NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
FT African Legends Series: Salif Keita, a forgotten hero?
We reminisce the days of “The Black Pearl of Bamako,” the player who scored goals for fun in the Ligue 1, La Liga and pioneered the conquest of the Major League Soccer for players close to retirement.
Liverpool making the right noises – Thanks to the Africans
Man City are looking like they may be EPL runaway leaders once more. But last campaign’s UEFA Champions League finalists, Liverpool are looking quite sharp with their African talent on fleek
FT 2017/18 Best Africa XI: ST - Mohamed Salah
We saved the best for last with Mohamed Salah. Without a doubt, he is deserving of a place in any Best XI from the 2017/18 season. The football world is poised to see how he will follow up such a sensational season.
FT 2017/18 Best Africa XI: ST - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on May 6, 2018 in London, England.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CAM - Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez has gone from strength to strength since announcing himself in the Premier League with Leicester City a few seasons ago. The Algerian will not be playing in Russia but will not be short of any suitors this summer.
FT Best African XI: LM - Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane will look to continue his momentum from an excellent season with LIverpool as he leades Senegal in the World Cup 2018.
FT Best African XI: CM - Naby Keita
Naby Keita has been consistently improving as a two-way midfielder in RB Leipzig’s midfield. His standout performances have sealed him a move to Liverpool FC.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CDM - Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey had a breakout season this year with Atletico Madrid and is well deserving of his place in the Best African XI.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: RM - Wilfred Zaha
Crystal Palace Player of the Year, Wilfred Zaha, is well deserving of a place in the Best African XI for the 2017/18 season. The Ivory Coast international is already subject to numerous transfer rumors after the season he had.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: LCB – Medhi Benatia
Medhi Benatia is one of the best center-backs in Europe and just won the Serie A with Juventus. He will bring stability to Morocco at the World Cup 2018 this summer in Russia.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CB – Kalidou Koulibaly
Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the most in demand center-backs in Europe due to his consistent performances for Napoli in Serie A. He will look to continue his excellent form this past season with Senegal at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: RCB - Hamdi Nagguez
Hamdi Nagguez will look to continue his excellent form from the 2017/18 season with Tunisia in the World Cup 2018 this summer.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: GK - Itumeleng Khune
Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs and South Africa has had a standout season and is the Goalkeeper in FT 2017/18 Best African XI.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: LW - Percy Tau [Mamelodi Sundowns]
Percy Tau is one of the most promising African players that still plays in Africa. He is definitely one to watch as his consistent performances with Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African PSL continue to garner attention.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CF - Emmanuel Boateng [Levante]
Emmanuel Boateng of Levante FC is a young, talented, Ghanaian striker that is making a name for himself in La Liga after a standout performance against Barcelona FC.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: RW - Keita Balde [Monaco]
Keita Balde is a talented attacker and has a promising future for his club AS Monaco FC and the Senegal National Team.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CM - Naby Keita [RB Leipzig]
Guinean player Naby Keita has been a standout player at RB Leipzig and will soon transfer his talents to Liverpool FC.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CDM - Wilfred Ndidi [Leicester City]
The 21-year old midfield enforcer, Wilfred Ndidi, is as good as anyone you can get in his position and will certainly attract interest from bigger clubs with good performances for Nigeria at the World Cup 2018 in Russia this summer.