Famous South African Football Players

Vote for Your Favourite South African Football Players

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

 1 
Siphiwe Tshabalala
(South African Professional Football Player Who Played as a Midfielder)
Siphiwe Tshabalala
4
Birthdate: September 25, 1984
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Soweto, South Africa
Siphiwe Tshabalala is a renowned South African professional football player known for his exceptional skills and achievements. He has had a successful career as a midfielder, playing for AmaZulu and making a significant impact in both domestic and international competitions. Tshabalala's impressive record includes being the second most capped player in the South African national team, participating in multiple African Cup of Nations tournaments, and scoring a memorable goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated versatility by excelling in various midfield roles.
 2 
Quinton Fortune
(South African Professional Football Coach and Former Player)
Quinton Fortune
5
Birthdate: May 21, 1977
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa
Quinton Fortune is a South African professional football coach and former player known for his versatility on the field, excelling as a midfielder or left-back. He had successful stints with Mallorca, Atlético Madrid, and notably with Manchester United, where he spent seven years and won several titles. Internationally, Fortune represented South Africa from 1996 to 2005, earning 46 caps and participating in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. His career is marked by achievements at top clubs and contributions to his national team.
 3 
Greg Joseph
(South African Professional American Football Placekicker)
Greg Joseph
2
Birthdate: August 4, 1994
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
Greg Joseph is a professional football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. He began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 2018 before making his NFL debut with the Cleveland Browns the same year. Since then, Joseph has been part of several NFL teams including the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Minnesota Vikings. He brings a wealth of experience and versatility to each team he joins, showcasing his skills as a reliable placekicker.
Recommended Lists:
 4 
Thulani Serero
(South African Soccer Player Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Thulani Serero
2
Birthdate: April 11, 1990
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Soweto, South Africa
Thulani Serero is a South African soccer midfielder who has had a diverse professional career. He began playing for Ajax Cape Town in his home country before moving on to clubs in the Dutch Eredivisie, including Ajax and Vitesse. Serero also had stints in the United Arab Emirates, representing Al Jazira and Khor Fakkan. Throughout his career, he has showcased his skills and versatility on the field, making significant contributions to both his club teams and the South African national team.
 5 
Tokelo Rantie
(South African Professional Soccer Player Who Plays as a Striker)
Tokelo Rantie
2
Birthdate: September 8, 1990
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Parys, South Africa
Tokelo Anthony Rantie is a former South African professional soccer player known for his role as a striker for the South Africa national team. Rantie showcased his skills and talent on the field, earning recognition for his speed, agility, and goal-scoring ability. Throughout his career, he competed in various leagues and tournaments, both domestically and internationally, leaving a mark with his impressive performances. Rantie's dedication and passion for the sport made him a valuable asset to the teams he represented, showcasing his talent on a global stage.
 6 
Benni McCarthy
(South African Coach and Former Football Player Who Played as a Forward)
Benni McCarthy
4
Birthdate: November 12, 1977
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa
Benni McCarthy is a prominent figure in South African football, known for his dual roles as a coach and a former player. His coaching career includes stints with Manchester United as a first-team coach and as the head coach of AmaZulu in the South African Premier Division. As a former forward, McCarthy holds the record for the most goals scored for the South Africa national team. Notably, he is the only South African to have achieved victory in the prestigious UEFA Champions League with Porto in the 2003-04 season.
 7 
Itumeleng Khune
(South African Professional Soccer Player Who Plays as Goalkeeper)
Itumeleng Khune
3
Birthdate: June 20, 1987
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Ventersdorp, South Africa
Itumeleng Khune is a highly regarded professional football goalkeeper who plays for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League and the South African national team. Known for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities, Khune has made a name for himself with memorable saves, including stopping penalties from notable players like Esrom Nyandoro, Peter Ndlovu, and David Villa. His quick reflexes, impressive distribution skills, and unique saves, such as the famous scorpion kick save, have earned him recognition and praise from fellow goalkeepers and fans alike.
 8 
Steven Pienaar
(South African Former Professional Footballer)
Steven Pienaar
6
Birthdate: March 17, 1982
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
Steven Pienaar is a retired professional footballer from South Africa who has transitioned into coaching. He is currently coaching the U14 team at Sharjah FC in the United Arab Emirates. Pienaar had a successful playing career, captaining the South African national team and playing for clubs in South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany, and England. He primarily played as a winger or attacking midfielder for clubs like Ajax Cape Town, Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland, and Bidvest Wits. Pienaar continues to be involved in the football world as an international ambassador for Everton.
 9 
Bernard Parker
(South African Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder / Forward)
Bernard Parker
1
Birthdate: March 16, 1986
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Boksburg, South Africa
Bernard Parker is a South African professional footballer known for his versatility in playing as a midfielder or forward. He has had a successful career playing for various clubs, including Thanda Royal Zulu, Red Star Belgrade, FC Twente, Panserraikos, and Kaizer Chiefs. Throughout his career, Parker has achieved notable accomplishments such as winning league titles, cups, and individual awards. He has also represented the South Africa national team, scoring a significant number of goals in his appearances. Parker's contributions to the sport have earned him recognition and respect within the football community.
 10 
Katlego Mphela
(South African Retired Professional Footballer Who Played as a Forward)
Katlego Mphela
1
Birthdate: November 29, 1984
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Brits, South Africa
Katlego Abel Mphela is a South African retired professional footballer known for his prowess as a forward. Throughout his career, Mphela showcased exceptional skill and goal-scoring ability on the field, earning recognition as one of the top players in South African football. He played for various clubs domestically and internationally, leaving a lasting impact with his performances. Mphela's career was marked by numerous achievements and accolades, solidifying his legacy as a talented and influential figure in the world of football.
 11 
Lucas Radebe
(South African Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Centre Back)
Lucas Radebe
4
Birthdate: April 12, 1969
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Soweto, South Africa
Lucas Radebe is a retired South African professional footballer known for his career as a centre back. He started with Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa before moving to Leeds United, where he played 262 matches. Radebe earned nicknames like "Rhoo" and "The Chief" during his time at both clubs. He served as captain for Leeds United and the South African national team, including leading his country in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Radebe was admired by Nelson Mandela, and he also captained Kaizer Chiefs.
 12 
Gary Anderson
(South African Former Football Placekicker)
Gary Anderson
5
Birthdate: July 16, 1959
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Parys, South Africa
Gary Anderson had a successful 23-season career as a placekicker in the NFL, primarily playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. He earned multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors and was named to the NFL's All-Decade teams for the 1980s and 1990s. Anderson made significant contributions to his teams, setting records for points scored and field goals made. Despite a notable miss in a critical game, his overall performance and longevity in the league solidified his reputation as a top kicker.
 13 
Kagiso Dikgacoi
(South African Retired Professional Footballer)
Kagiso Dikgacoi
1
Birthdate: November 24, 1984
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Brandfort, South Africa
Kagisho Evidence Dikgacoi is a retired South African professional footballer turned manager of Witbank Spurs. He has had a successful career representing South Africa at the international level, earning 54 caps and scoring two goals since his debut in 2007. Dikgacoi participated in major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008 and 2013, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Known for his skills and contributions on the field, Dikgacoi has left a lasting impact on South African football.
 14 
Aaron Mokoena
(Youngest Ever South African Footballer)
Aaron Mokoena
1
Birthdate: November 25, 1980
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Boipatong, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
Aaron Mokoena is a retired South African footballer who has transitioned into coaching. He had a successful career as a player before becoming an assistant coach for Cape Town City. Known for his defensive skills and leadership on the field, Mokoena played a significant role in various clubs and the South African national team. His experience and knowledge of the game have now been utilized in his coaching role, where he continues to contribute to the development of young players.
 15 
Jerome Pathon
(Canadian American Football Coach and Former Wide Receiver)
Jerome Pathon
1
Birthdate: December 16, 1975
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa
Jerome Pathon is a former gridiron football player who had an eight-season career as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington Huskies and earned first-team All-American honors in 1997. Pathon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 1998 NFL draft and also played for the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons during his NFL career. After retiring from playing, he transitioned to coaching positions at the University of South Florida and University of San Diego.
 16 
Bongani Khumalo
(South African Footballer Who Last Played as a Centre-Back)
Bongani Khumalo
1
Birthdate: January 6, 1987
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Manzini, Swaziland Manzini, Swaziland
Bongani Khumalo enjoyed a successful professional football career as a centre-back, primarily playing for the South African club Bidvest Wits and representing the South Africa national team. Known for his defensive skills and leadership on the field, Khumalo played a crucial role in the success of both his club and national team. His contributions helped solidify his reputation as a reliable and talented player, earning him respect and recognition within the football community. After retiring, Khumalo continues to inspire young players through coaching and mentorship.
 17 
Lars Veldwijk
(South African Footballer Striker)
Lars Veldwijk
2
Birthdate: August 21, 1991
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Uithoorn, Netherlands
Lars Veldwijk is a professional soccer player known for his role as a striker at Thai club BG Pathum United. Originally from the Netherlands, he has also represented the South Africa national team. Veldwijk's career has seen him play for various clubs, showcasing his skills and goal-scoring abilities on the field. With his experience and talent, he continues to make a significant impact in the world of soccer, both at the club level and on the international stage.
 18 
Pitso Mosimane
(South African Former Professional Football Player and Current Coach)
Pitso Mosimane
1
Birthdate: July 26, 1964
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Kagiso, Gauteng, South Africa
Pitso Mosimane is a highly accomplished figure in South African football, known for his successful career both as a player and a coach. His coaching journey includes stints with SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly, Al Ahli Saudi, and Al Wahda. Mosimane has garnered numerous major trophies during his tenure with SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns, solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected and decorated coaches in South African football history.
 19 
April Phumo
(South African Football Player and Coach)
April Phumo
0
Birthdate: April 1, 1937
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
Died: November 27, 2011
April Phumo, known as "Styles", was a prominent figure in South African football as both a player and coach. He was highly respected for his skills and tactical knowledge, earning a reputation as a versatile and dynamic player on the field. His coaching career was marked by leadership and dedication, guiding teams to success with his strategic approach and ability to motivate players. Phumo's impact on the sport was significant, leaving a lasting legacy in South African football.
 20 
Ezra Butler
(American Football Linebacker)
Ezra Butler
0
Birthdate: November 20, 1984
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa
Ezra Butler had a successful career as an American football linebacker. He played professionally, showcasing his skills on the field with dedication and talent. Throughout his time in the sport, Butler made significant contributions to his teams, demonstrating his passion for the game and strong work ethic. His performance as a linebacker earned him recognition among fans and peers alike, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and respected player in the world of American football.