The 2025/26 English Premier League season kicks off today with defending champions Liverpool welcoming Bournemouth at Anfield. Among the more than fifty African players set to feature in this season’s campaign, a few stand out not only for their past performances but also for the promise they bring to the pitch this year.
Leading the spotlight is Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s Egyptian forward, who remains one of the league’s most influential figures. At 33, Salah is chasing a historic fifth Golden Boot and continues to be a pivotal force for Liverpool. With 186 Premier League goals to his name, he holds the record as the highest-scoring African in the competition’s history and shows no signs of letting up.
Another name drawing attention is Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who made a significant summer switch from West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur in a £55 million ($74 million) deal. His move marks the first direct transfer between the two clubs since 2011. Kudus made a strong impression during the 2023/24 season, scoring 14 goals and registering 9 assists across all competitions. He also claimed West Ham’s Goal of the Season award. Though his output dipped slightly last season with 5 goals and 3 assists in 32 league appearances, Spurs will be banking on his creativity and flair in midfield.
Rayan Aït-Nouri of Algeria is another African talent set to make waves. The 24-year-old left-back joined Manchester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £31 million ($41.5 million) and has already featured in pre-season action for Pep Guardiola’s side. Aït-Nouri’s previous season at Wolves saw him contribute 4 goals and 7 assists from the back, and his ability to transition quickly between defense and attack could prove invaluable in City’s title defense.
Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush has also emerged as a rising star to watch. After joining Manchester City in January 2025, Marmoush quickly made headlines by scoring the Guinness Goal of the Season, a stunning strike against Bournemouth on May 20 that opened the scoring in a crucial 3-1 win. In just 17 Premier League appearances last season, he found the net seven times, and with a full campaign ahead, many expect him to become a regular contributor in Guardiola’s attacking rotation.
Rounding out the list is Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson, who continues to grow in confidence at Chelsea. Jackson recorded 10 goals and 5 assists in 30 league appearances last season and remains central to Chelsea’s forward line. His blend of strength, speed, and finishing ability makes him one of the key players to watch as the Blues aim to reassert themselves among the title challengers.
While these five players stand out ahead of the new season, the Premier League remains a stage where emerging talents often seize the spotlight. With so many African stars in action, don’t be surprised if others beyond this list deliver moments of brilliance and help shape the story of the 2025/26 campaign.