AFCON2025: Find out who the top scorers in the tournament's history are! | OneFootball

Learn the names of the legends who etched their names in gold with the goals they scored.

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In the very rich history of this tournament, there are many names that have made their name in gold and engraved it in the record of memories of this tournament, such as being the names that scored the most goals. With the kickoff of the new and expanded version in Morocco, we wanted to bring you the top seven goalscorers in the history of this sport.

Seven legends have already made their own history in African football and in other European competitions as well, far from the African continent. Although there are many current stars who are trying to make their own history and show their own successes, those names remain the most prominent without a doubt.

7- Didier Drogba, the elephant who led the London Lions - 11 goals

A global icon whose name was synonymous with power and clutch brilliance, Didier Drogba dominated his era as one of the world's most feared strikers. For his beloved Ivory Coast, he delivered 11 decisive goals in 21 AFCON appearances, a formidable record that cemented his status as a national hero.

Yet, for all his individual prowess, the ultimate continental honor remained agonizingly out of reach. As the captain and beating heart of the Elephants' fabled "Golden Generation," he twice led his nation to the final—in 2006 and again in 2012—only to be met with runner-up heartbreak. Thus, the narrative of Drogba's illustrious international career is shadowed by the poignant absence of the trophy his greatness so deeply deserved.

6- Hossam Hassan, the current coach of the Egyptian national team, 11 goals

Hossam Hassan was a cornerstone of Egypt's era of continental dominance. His remarkable international career spanned an incredible seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, a testament to his longevity and quality, and from those campaigns he emerged a champion three times. On the AFCON stage, he was a clinical and reliable force, netting 11 goals in 21 matches. His scoring prowess extended far beyond the tournament, however, as he cemented his legacy by becoming Egypt's all-time top scorer with an enduring record of 69 international goals, a benchmark of excellence for future generations.

5- Cameroonian Lion Patrick Mboma - 11 goals

Patrick Mboma was the ferocious spearhead that drove Cameroon to consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002. A striker of explosive power and predatory instinct, his tournament record is one of remarkable efficiency—11 goals in a mere 17 appearances. His AFCON legacy is etched with decisive moments: from a stunning hat-trick against Zimbabwe to critical, match-winning strikes in the high-pressure crucible of the knockout rounds, Mboma delivered when his nation needed him most.

Hassan El-Shazly, Egypt's all-time star - 12 goals

In the annals of the Africa Cup of Nations, no striker has ever matched the blistering efficiency of Egypt's Hossam El-Shazly. His record is one of breathtaking potency: an astonishing 12 goals scored in just 8 matches, a remarkable average of 1.5 goals per game that stands as a permanent benchmark in tournament history. His unique legend was forged with a golden boot, as he remains the singular player to ever score two hat-tricks in AFCON finals—a feat of consistent, peak-performance brilliance that cements his status as the competition's most prolific and decisive marksman.

3- Rashidi Yekini - 13 goals

For a generation, the name Rashidi Yekini was synonymous with Nigerian footballing glory. Widely revered as the Super Eagles' greatest striker, his legacy was forged in the Africa Cup of Nations, where his formidable power and instinct yielded 13 goals in 20 appearances. His crowning moment came in 1994, where his goals were instrumental in securing the continental title, and his prolific tournament earned him the Golden Boot. More than a champion, his iconic, net-shaking celebration after scoring at the World Cup that same year cemented his status as a beloved and eternal symbol of Nigerian footballing pride.

2- Laurent Pokou - 14 goals

Laurent Pokou stands alone in the pantheon of AFCON scorers, a true marksman of a bygone era. His staggering record of 14 goals in just 12 matches speaks to a relentless and unparalleled efficiency. Crowned the tournament's top scorer in both 1968 and 1970, his legend was sealed with a performance of mythical proportions: a breathtaking, five-goal onslaught against Ethiopia in 1970 that remains, to this day, the single-game scoring record in the history of the competition—a towering and untouchable feat.

1- Samuel Eto’o, the Cameroonian lion, with 18 goals!

Samuel Eto'o reigns supreme as the undisputed apex predator of the Africa Cup of Nations. With a peerless record of 18 goals across six tournaments, he stands alone as the competition's all-time leading scorer. His legacy is one of relentless success: a champion who lifted the trophy in 2000 and 2002, and a prolific marksman who twice claimed the Golden Boot in 2006 and 2008. More than a record-holder, Eto'o's career embodies the very pinnacle of achievement, cementing his status as a true and eternal legend of African football.