Whilst it’s Cameroon and Ghana who have come the closest of any African nations to lifting the World Cup, Ivory Coast are arguably the continent’s most prolific producers of talent.
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba – who dragged his teammates to an unlikely Champions League victory in 2012 – and Manchester City’s mercurial midfield maestro Yaya Toure, in particular, stand out as two of the most gifted players of their generation. Both of them spent their best years in England.
But the far reaching Ivorian impact on the Premier League is by no means confined to just two players. There have been a total of 25 footballers from the Ivory Coast to grace the English top flight, several of whom – Wilfried Zaha, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most feared wide men, being the most apposite example – continue to weave their magic on these shores.
In tribute, we’ve ranked every single Ivorian player in the PL – from worst to best.
Lacina Traore
The 6 ft 8 striker looked like he was made for the Premier League - but injury limited him to just one appearance. Image source: Twitter
Abdul Razak
Razak didn't make much of an impact as a teenager at City - he now plies his trade in Sweden. Image source: Twitter
Seydou Doumbia
Lighting quick Doumbia will be familiar to FIFA players, but not so much to fans of Newcastle, where he played just a handful of games. Image source: Twitter
Emerse Fae
The midfielder had a solid career in France, but suffered some bad luck during his time at Reading.
Image source: Twitter
Yannick Sagbo
Few strikers have managed to set the world alight at Hull, and Sagbo was another Steve Bruce flop.
Image source: Twitter
Ibrahima Bakayoko
The former Everton striker was the Premier League's first Ivorian, but struggled in front of goal. Image source: Twitter
Max Gradel
Gradel's first season at Bournemouth was marred by injury, but the tricky winger is still highly regarded by the Cherries.
Image source: Twitter
Steve Gohouri
A solid defender during the two years he spent at Wigan, but wasn't there long enough to make a big impact. Image source: Twitter
Guy Demel
Right back Demel spent four years at West Ham, and repeatedly proved himself a capable back-up player for Big Sam. Image source: Twitter
Olivier Tebily
Tebily had a solid four years at Steve Bruce's Birmingham during the mid-2000s. Image source: Twitter
Aruna Dindane
Electric forward Dindane couldn't save Pompey from relegation in 2010, but was part of the side that nearly won the FA Cup. Image source: Twitter
Gervinho
The speedy winger was the butt of many jokes in England, but - to be fair - he produced a few moments of magic, and proved at Roma he had bags of ability. Image source: Twitter
Abdoulaye Meite
The versatile defender-cum-midfielder was a key part of Allardyce's European-chasing Bolton side. Image source: Twitter
Arouna Kone
Kone has been a peripheral figure at Everton, but his season at Wigan showed he can score goals in the Premier League. Image source: Twitter
Eric Bailly
Whilst he's only been in England a few months, the defender is rightly being tipped as a mainstay in Jose's revamped United side. Image source: Twitter
Lamine Kone
The Sunderland centre-back is one of few silver linings in another miserable season on Wearside (and it's unlikely he'll be sticking around for next year's promotion bid). Image source: Twitter
Wilfried Zaha
Zaha could have been an England player, but switching to Ivory Coast seems to have taken his game up a gear. Expect big things next season - probably not at Palace though. Image source: Twitter
Cheick Tiote
Newcastle's tough tackling midfield general went off the boil in his last couple of years on Tyneside, but was instrumental in their 5th place finish in 2012. Image source: Twitter
Emmanuel Eboue
Eboue wasn't the most loved player among the Emirates faithful, but don't forget he played 200 games for the Gunners.
Image source: Twitter
Salomon Kalou
Chelsea fans didn't know what they had in Kalou until he left: an always reliable substitute who never complained. Image source: Twitter
Wilfried Bony
The powerful striker hasn't had a great time under Pep, but Swansea's struggles since he left illustrate just how good he can be. Image source: Twitter
Didier Zokora
Zokora may not have found the net during his three years at Spurs, but the all-time most capped Ivorian was a vital piece of the jigsaw at the base of midfield. Image source: Twitter
Kolo Toure
He's been largely over-shadowed by his little brother, but Kolo has turned out for three of England's biggest clubs, and played almost every minute of Arsenal's Invincibles campaign.
Image source: Twitter
Yaya Toure
The Man City stalwart may be a bit touchy when he doesn't get a birthday cake, but you can't deny his quality on the pitch.
Image source: Twitter
Whilst Manchester City fans won’t be happy with our decision to plump for Drogba at number one, don’t forget: the Chelsea legend had a much more decisive impact than Toure when it really mattered. The striker has practically redefined what it means to be a big game player, and would probably make a list of the all-time top 10 PL players – regardless of nationality.
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