Arsenal will enter the 2025 AFCON without any representatives, a rare occurrence for the club in a tournament beginning on December 21st. To mark the occasion and to recognise Africa’s contribution to Arsenal’s history, attention turns to a countdown of the top ten African players to represent the club, beginning with number ten, Mohamed Elneny. His inclusion reflects not only his service but also the professionalism that defined his years in North London.
Mohamed Elneny
Every squad benefits from a player like Elneny, someone who understands his role, accepts his place in the hierarchy and remains ready to contribute when required. His primary task was to recover possession and pass the ball to teammates with greater creative responsibility. While not the most technically gifted, the midfielder ensured he made the most of his abilities through dedication and hard work. This attitude explains how he remained at Arsenal for over eight years, even during periods when it was clear that the club intended to move him off the wage bill. Elneny was aware that he would not secure comparable earnings elsewhere in Europe, yet he continued to apply himself with professionalism.
His loan spell at Besiktas was originally intended to reduce Arsenal’s expenses rather than to enhance his development. Ironically, it was in Turkey that he strengthened his reputation among supporters. He might have stayed in Istanbul permanently had he accepted a reduced salary. His return to Arsenal showed his resilience, particularly as Mikel Arteta is known for decisively moving on players who no longer suit his approach. Trusting a returning loanee in pre-season, knowing all parties had previously anticipated an exit, demonstrated respect for Elneny’s attitude.
Key Performances and Later Career
He impressed in the Community Shield after being previously overlooked, and his displays at Wembley and later at Old Trafford earned him a contract extension, an achievement given his earlier place in the pecking order under Unai Emery. His affection for the club was evident when he was too emotional to take part in the lap of honour on the final day of the 2024 season. Elneny has featured in four AFCON tournaments, including two finals, scoring in one. Although not selected for Egypt this time, he is representing his nation in the Arab Cup.
Does Elneny make your top ten?
Dan Smith
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go straight to no.1 ============= KANUUUUUUU
Wait and see lol
Mr Daniel Smith,
Thank you so much for wrting about AFRICAN GUNNERS!!!
Elneny not even in the top 7. He plays when the coach wants to see out the game and protect the lead not as a protagonist.
Last season’s 2nd black kit was prepared in memory of AFRICAN GUNNERS as players and fans. We had excellent records with that kit including beating Real Madrid at Bernabeu.
Wreh! Eboue! Lauren! Zelalem! Toure! Chamak! Song! Kanu! Partey! Pepe! (Adebayor)
Okay in the top 10 Elneny.
It takes too long if you go rank by rank maybe Afcon kicks off by then.
Not if you do the maths
I liked Elneny. He was quick, had enough energy to last a whole game at a high tempo, was reliable, and never let Arsenal down. We’ve had many worse players at Arsenal than Mohamed, and what fantastic hair!
Agree with you Jax, Elneny was a model professional and loved our club.
For me it has to be Kanu 1st and Elneny 2nd but Dan might just jog my ageing memory about someone I’ve forgotten!
My worry is readers attention may switch to Arsenal’s crucial matches against Wolves, Everton, Palace and Brighton which take place before Afcon commences. For this topic to get the attention it deserves, better to wrap it up before the Wolves game. My pleasure if days extend just it’s my
Why would that make you worry ?
For me, Toure, Lauren, Partey, Song, and Adebayor.
But like Jose the first poster, it has to be Kanu for me all the way. Half the time he didn’t know what he was going to do, so what chance did his marker have. 😂
Full of tricks, and a pleasure to watch. I once see him score against Deportivo, he sold the goalkeeper so many dummies he thought he was at mothercare. 😂👍
I’m laughing too much Derek.
That’s very good lol
SueP and Dan,
I try my best. 😂👍
1. Lauren
2. Toure
3. Aubameyang
4. Kanu
5. Adebayor
6. Song
7. Partey
8. Eboue
9. Elneny
I started following arsenal after watching Kanu’s hat-trick against Chelsea at Stanford bridge&i believe he’s the first African to play for Arsenal(correct me if am wrong Ken,Derek&other older gooners).and after him,we had Lauren,Toure,Eboue,Song,Adebayor(don’t like his attitude),Chamakh,El-neny,Aubemeyang,Pepe.
Matthew,
If my memory serves me correctly, I think that Toure and Lauren were at Arsenal before Kanu. I do stand to be corrected though, but I think I’m correct. If not then my apologies.
And regards Adebayor, I’m with you. He was very good for Arsenal for a spell, but he got a bit big for his boots. I believe he thought he was worth the same level of pay as the legend that was Henry.
And seeing the way he behaved at several other clubs, it appears history would repeat itself. Each time he didn’t get his way, he wouldn’t break sweat for said club again, and would be moved on.
No,Kanu was there before them Derek.perhaps google might be of help with your memory issue.
Matthew,
I must have had a brain freeze. If I had thought about it more rather than being lazy and not doing my research, I could have been more help to you.
Apologies, my bad. Thanks for correcting me by the way.😂👍
No problem