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The UEFA Champions League returned this year after what seemed liked an eternity without some impressive footballing feats from African players.

Full of priceless moments that will stay in the memory of avid watchers, some of Africa’s finest players propelled their reputations by excelling in the tournament. This list looks at eight great goals from players since the league’s establishment in 1992.

1.
Benni Mccarthy (FC Porto versus Manchester United, 2004)

2004 was the year that José Mourinho became ‘The Special One’. Against all odds he led FC Porto to victory after toppling more illustrious opponents than Mr Miyagi – you’d think he’d watched The Karate Kid one too many times.

Benni McCarthy of FC Porto takes a free kick which leads to a goal from teammate Costinha during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and FC Porto at Old Trafford © Getty Images

One of those unfortunate teams was Manchester United. South African striker Benni Mccarthy couldn’t help but unleash an unforgettable strike against the Red Devils.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI85TOWRHAg#t=48s

2.
George Weah (Paris Saint-Germain versus Bayern Munich, 1994)

The 1994-1995 season was a great one for the Liberian. He finished with a number of accolades including being named FIFA World Player of the Year.

George Weah in action during a European Cup Winners Cup match held in 1994 at the Parc des Princes, Paris © Getty Images

The striker is known for a number of spectacular efforts but few stand out more than this solo effort which probably deserved a better celebration.

3.
Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona versus Panathinaikos, 2005)

Samuel Eto’o made his debut for Cameroon so young, that he probably looked like the son of one of his more seasoned teammates to less-informed fans.

Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o of FC Barcelona celebrating their goal during the UEFA Champions League group C match between FC Barcelona and Panathinaikos © Getty Images

His career was full of some epic moments but he saved something special for one fateful night in Catalonia a decade ago.

4.
Michael Essien (Chelsea versus Barcelona, 2009)

The man nicknamed ‘The Bison’ was known for his powerful tackles and imposing presence on the pitch but now and again he would hit you with a pirouette worthy of an oversized-ballet dancer.

Michael Essien celebrates scoring the first goal of the game during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg match between Chelsea and Barcelona © Getty Images

That, or a strike that would make you scratch your head and watch the replay again and again to make sure it was him. Against the Spanish giants, Michael excelled with the latter.

5.
Didier Drogba (Chelsea versus Barcelona, 2006)

Throughout the 2000s a rivalry ensued between Chelsea and Barcelona that reached boiling point when Drogba swore like a drunk rapper after some controversial decisions by the referee of the UEFA 2009 semi-finals.

Didier Drogba celebrates scoring the first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group A match between Chelsea and Barcelona © Getty Images

But a moment that Didier would prefer to be remembered for was this remarkable effort three years previous.

6.
Yaya Touré (FC Viktoria Plzeň versus Man City FC, 2013)

Most players don’t alarm defenders and goalkeepers when they attempt a shot from 30 yards away.

Yaya Touré in action during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Viktoria Plzeň and Manchester City © Getty Images

Yaya Touré is not one of those guys. At the beginning of this particular season he was scoring long-range efforts just to show he could. This strike was one of the best.

7.
Kevin Prince Boateng (Milan versus Barcelona, 2011)

Kevin Prince Boateng entered football with the kind of ego that is normally associated with a superstar player.

Kevin Prince Boateng celebrates scoring the second goal during the UEFA Champions League group H match between AC Milan and FC Barcelona © Getty Images

It wasn’t until he played a number of years in the Premier League and shone for Ghana that people realised that Kevin wasn’t all flash and no substance.

When he started scoring goals like this… he was allowed to wear shades inside.

8.
Emmanuel Adebayor (Villarreal CF versus Arsenal, 2009)

There are some TV shows that are good for a season and then become terrible. Emmanuel is kind of like that.

Emmanuel Adebayor holds his nerve to score the second goal of the game past goal keeper Diego Lopez of Villarreal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Villarreal © Getty Images

For one year he was incredible, terrorising defenders, scoring crazy goals and doing tricks for fun. The next year… not so much. In 2009, he was a big part of the Arsenal attack and further endeared himself to the Arsenal fans with this acrobatic strike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh85cqat9fQ#t=2s

There you have it! Let’s look forward to plenty more goals.