South Africa has produced many legendary soccer players from Benni McCarthy to Lucas Radebe to Doctor Khumalo. These stars have excelled at home and abroad, earning recognition worldwide.
Some of the great South African soccer players plied their trade in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. During apartheid, they had many talented players who were denied realistic opportunities to do so.
Had history worked out differently, other South African soccer players might have made the Easybet top 10, but there is little doubt that McCarthy and Radebe are South Africa’s most decorated soccer players in terms of global honours.
1. Benni McCarthy: South African Soccer Stalwart
Benni McCarthy is South Africa’s most decorated soccer player. He won the UEFA Champions League with Porto in 2004. McCarthy also became Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading goalscorer.
McCarthy’s career began with Seven Stars in Cape Town. His talent saw him move to Ajax Amsterdam, where he won the Eredivisie. Later, he shone in Spain with Celta Vigo and in England with Blackburn Rovers.
2. Lucas Radebe: The Chief
Lucas Radebe was a true leader. He captained Leeds United and the South African national team. His defensive skills earned him respect globally beyond being one of the greatest South African soccer players ever.
Radebe started his career with Kaizer Chiefs. He later joined Leeds United in 1994. During his time in England, he became a club legend, even inspiring a song from Leeds fans.
3. Steven Pienaar: Maestro
Steven Pienaar’s creativity made him a standout player. He excelled in the Premier League, especially with Everton. His vision and skill earned him the captaincy of Bafana Bafana.
Pienaar began his professional journey at Ajax Cape Town. He moved to Ajax Amsterdam before joining Borussia Dortmund. His career peaked in England, where he became a fan favourite.
4. Mark Fish: Rock at the Back
Mark Fish was a defensive powerhouse. He played for top clubs in South Africa and Europe. His versatility and aerial ability made him a key player.
Fish’s career started with Jomo Cosmos. He later joined Orlando Pirates, winning the CAF Champions League in 1995. In Europe, he played for Lazio and Bolton Wanderers.
5. Shaun Bartlett: Wonder Strike and More
Shaun Bartlett was a reliable goalscorer. He shone for South Africa and in the English Premier League. Bartlett’s goals often came in crucial moments.
He played for Cape Town Spurs before moving to Switzerland’s FC Zurich. Later, he joined Charlton Athletic, where he became a household name. His superb goal vs Leicester City remains iconic.
6. Aaron Mokoena: Mbazo
Aaron Mokoena was known as “The Axe” for his tough tackling. He is South Africa’s most capped player and one of the most recognisable South African soccer stars ever. Mokoena’s leadership on and off the pitch was vital for Bafana Bafana.
Having had stints with Ajax Amsterdam and KRC Genk, Mokoena played in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth. His defensive reliability made him a consistent performer.
7. Sibusiso Zuma: Revered in Denmark
Sibusiso Zuma was a skilful forward. His legacy is evidenced by the fact he was a fan favourite in Denmark and South Africa.
Zuma played for African Wanderers and Orlando Pirates before moving to Europe. At FC Copenhagen, he won multiple titles. His flair and creativity delighted fans wherever he played. He also pulled on the colours of Arminia Bielefeld and Nordsjælland among other clubs.
8. John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu: Playmaker Extraordinaire
John Moshoeu was a midfield maestro. He was instrumental in South Africa’s 1996 AFCON triumph. Moshoeu’s composure and passing were his trademarks.
He played for Kaizer Chiefs and in Turkey for Fenerbahçe. Moshoeu’s performances inspired many young players. His legacy lives on in South African soccer.
9. Doctor Khumalo: South African Soccer Wizard
Doctor Khumalo was one of the first post-apartheid South African soccer stars. His playmaking skills made him a fan favourite. Khumalo was a key figure in the 1996 AFCON-winning team.
He spent most of his career with Kaizer Chiefs. Briefly, he played in the MLS with Columbus Crew. His contributions to South African soccer are unforgettable.
10. Phil Masinga: Super Striker
Phil Masinga’s goals took South Africa to the 1998 World Cup. His strike vs Congo in the qualifiers is iconic. Masinga was also a trailblazer in Europe.
He started with Jomo Cosmos before moving to Leeds United. Masinga later played in Italy for Salernitana and Bari. His impact on South African soccer was immense.
These ten players have left an indelible mark. They inspired generations and brought glory to South African soccer. Their achievements will be celebrated for years to come.
