Bryan Mbeumo’s Picks for Africa’s Top Players
Bryan Mbeumo, the newly signed Manchester United forward, has shared his thoughts on the current best African players, highlighting a few names while leaving out others. According to reports, the 25-year-old Cameroon international, who recently completed his move from Brentford to Old Trafford, has named Ademola Lookman as one of Africa’s top talents.
Mbeumo, who spent five years at Brentford, where he scored 20 goals and provided eight assists in 38 Premier League games last season, was asked to name the top three African players currently active. His choices included Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi.
“For now, Salah, Lookman, and Achraf Hakimi. He’s the best right back in the world,” Mbeumo said during an interview with Rio Ferdinand. His selection of Hakimi as the third player in his list underscores the Moroccan defender’s reputation as one of the most talented full-backs in the world.
Interestingly, Mbeumo did not include Victor Osimhen in his top three, despite the Nigerian striker’s impressive performances for Napoli and the Super Eagles. This omission has sparked some debate among fans and analysts, who often consider Osimhen as one of the continent’s most promising forwards.
A Tribute to Legends
In addition to naming his current favorites, Mbeumo also shared his top three African players of all time. His list includes Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o and the Ivory Coast duo of Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure.
“Of course, I looked up to Eto’o. He’s a striker as well. He was scoring goals as well, and that was what I wanted to do when I was young,” Mbeumo reflected. His admiration for Eto’o highlights the influence of past legends on the younger generation of African footballers.
Drogba and Toure, both former stars of the Premier League, have left a lasting legacy in African football. Their contributions to their respective clubs and national teams have made them household names across the continent.
Ademola Lookman’s Rise
Ademola Lookman, who was recently crowned the 2024 African Player of the Year, has been making waves in European football. The Super Eagles forward played a pivotal role in leading Atalanta to the UEFA Europa League title and helped Nigeria reach the AFCON 2023 final.
Lookman’s consistent performances have earned him recognition not just in Africa but also on the global stage. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial goals has made him a key player for both his club and country.
Mbeumo’s International Journey
Mbeumo, who previously represented France, made the decision to switch allegiance to Cameroon in 2022. Since then, he has become a vital part of the national team, scoring six goals in 22 caps for the Lions. His transition to the Cameroonian squad has been smooth, and he has quickly established himself as a reliable forward.
The 25-year-old’s move to Manchester United marks a significant step in his career. Joining a club with a rich history and a global fanbase, Mbeumo is expected to make an impact in the Premier League and contribute to the team’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
As he continues to adapt to his new environment, Mbeumo’s insights into African football highlight the depth of talent on the continent and the growing influence of players like Lookman, Salah, and Hakimi. With his own journey continuing to unfold, Mbeumo is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of African football.