As the European football season intensifies, several African players are poised to display their talent this weekend in the continent’s top leagues. From the Premier League to Serie A and La Liga, African stars have established themselves as key figures at some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. Here’s an introduction to some of the standout African players to keep an eye on this weekend.
GOtv and DStv ensure all football fans do not miss anything football in what will be an action-packed weekend in Europe.
Let’s take a look at which three African stars to look out for across this week’s matches in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
Reda Belahyane (Morocco) – Verona
French-born Moroccan midfielder Reda Belahyane has made a strong impact at Verona since joining from Nice earlier this year. His performances have caught the attention of top clubs like Inter Milan and AC Milan, who are closely monitoring him as a potential transfer target for 2025.
Date of birth: June, 2004 in Aubervilliers, France
Position: Midfielder
Jersey number: 6
Senior club career: Nice (France, 2021 – 2024), Verona (Italy, 2024 – present)
Hellas Verona stats: 15 appearances, 0 goals
Club career stats: 58 appearances, three goals
Catch the Moroccan midfielder in action on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 17:00 (EAT) Verona vs Empoli LIVE on SuperSport Football.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana) – West Ham United
The Ghanaian born midfielder has faced some challenges this season, particularly regarding discipline, but he will be eager to showcase his attacking talent when Lopetegui’s Westham travel to Craven Cottage in what is expected to be a thrilling London derby on Saturday evening.
Julen Lopetegui’s future as West Ham head coach is understood to be hanging in the balance, with the club’s board split 60-40 over whether to sack him.
Westham’s board is currently weighing up whether to sack him following a run of defeats, which have left the London outfit 14th in the Premier League.
Death of Birth: August, 2, 2000 in Nima, Ghana
Position: Winger/attacking midfielder
Jersey number: 14
Senior club career: Nordsjaelland (Denmark, 2018 – 2020), Ajax (Netherlands, 2020 – 2023), West Ham United (England, 2023 – present)
West Ham stats: 55 appearances, 16 goals
Club career stats: 200 appearances, 57 goals
Catch Kudus in action on Monday December 9 at 23:00 (EAT) West Ham United v Wolverhampton – live on SuperSport Premier League.
Pape Gueye (Senegal) – Villarreal
Pape Gueye, a box-to-box midfielder known for his strength, energy and aggression, has already made a strong impression for the Yellow Submarines in La Liga. He will be aiming to help them secure an away win at The San Mamés Stadium, home to Athletic Club Bilbao.
Date of birth: January 24, 1999 in Montreuil, France
Position: Midfielder
Jersey number: 18
Senior club career: Le Havre (France, 2017 – 2020), Watford (England, 2020), Marseille (France, 2020 – 2024), Sevilla (Spain, 2023, loan), Villarreal (Spain, 2024 – present)
Villarreal stats: 13 appearances, one goal
Club career stats: 225 appearances, nine goals
Catch the French born Senegalese midfielder on Sunday 8 December at 18:15: Athletic Bilbao v Villareal – live on SuperSport La Liga.
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