Despite performing underwhelmingly at FIFA World Cup tournaments, the African continent has produced many brilliant footballers who went on to achieve incredible feats at club level.
With less than thirty days remaining until the start of the 2022 World Cup to be staged in Qatar, TeamKenya.co.ke takes a look at some of the African legends who never donned their country’s jerseys at the esteemed tournament.
Abede Pele
Abede Pele, the father of Jordan and Andrew Ayew never had an opportunity to grace the FIFA World Cup with Ghana.
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Despite lifting numerous titles including the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy, Pele failed to play at the World Cup since his nation did not qualify for the tournament during his playing time.
However, several years later, his two sons fulfilled his dream by making appearances at the global showpiece.
George Weah
George Weah, the only African footballer to have ever won the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy did not compete at the FIFA World Cup.
The Liberian international has only taken his country to the African cup of nations on two occasions.
During his playing days, Pele was one of the world’s best footballers.
Weah's dribbling skills and creativity was unmatchable. It gave him an opportunity to play for some of the world's best clubs including AC Milan, Monaco and Paris Saint Germain.
Mohamed Aboutrika
Egyptian legend Mohamed Aboutrika came close to playing at the world cup twice, but his dreams were shattered in the hands of Ghana and Algeria.
The former Al-Ahly star lost in the final round of World Cup qualifiers in 2009 and 2013, before he hung his boots.
Aboutrika is arguably one of Egypt’s greatest players of all time. He helped the North Africa-based nation to lift three AFCON titles in the beginning of the 21st century.
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