• Friday, April 26, 2024
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Euro 2020: Five players of African descent to look out for

Euro 2020

Euro 2020 is upon us, and football fans can look forward to an exciting month of non-stop football action. Will England shine? Will France dominate? Or can Ronaldo lead Portugal to another Euro title?

SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv can look forward to this continental showpiece as the Euro tournament begins this weekend with the group stage matches, which will also feature players of African descent.

Here is a list of some of the most exciting players with African roots to look out for at the Euros.

Manuel Akanji (Switzerland & Nigeria)

Manuel Akanji was born in Switzerland to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father. He made two appearances for the Switzerland U-20 national team in 2014 and has grown to become a dependable centre back for the Swiss national team and Borussia Dortmund.

Memphis Depay (Netherlands & Ghana)

Depay was born in 1994 to a Ghanaian father and a Dutch mother. Depay made his international debut in a World cup qualification match in 2013 and has become an integral part of the Dutch national team.

Bukayo Saka (England & Nigeria)

Bukayo Saka was born in London to Nigerian parents. The young winger is being touted as not only the future of Arsenal, but also the English national team. The winger will be out to give the English team a nudge with some special Euro 2020 performances.

N’Golo Kanté (France vs Mali)

N’Golo Kanté was born in Paris, but his roots can be traced to Mali. At the moment, Kante is considered one of the best midfielders on the planet and will be expected to be a driving force in the French national team.

Romelu Lukaku (Belgium & Congo)

Romelu Lukaku hails from the Congo in Central Africa and will represent Belgium at the Euros 2020. Romelu Lukaku is in the form of his life, having helped Inter wrest control of Serie A back from Juventus, outshining Ronaldo and Ibrahimović in the process. The Belgian striker will hope to power the Belgium team to their first major international trophy.