In a dramatic moment of national and continental significance, Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Liverpool has etched his name further into football history by surpassing Ivorian legend Didier Drogba on the all-time list of African international goalscorers.
The historic goal came deep into extra-time stoppage on January 5, 2026, sealing a thrilling Round of 16 victory for Egypt over Benin at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). With his 66th international strike, Salah moved one goal ahead of Drogba’s longstanding tally of 65, which the Chelsea icon scored over 105 appearances for Ivory Coast.
The landmark goal was a fittingly decisive contribution. After a tense 1-1 draw in regulation, Egypt took the lead in the 97th minute before Salah sealed the 3-1 victory with a precise finish in the 120th+3 minute, sending the Pharaohs into the tournament’s quarterfinals. This achievement extends a remarkable period of record-breaking for the Egyptian captain.
Earlier in 2025, he had already become the all-time leading scorer in CAF World Cup qualifiers, another record previously held by Drogba.
Salah’s ascension places him in an elite echelon of African footballing greats. He now stands as the fourth-highest African international goalscorer.
Directly ahead of him is his current national team coach, Egypt’s all-time top scorer Hossam Hassan, with 68 goals. The path to the very top is now visible, with the continental records held by Malawi’s Kinnah Phiri (71 goals) and Zambia’s Godfrey Chitalu (79 goals).
With Egypt still active in AFCON 2025, where Salah has already scored three times, the opportunity to climb further is immediate.
This international milestone adds another layer to Salah’s legacy in comparison to Drogba. While Drogba is revered as a Chelsea icon who scored 104 Premier League goals and delivered on the biggest stages, including a UEFA Champions League final, Salah has already eclipsed that domestic mark for African players, boasting over 188 Premier League goals for Liverpool.
The debate over the Premier League’s greatest African player is fervent, with figures like former Nigeria striker Yakubu once arguing for the primacy of Drogba, Jay-Jay Okocha, and others. However, Salah’s statistical dominance and consistency have led many contemporary observers and fans to advocate for his place at the pinnacle.