# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published May 26, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-african-defender-of-all-time*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Kalidou Koulibaly**
   Senegal's towering center back who was one of Serie A's finest defenders at Napoli for nearly a decade.
2. **Rigobert Song**
   Cameroon's iconic captain and long-time record-holder for African World Cup appearances, a commanding center back.
3. **Taribo West**
   Nigeria's flamboyant center back with trademark braids who starred at Ajax, Auxerre and Inter Milan.
4. **Cheikhou Kouyaté**
   Senegal's commanding and versatile defender who is a consistent presence in the Lions of Teranga's backline.
5. **Nayef Aguerd**
   Morocco's technically assured center back who impressed at the 2022 World Cup as Morocco reached the semifinals.
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. **Achraf Hakimi**
   Morocco's electrifying right back who starred at Real Madrid, Inter Milan and PSG, reaching the 2022 World Cup semifinal.
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. **Cédric Bakambu**
   DR Congo's prolific and versatile forward-turned-winger with speed and directness to trouble any defense.
10. **Pierre Womé**
   Ivory Coast's reliable left back who famously missed the decisive penalty at the 2006 World Cup qualification playoff.

Tags: africa, sports, portrait, football, world cup