, 2011–12
Michael Essien (Ghana) – Chelsea, 2011–12
Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast) – Chelsea, 2011–12
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) – Chelsea, 2011–12
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Liverpool, 2018-19
Sadio Mane – (Senegal) – Liverpool, 2018-19
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – Real Madrid, 2017–18, PSG, 2024-25
Meanwhile, the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 kicks off action continues on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Galatasaray will welcome Liverpool, Newcastle United host Barcelona, Atletico Madrid entertain Tottenham Hotspur, while Atalanta will host Bayern Munich.