Who is the best African defender of all time?

African defenders have been among the most tenacious and skilled in world football. From Nayim to John Obi Mikel — who is the greatest African defender of all time?

1. 1
   Kalidou Koulibaly

   Senegal's towering center back who was one of Serie A's finest defenders at Napoli for nearly a decade.
2. 2
   Rigobert Song

   Cameroon's iconic captain and long-time record-holder for African World Cup appearances, a commanding center back.
3. 3
   Taribo West

   Nigeria's flamboyant center back with trademark braids who starred at Ajax, Auxerre and Inter Milan.
4. 4
   Cheikhou Kouyaté

   Senegal's commanding and versatile defender who is a consistent presence in the Lions of Teranga's backline.
5. 5
   Nayef Aguerd

   Morocco's technically assured center back who impressed at the 2022 World Cup as Morocco reached the semifinals.
6. 6
   Serge Aurier

   Ivory Coast's energetic right back who was one of the best attacking full backs in the Premier League during his time.
7. 7
   Achraf Hakimi

   Morocco's electrifying right back who starred at Real Madrid, Inter Milan and PSG, reaching the 2022 World Cup semifinal.
8. 8
   Emmanuel Eboué

   Ivory Coast's energetic right back who was a key figure in Arsenal's squad and played at two Africa Cup of Nations.
9. 9
   Cédric Bakambu

   DR Congo's prolific and versatile forward-turned-winger with speed and directness to trouble any defense.
10. 10
    Pierre Womé

    Ivory Coast's reliable left back who famously missed the decisive penalty at the 2006 World Cup qualification playoff.