Top 10 Best Somali Football Players Ever

Somalia’s football scene, despite facing challenges like inadequate facilities and various struggles, has been graced by players who have left an indelible mark on its history. With sheer determination and perseverance, these players have not only broken barriers but also carried the Somali flag beyond national borders, showcasing the nation’s rich talent pool.

As we have a closer look at the Somalia football, the question arises:

Who are the greatest Somali footballers of all time?

Join us as we unveil the top ten footballers who have made significant contributions to the sport in Somalia.

Key Takeaways

• Ayub Daud: Renowned for versatility and scoring, debuted for Juventus.
• Abdisalam Ibrahim: Midfield prowess, played for Norway and top European clubs.
• Liban Abdi: First Somali in England’s professional leagues, played across Europe.
• Ahmed Said Ahmed: Key in Somalia’s FIFA World Cup qualification, a defensive stalwart.
• Omar Mohamed: Scored in 2022 World Cup qualifiers, impactful on the national team.
• Mohammed Ahamed: Successful forward in Norway, known for his goal-scoring.
• Abdi Mohamed (AbdiXaaq): Celebrated goalkeeper with multiple championships and awards.
• Mohamed Abdi: Defender with significant contributions to Columbus Crew 2 and Somalia.
• Mustaf Yuusuf: Among Somalia’s top goalkeepers, with international and local success.
• Saadiq Elmi: Forward with notable performances in Norwegian football.

1. Ayub Daud

Ayub Daud clinches the top spot on our list of the Best Somali Football players ever. He was born on 24th February 1990 in Mogadishu and started playing football at the Juventus youth sector in 2000.

In his early years, Daud was known for being able to play as a forward or attacking midfielder, which he showed during the Torneo di Viareggio of 2009 when he topped the charts with twenty goals. His talent did not go unnoticed, including a first-team debut for Juventus in March of 2009.

This star’s stay in Somalia also went beyond borders, which included him playing for some prestigious clubs. Therefore, his incredible stats of 126 total appearances and forty goals in different competitions throughout his career speak volumes about what he meant to the game. Thus, apart from powerhouses and tournaments in various countries around Europe, it should be noted that this player made an indelible mark on Somali history.

1. Abdisalam Ibrahim

Abdisalam Abdulkadir Ibrahim, a Mogadishu-born talent, stands out as one of Somalia’s finest in football history. Renowned for his versatility and exceptional skills in midfield, Ibrahim has made significant contributions both at the club level and internationally, despite representing Norway.

His career journey includes playing for prestigious clubs like Manchester City’s youth sector, Strømsgodset, and Olympiacos.

Overcoming challenges such as injuries, Ibrahim’s dedication never wavered, culminating in 220 appearances and 22 goals across various competitions. This impressive record secures his esteemed status in Somali football lore.

1. Liban Abdi

Liban Abdi Ali, third on our list of the Best Somali Football Players ever, is celebrated for his skills as a left winger. Born in 1988 in Somaliland, he made history as the first Somali to secure a professional contract with Sheffield United in England.

Abdi’s career spanned clubs in Hungary, Portugal, and Norway, showing his versatility. With 31 goals and 25 assists in 182 appearances, his impact on the pitch solidifies his status as a football legend.

1. Ahmed Said Ahmed

Ahmed Said Ahmed secures the fourth position on our list of the best Somali football players ever. Born on 4th July 1998, Ahmed has left an enduring legacy in the footballing world. Representing Somalia internationally, he played a pivotal role in the team’s historic FIFA World Cup qualification victory against Zimbabwe in 2019.

With a remarkable career spanning multiple clubs and competitions, Ahmed made 81 appearances in his professional career, demonstrating exceptional talent and versatility as a defender. His consistent performance and unwavering commitment to both club and country cement his status as one of Somalia’s footballing legends.

1. Omar Mohamed

Omar Abdullahi Mohamed secures the fifth spot on our list of the Best Somali Football Players ever. His standout performance during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe, where he scored a crucial goal, highlights his impact on the Somalia national team.

With 103 appearances and notable contributions domestically and internationally, Mohamed’s talent and dedication make him a deserving member of this prestigious list.

1. Mohammed Ahamed

Omar Mohamed ranked sixth on our list of the best Somali football players ever, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of football. Born Mohammed Ahmed Jama on 5th August 1985 in Burao, Somaliland, Mohamed made a significant impact as a forward.

Having emigrated to Norway, he showcased his skills in top-tier Norwegian clubs such as Tromsø IL, Fløya, Sarpsborg 08, and Krokelvdalen IL. With a total of 216 matches and 53 goals for his clubs, Mohamed’s consistent performances and contributions to his clubs earn him a well-deserved spot among Somalia’s football elite.

1. Abdi Mohamed

Abdi Mohamed Ahmed, fondly known as AbdiXaaq, is a revered figure in Somali football. Spending his career at Kismaayo F.C., he clinched four Somali championships and six Somali Cup titles.

Renowned for his goalkeeping skills and dead-ball skills, he secured five Best Goalkeeper Of Regions Of Somalia awards. Captaining his club and representing Somalia for nine years, AbdiXaaq’s legacy as a formidable goalkeeper solidifies his place as the seventh-best Somali football player ever.

1. Mohamed Abdi

Abdi Mohamed, born on 25th October 1996 in Nairobi, Kenya, has left a profound impact on Somali football. As a defender for Columbus Crew 2 and the Somalia national team, Mohamed’s contributions are undeniable.

With a solid track record, including 31 appearances for Greenville Triumph and 5 international caps for Somalia, Mohamed’s versatility and skill warrant his place as the eighth-best Somali football player. Notably, he represented Somalia in the United States, showcasing his commitment to both his heritage and the sport.

1. Mustaf Yuusuf

Mustaf Mohamed Yuusuf, born on January 1, 1998, is revered as one of Somalia’s greatest goalkeepers. With stints at clubs like Midnimo and Jeenyo United, he now shines at IFK Berga. Yuusuf’s stellar performances, including international appearances, solidify his place as the ninth-best Somali football player in history.

1. Saadiq Elmi

Last but not least, Saadiq Faisal Elmi, born on November 11, 2000, has made a significant mark in Somali football, showcasing his talent as a forward for Grorud IL and the Somalia national team.

With 97 appearances and 5 goals across various Norwegian clubs, his versatility and impact earn him the tenth spot on our list of the Best Somali Football Players ever.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a rich tradition of football talent in Somalia is characterized by players who have had to overcome difficult situations before leaving indelible marks.

Every player on this list, from Ayub Daud’s fine skills as an all-rounder and prolific goal-scorer to Saadiq Elmi’s influence as a forward, has been a great contributor towards Somali football.

The successes achieved both locally and internationally indicate how deep Somalia’s football talent pool runs, arguing for what could be done if placed on the global stage.

References

1. “Ayub Daud Statistics.” Transfer Markt. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ayub-daud/profil/spieler/75405. (accessed March 16, 2024).
2. “Abdisalam Ibrahim Statistics.” Transfer Markt. https://www.transfermarkt.com/abdisalam-ibrahim/leistungsdaten/spieler/121406. (accessed March 16, 2024).
3. “Liban Abdi Statistics.” Transfer Markt. https://www.transfermarkt.com/liban-abdi/leistungsdaten/spieler/98502. (accessed March 16, 2024).
4. “Ahmed Said Ahmed.” Transfer Markt. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ahmed-said-ahmed/profil/spieler/391576. (accessed March 16, 2024).
5. “Omar Mohamed.” Transfer Markt. https://www.transfermarkt.us/omar-mohamed/leistungsdaten/spieler/421923. (accessed March 16, 2024).
6. “Mohammed Ahamed.” Transfer Markt. https://www.transfermarkt.com/mohammed-ahamed/profil/spieler/43537. (accessed March 16, 2024).
7. “Abdi Mohamed Stats.” Transfer Markt. https://www.transfermarkt.com/abdi-mohamed/profil/spieler/637318. (accessed March 16, 2024).
8. “Mustaf Yuusuf Stats.” Transfer Markt. https://www.transfermarkt.com/mustaf-yuusuf/profil/spieler/865924. (accessed March 16, 2024).
9. “Saadiq Elmi.” Transfer Markt. https://www.transfermarkt.com/saadiq-faisal-elmi/profil/spieler/547198. (accessed March 16, 2024).