Ace Football presents a detailed list of the best defenders to have played for the Elephants.
African defenders are famous for their special blend of physicality and tactical awareness. As one of the continent’s main football powerhouses, Ivory Coast has introduced several top-class defenders in their football history.
It’s always harder for defenders to get the same recognition as their peers in the attacking positions. However, that’s not the case for the players on this list, who all have achieved legendary statuses while playing for Ivory Coast.
Let’s take a look at our picks for the top five Ivorian defenders of all time.
5- Emmanuel Eboue
Eboue established his reputation as one of the best African defenders of the early 2000s at Arsenal. The Ivorian star made over 200 appearances for the Gunners, winning the 2005 FA Cup.
The former ASEC Mimosas star represented Ivory Coast in two World Cups and five AFCON tournaments after making his international debut in 2004.
He made 79 caps for the Elephants, providing his services as a physical and pacey right-back. The highlight of Eboue’s career came in the 2005-06 campaign, where he made 11 appearances for Arsenal in their impressive run to the Champions League final.
4- Siaka Tiéné
Another former ASEC Mimosas star, Tiene, joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2003. His impressive performances in the South African side earned him a move to Ligue 1, where he stayed until the end of his career.
Tiene played for Montpellier, Reims, Saint Etienne, and Valenciennes FC, before joining Paris Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 in 2013. During his time in the French top-flight, the left-back established an undisputed spot in Ivory Coast’s lineup.
The former PSG star made 95 caps for the Elephants. He represented Ivory Coast in the 2010 World Cup before captaining them to their second AFCON triumph in 2015.
3- Arthur Boka
Boka played both as a left-back and a left-winger during his international career between 2006 and 2013. The ‘African Roberto Carlos’ started his European career by joining Belgian side Beveren in 2002.
However, it was a move to Stuttgart that activated Boka’s full potential four years later. The Ivorian star won the Bundesliga with the Reds in 2007.
At the international level, Boka made 85 caps for the Elephants, representing them in two World Cups and five AFCON tournaments.
2- Henri Konan
Konan rose to stardom while playing for Stade d’Abidjan in the early 1960s. He led the Ivorian giants to claim the African Cup of Champions in 1966, establishing his reputation as one of the first Ivorian football stars after the nation’s independence.
The former Ivory Coast international played for the national team between 1961 and 1968. He starred for the Elephants in two AFCON finals, scoring on one occasion. Despite failing to win the continental trophy, Konan became an inspiring figure for several generations of Ivorian players.
1- Kolo Toure
A member of Arsenal’s ‘Invincible’ team of 2003-04, Toure developed into one of the best Premier League defenders of his era after a move from ASEC Mimosas.
Having already won a Premier League title and two FA Cups at Arsenal, Toure joined Manchester City in 2009. He claimed another league trophy when the Citizens made history under Roberto Mancini in 2012.
Toure’s presence in Ivory Coast’s backline was a key element to their AFCON win in 2015. Having made 118 appearances for the Elephants, he is their second-most capped player of all time.
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