Then vs Now: 8 African World Cup Rising Stars and Where They Ended Up

By Ligi Writer · June 11, 2026

Then vs Now: 8 African World Cup Rising Stars and Where They Ended Up

First Glimpse to Final Chapter

The World Cup has a unique power to launch careers. For many African players, it was their moment of global introduction — the first time the world saw what their countries already knew. Here's where those stars were then, and where they ended up.

1. Nwankwo Kanu — Nigeria, 1994 (aged 17)

Then: A teenager on the fringes of Nigeria's squad at USA 94. Now: Two-time African Footballer of the Year, UEFA Cup winner, FA Cup winner with Arsenal, World Cup and Olympic gold medallist.

2. El Hadji Diouf — Senegal, 2002 (aged 21)

Then: The electric forward who drove Senegal's 2002 run and made the All-Star squad. Now: A controversial but undeniably talented career across Bolton, Liverpool, and several clubs, with a World Cup debut tournament that remains his career peak.

3. Samuel Eto'o — Cameroon, 1998 (aged 17)

Then: Barely involved in Cameroon's 1998 campaign, still a teenager. Now: Four-time African Footballer of the Year, Champions League winner with Barcelona and Inter Milan, one of Africa's greatest ever players.

4. Michael Essien — Ghana, 2006 (aged 23)

Then: A powerful midfielder who drove Ghana to the Round of 16 on their debut. Now: Chelsea and Real Madrid career, one of the Premier League's most complete midfielders of his generation.

5. Achraf Hakimi — Morocco, 2018 (aged 19)

Then: A full-back with pace and promise on Morocco's 2018 squad. Now: PSG starter, one of the best full-backs in the world, key figure in Morocco's 2022 semi-final run.

6. Thomas Partey — Ghana, 2014 (aged 21)

Then: On the fringes of Ghana's 2014 squad. Now: Arsenal captain, one of the Premier League's most commanding defensive midfielders.

7. Hakim Ziyech — Morocco, 2018 (aged 25)

Then: A creative midfielder just beginning to attract European attention. Now: Chelsea, Galatasaray, key playmaker in Morocco's 2022 historic run.

8. Jude Bellingham... wait, wrong list. Try: Boulaye Dia — Senegal, 2022 (aged 25)

Then: A rising forward supporting Sadio Mané in Senegal's 2022 squad. Now: A consistent Serie A performer with Lazio, still developing his international peak.