Earlier this month, the nominees for the Confederation of African Football Player of the Year award were whittled down from a shortlist of 37 to a solitary 10-strong batch.
No doubt the winner will be someone that has performed exceptionally for his club and his country too.
Whatever.
What we really want to know, though, is who’s winning at social media? Which player has the kind of Instagram account that makes them stand out from the sea of boring athletes kicking a ball about. This list looks at the exceptional African footballers whom you should be following on Instagram.
The French-born Gabon star has been tearing up the pitches in the Bundesliga this year. He’s definitely a hit on Instagram due to his sense of humour and odd obsession with Batman. To be fair, we haven’t seen Pierre and Batman in the same place so maybe they’re one and the same…
The Ivorian was ridiculed in London because of his inconsistent performances for Arsenal and a hairstyle that made Taribo West’s seem respectable. However, Gervinho has given a number of impressive performances in Rome and is well liked for his commitment to Roma and his endearing personality. The latter quality is evident in his Instagram account.
Anyone that saw Yannick’s performance against Spurs last year poured some liquor in memory of Tottenham’s defence.
The DR Congo star has transformed from a lower league, temperamental player to one of the stars of the Premier League in a short space of time. His Insta account may give the impression that Yannick treats the football pitch like a playground but he uses his account to teach those less informed about the real Africa.
Mr Mbokani is another Congolese star with a growing reputation in the Premier League. One of Kinshasa’s finest, he’s made an immediate impact with Norwich but his selfie game gives the impression that he’s been on Insta grind since day one. Clearly Dieumerci is a lover of fashion and we may need to call someone about getting him a modelling contract as he channels his inner Cara Delevingne.
The PSG right-back is another player who has a lot of style. You’re more likely to see him in a three-piece suit instead of a leather jacket with a chunky chain – his account is 100 per cent class.
The Ghanaian winger moved to Premier League newbies, Bournemouth, this year for a loan spell hoping to elevate his international standing with some club success. He’s put his whole life on show on Insta, whether that means chilling by Bojo Beach or taking a regular train journey through a little-known English town.
Mo Salah must have some serious stamps on his passport having played for four clubs over little more than a year. Looking at his Insta account you wouldn’t think that this has caused him any concern. Whether he is recovering from an injury or posing with his boys, the one thing he always wears is a smile.
So, there is seven Instagrams you have to follow: if we profiled all the stellar footie Insta accounts we’d be here all day. Until next time.