African Stars Shine in Premier League, But Onana’s Season Ends in Disappointment

The 2024–25 Premier League season delivered another exhilarating chapter of football drama, with African players making a remarkable impact across England’s topflight. While Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah claimed the spotlight with a record-breaking campaign, not all African stars enjoyed a season to remember.

Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana, the Premier League’s only African shot-stopper this season, endured a challenging year with Manchester United. Despite keeping nine clean sheets, Onana conceded 44 goals in just 25 games, placing him 12th in total saves (90) and 15th in save percentage (66.9%). His three errors directly leading to goals were among the highest in the league.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka 🇨🇩 (West Ham): At 27, he led the league in both interceptions (66) and dribbles completed (63).

Rayan Aït-Nouri 🇩🇿 (Wolves): The Algerian full-back ranked 2nd in assists (7) among defenders and 7th in duels won (220).

Noussair Mazraoui 🇲🇦 (Manchester United): With 115 tackles (4th) and 216 duels won (8th).

Idrissa Gueye 🇸🇳 (Everton): At 35, the Senegalese veteran topped the league in tackles (133).

Alex Iwobi 🇳🇬 (Fulham): Iwobi enjoyed one of his best Premier League seasons with 9 goals (joint-4th) among midfielders and 508. successful passes into the final third (8th).

Carlos Baleba 🇨🇲 (Brighton): The Cameroonian rising star ranked 5th in possession won (197) and 5th in sprints (540).

Mohamed Salah 🇪🇬 (Liverpool): The Egyptian talisman had a season for the ages, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists, leading Liverpool to the Premier League title. He finished 1st in minutes per goal (116.5) and total shots (130).

Bryan Mbeumo 🇨🇲 (Brentford): Mbeumo impressed with 20 goals (joint-4th) and 70 chances created (5th).

Antoine Semenyo 🇬🇭 (Bournemouth): The Ghanaian forward proved to be a constant threat in the final third, registering 211 touches in the opposition box (2nd) and completing 69 dribbles (3rd).