• 30th, Nordin Amrabat: Born in the Netherlands but represented Morocco at international level, the winger played more than 40 times for Watford after arriving in 2016 and proved a tricky customer to defend against. Moved to Al Nassr in Saudi in 2018. Getty Images
    30th, Nordin Amrabat: Born in the Netherlands but represented Morocco at international level, the winger played more than 40 times for Watford after arriving in 2016 and proved a tricky customer to defend against. Moved to Al Nassr in Saudi in 2018. Getty Images
  • 29th, Ramadan Sobhi: Arrived at Stoke City in 2016 from Egypt with a reputation as one of the brightest young talents around. Showed fleeting moments of his ability over the course of two seasons before moving to Huddersfield as Stoke were relegated. His move didn't work out and he returned to Egypt. Getty Images
    29th, Ramadan Sobhi: Arrived at Stoke City in 2016 from Egypt with a reputation as one of the brightest young talents around. Showed fleeting moments of his ability over the course of two seasons before moving to Huddersfield as Stoke were relegated. His move didn't work out and he returned to Egypt. Getty Images
  • 28th, Hameur Bouazza: The Algerian, born in France, moved to Watford aged 16 and enjoyed a full season in the Premier League in 2006-07 and then another at Fulham in 2007-08 before embarking on a journeyman existence. Scored a belting overhead kick versus Manchester United in the FA Cup for Watford. Getty Images
    28th, Hameur Bouazza: The Algerian, born in France, moved to Watford aged 16 and enjoyed a full season in the Premier League in 2006-07 and then another at Fulham in 2007-08 before embarking on a journeyman existence. Scored a belting overhead kick versus Manchester United in the FA Cup for Watford. Getty Images
  • 27th, Hatem Trabelsi: Arrived at Manchester City from Ajax in 2006. The Tunisian only lasted one season but scored a memorable goal against rivals Manchester United. Getty Images
    27th, Hatem Trabelsi: Arrived at Manchester City from Ajax in 2006. The Tunisian only lasted one season but scored a memorable goal against rivals Manchester United. Getty Images
  • 26th, Adlene Guedioura: His career was in and around the Premier League for almost a decade without excelling. The Algeria midfielder had top flights spells at Wolves (three seasons), Crystal Palace (two seasons) and Watford (two seasons). Getty Images
    26th, Adlene Guedioura: His career was in and around the Premier League for almost a decade without excelling. The Algeria midfielder had top flights spells at Wolves (three seasons), Crystal Palace (two seasons) and Watford (two seasons). Getty Images
  • 25th, Marouane Chamakh: An enigmatic player. Signed by Arsenal in 2010, the Moroccan striker netted seven in his first season before his career went rapidly downhill as seven goals in 60 matches at Crystal Palace testifies. Getty Images
    25th, Marouane Chamakh: An enigmatic player. Signed by Arsenal in 2010, the Moroccan striker netted seven in his first season before his career went rapidly downhill as seven goals in 60 matches at Crystal Palace testifies. Getty Images
  • 24rd, Oussama Assaidi: Only four league games for Liverpool in 2012-13 but the Moroccan winger fared better for Stoke the following season with four goals. Getty Images
    24rd, Oussama Assaidi: Only four league games for Liverpool in 2012-13 but the Moroccan winger fared better for Stoke the following season with four goals. Getty Images
  • 23th, Noureddine Naybet: The Moroccan defender excelled at Deportivo La Coruna in Spain before joining Tottenham late in his career in 2004, forming a strong partnership with Ledley King. Retired after 30 matches. Getty Images
    23th, Noureddine Naybet: The Moroccan defender excelled at Deportivo La Coruna in Spain before joining Tottenham late in his career in 2004, forming a strong partnership with Ledley King. Retired after 30 matches. Getty Images
  • 22nd, Hakim Ziyech: In terms of ability and excitement generated by his move to Premier League Chelsea, you'd expect the Moroccan to rank higher, but he has only played eight matches at the time of writing. Big things are expected of the winger. Getty Images
    22nd, Hakim Ziyech: In terms of ability and excitement generated by his move to Premier League Chelsea, you'd expect the Moroccan to rank higher, but he has only played eight matches at the time of writing. Big things are expected of the winger. Getty Images
  • 21st, Wahbi Khazri: The busy attacker's stunning volley for Sunderland against Chelsea in 2016 was one of the goals of the season. Relegation soon marked the end of his time in England after 35 top flight games and three goals. Getty Images
    21st, Wahbi Khazri: The busy attacker's stunning volley for Sunderland against Chelsea in 2016 was one of the goals of the season. Relegation soon marked the end of his time in England after 35 top flight games and three goals. Getty Images
  • 20th, Ahmed Hegazi: The Egyptian defender was ever-present for West Bromwich Albion in 2017-18 but the club were relegated. This season he moved to the Saudi league with Al Ittihad. Getty Images
    20th, Ahmed Hegazi: The Egyptian defender was ever-present for West Bromwich Albion in 2017-18 but the club were relegated. This season he moved to the Saudi league with Al Ittihad. Getty Images
  • 19th, Youssef Safri: A cult hero at Norwich City with fans singing "Youssef's better than Juninho, Moroccan all over the world" to the tune of the famous Status Quo song. Scored a memorable 40-yarder against Newcastle United in 2005. Most of his career in England was spent in the second tier. Getty Images
    19th, Youssef Safri: A cult hero at Norwich City with fans singing "Youssef's better than Juninho, Moroccan all over the world" to the tune of the famous Status Quo song. Scored a memorable 40-yarder against Newcastle United in 2005. Most of his career in England was spent in the second tier. Getty Images
  • 18th, Sofiane Boufal: Arrived at Southampton from Lille for a big money fee of £16 million in 2016 and played 70 Premier League matches before heading back to France this season. The Moroccan winger is remembered for his 2017/18 Goal of the Season winner against West Brom in which he dribbled around half the team. Reuters
    18th, Sofiane Boufal: Arrived at Southampton from Lille for a big money fee of £16 million in 2016 and played 70 Premier League matches before heading back to France this season. The Moroccan winger is remembered for his 2017/18 Goal of the Season winner against West Brom in which he dribbled around half the team. Reuters
  • 17th, Islam Slimani: Prolific for Algeria and Sporting Lisbon - less so for Leicester City after joining for a club record £28 million in 2016. Netted eight times and is now surplus to requirements. Getty Images
    17th, Islam Slimani: Prolific for Algeria and Sporting Lisbon - less so for Leicester City after joining for a club record £28 million in 2016. Netted eight times and is now surplus to requirements. Getty Images
  • 16th, Talal El Karkouri: The centre-back's 86 appearances across four years for Sunderland and Charlton marks a decent Premier League career for the Moroccan. Scored a banger of a free-kick against Arsenal in 2005. Getty Images
    16th, Talal El Karkouri: The centre-back's 86 appearances across four years for Sunderland and Charlton marks a decent Premier League career for the Moroccan. Scored a banger of a free-kick against Arsenal in 2005. Getty Images
  • 15th, Youssef Chippo: Starred for Covnetry alongside fellow Moroccan Mustapha Hadji and provided a creative presence in midfield for four seasons - two in the Premier League. EMPICS via Getty Images
    15th, Youssef Chippo: Starred for Covnetry alongside fellow Moroccan Mustapha Hadji and provided a creative presence in midfield for four seasons - two in the Premier League. EMPICS via Getty Images
  • 14th, Rahdi Jaidi: No-nonsense Tunisian defender most notably at Bolton Wanderers from 2004. Chipped in with eight goals from 62 games. Garry Bowden / Shutterstock
    14th, Rahdi Jaidi: No-nonsense Tunisian defender most notably at Bolton Wanderers from 2004. Chipped in with eight goals from 62 games. Garry Bowden / Shutterstock
  • 13th, Hassan Kachloul: Skillful midfielder with an eye for goal and penchant for falling down easily. Impressed at Southampton from 1998 before earning a big move to Aston Villa where his career stalled after just 22 matches. Allsport
    13th, Hassan Kachloul: Skillful midfielder with an eye for goal and penchant for falling down easily. Impressed at Southampton from 1998 before earning a big move to Aston Villa where his career stalled after just 22 matches. Allsport
  • 12th, Ali Benarbia: The Algerian midfield magician was regarded as a masterstroke signing and inspired the club to promotion to the Premier League in 2001/02. Lasted just one more season as his influence waned but left fond memories for the club's fanbase. Getty Images
    12th, Ali Benarbia: The Algerian midfield magician was regarded as a masterstroke signing and inspired the club to promotion to the Premier League in 2001/02. Lasted just one more season as his influence waned but left fond memories for the club's fanbase. Getty Images
  • 11th, Amir Zaki: Burst into the Premier League with 10 goals in 16 games for Wigan in 2008, showing all the hallmarks of a top striker. That was as good as it got - he didn't score again for Wigan, or during a spell at Hull City. Getty Images
    11th, Amir Zaki: Burst into the Premier League with 10 goals in 16 games for Wigan in 2008, showing all the hallmarks of a top striker. That was as good as it got - he didn't score again for Wigan, or during a spell at Hull City. Getty Images
  • 10th, Trezeguet: One of three heralded Egyptians currently playing in the Premier League, the Aston Villa winger scored six times in 2019/20 and played a key role as they avoided relegation. He's struggled for action this season. Getty Images
    10th, Trezeguet: One of three heralded Egyptians currently playing in the Premier League, the Aston Villa winger scored six times in 2019/20 and played a key role as they avoided relegation. He's struggled for action this season. Getty Images
  • 9th, Adel Taarabt: An edge of the seat player who looked a world-beater on his day. Failed to break through at Tottenham but made his name at QPR and also played for Fulham. Brilliant and frustrating in equal measure, scoring seven goals in 86 appearances. Getty Images
    9th, Adel Taarabt: An edge of the seat player who looked a world-beater on his day. Failed to break through at Tottenham but made his name at QPR and also played for Fulham. Brilliant and frustrating in equal measure, scoring seven goals in 86 appearances. Getty Images
  • 8th, Mido: Controversial Egyptian striker with a big personality commanded some big transfer fees. He started well at Tottenham with 11 goals in 2005-06 but his career fizzled out from there with six more for Middlesbrough. Getty Images
    8th, Mido: Controversial Egyptian striker with a big personality commanded some big transfer fees. He started well at Tottenham with 11 goals in 2005-06 but his career fizzled out from there with six more for Middlesbrough. Getty Images
  • 7th, Romain Saiss: The Moroccan defender has become a key player for Wolves during the past couple of seasons and has chipped in with a few goals. Could have a lengthy Premier League career. Getty Images
    7th, Romain Saiss: The Moroccan defender has become a key player for Wolves during the past couple of seasons and has chipped in with a few goals. Could have a lengthy Premier League career. Getty Images
  • 6th, Ali Al Habsi: The only Omani to have played in the Premier League so far. The giant keeper starred for Wigan as number one between 2010 and 2013. Getty Images
    6th, Ali Al Habsi: The only Omani to have played in the Premier League so far. The giant keeper starred for Wigan as number one between 2010 and 2013. Getty Images
  • 5th, Mohamed Elneny: Has been at Arsenal for five years without holding down a regular spot but is now featuring more heavily. It feels like now or never for the Egyptian midfielder. Getty Images
    5th, Mohamed Elneny: Has been at Arsenal for five years without holding down a regular spot but is now featuring more heavily. It feels like now or never for the Egyptian midfielder. Getty Images
  • 4th, Mustapha Hadji: Legendary Moroccan winger signed for Coventry from Deportivo La Coruna after impressing at the 1998 World Cup. Fans wore fezzes to matches, while Hadji wore raw beef inside his boots to alleviate a painful foot injury. Scored 14 in 97 for Coventry and then Aston Villa. Allsport
    4th, Mustapha Hadji: Legendary Moroccan winger signed for Coventry from Deportivo La Coruna after impressing at the 1998 World Cup. Fans wore fezzes to matches, while Hadji wore raw beef inside his boots to alleviate a painful foot injury. Scored 14 in 97 for Coventry and then Aston Villa. Allsport
  • 3rd, Ahmed Elmohamady: A Premier League veteran of almost 200 games now across spells with Sunderland, Hull and Aston Villa. The Egyptian became an internet sensation for his dance moves when Hull won promotion in 2013. Getty Images
    3rd, Ahmed Elmohamady: A Premier League veteran of almost 200 games now across spells with Sunderland, Hull and Aston Villa. The Egyptian became an internet sensation for his dance moves when Hull won promotion in 2013. Getty Images
  • 2nd, Riyad Mahrez: One of the finest dribblers in the world has left many defenders bamboozled during the past five years. More than 60 goals and likely many more to come for Manchester City's Algerian winger. Getty Images
    2nd, Riyad Mahrez: One of the finest dribblers in the world has left many defenders bamboozled during the past five years. More than 60 goals and likely many more to come for Manchester City's Algerian winger. Getty Images
  • 1st, Mohamed Salah: Will the Egyptian King ever be surpassed after his spell at Liverpool which has seen him win the Premier League, Champions League and Golden Boot? Probably not, such has been his impact on English football and further afield. Getty Images
    1st, Mohamed Salah: Will the Egyptian King ever be surpassed after his spell at Liverpool which has seen him win the Premier League, Champions League and Golden Boot? Probably not, such has been his impact on English football and further afield. Getty Images

Football

Mohamed Salah to Mido: Top 30 Arab footballers in Premier League history ranked

Take a look at the slideshow below to see where the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Trezeguet rank

Ian Oxborrow
Ian Oxborrow

February 21, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The English Premier League is very much a multicultural showcase these days.

Star names such as Liverpool and Egypt's Mohamed Salah, Tottenham and South Korea's Son Heung-min and Manchester City's Brazilian Gabriel Jesus come from different ends of the world as the number of nations represented in the league continues to grow.

A host of Arab players have been both past and present, some making only fleeting stops while others were more successful and stayed longer.

Salah tops many lists these days and it will come as no surprise to find him ranked here as the best Arab player in Premier League history.

His goals continue to flow for Liverpool, while his trophy cabinet grows more full with each season.

The rest of the top 30, however, is open to debate.

In this instance the ranking is based on the perceived success of the player during his time in the Premier League.

That takes into account his own situation rather than his club's performance during the period, his impact, longevity and reputation thereafter.

_______________

Top Arab players in the Premier League list

  • 30th, Nordin Amrabat
  • 29th, Ramadan Sobhi
  • 28th, Hameur Bouazza
  • 27th, Hatem Trabelsi
  • 26th, Adlene Guedioura
  • 25th, Marouane Chamakh
  • 24rd, Oussama Assaidi
  • 23th, Noureddine Naybet
  • 22nd, Hakim Ziyech
  • 21st, Wahbi Khazri
  • 20th, Ahmed Hegazi
  • 19th, Youssef Safri
  • 18th, Sofiane Boufal
  • 17th, Islam Slimani
  • 16th, Talal El Karkouri
  • 15th, Youssef Chippo
  • 14th, Rahdi Jaidi
  • 13th, Hassan Kachloul
  • 12th, Ali Benarbia
  • 11th, Amir Zaki
  • 10th, Trezeguet
  • 9th, Adel Taarabt
  • 8th, Mido
  • 7th, Romain Saiss
  • 6th, Ali Al Habsi
  • 5th, Mohamed Elneny
  • 4th, Mustapha Hadji
  • 3rd, Ahmed Elmohamady
  • 2nd, Riyad Mahrez
  • 1st, Mohamed Salah

A version of this article was first published on January 12

FootballSport