Top 10 Africans to win the Community Shield

The Community Shield holds a unique position in the football calendar, serving as the traditional curtain-raiser for the new season. 

The prestigious fixture pits the reigning Premier League champions against the FA Cup winners, offering the first piece of silverware available in English football. 

While sometimes perceived as a glorified pre-season friendly, it is an official competition, and its outcome often provides a significant psychological boost for the winning team, setting an early tone for their ambitions.

Over the past several decades, African footballers have profoundly shaped the landscape of English football. 

After highlighting the top appearance makers in the Premier League, leading goalscorers, key assist providers, goalkeepers with the most clean sheets and the most controversial transfers since 1992-93, Pulse Sports now honours Africans who have made an indelible mark on one of England’s oldest football traditions. 

Club(s) & Winning Year(s): Manchester United (2003)

South African midfielder Quinton Fortune added the Community Shield to his trophy cabinet with Manchester United in 2003. 

A versatile and dedicated player, Fortune was capable of operating across various midfield and defensive positions, making him a valuable asset to Sir Alex Ferguson's highly successful Manchester United squad. 

His Community Shield victory was part of a period of sustained domestic dominance for the Red Devils, where he also secured a Premier League title and the Intercontinental Cup. 

Fortune's adaptability and commitment ensured his consistent contribution during his seven seasons at the club. 

Club(s) & Winning Year(s): Manchester United (2016)

Ivorian defender Eric Bailly made an unforgettable debut for Manchester United by winning the Community Shield in 2016 against Leicester City. 

He was named Man of the Match in the 2-1 victory, immediately showcasing his defensive solidity and strength. 

Bailly's impressive early impact at United under Jose Mourinho also saw him secure an EFL Cup winner's medal and play a significant role in their Europa League triumph in the same season.

Club(s) & Winning Year(s): Arsenal (2020)

The prolific Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang lifted the Community Shield with Arsenal in 2020. 

In the match against Liverpool, he proved decisive by scoring Arsenal's equaliser in normal time and then converting the crucial fifth penalty in the shootout to secure the trophy. 

As Arsenal's captain and a leading goalscorer during his tenure, Aubameyang's blistering pace, clinical finishing and leadership qualities were pivotal. 

His Community Shield triumph, following the 2020 FA Cup, marked a period where he was arguably Arsenal's most influential attacking force. 

Club(s) & Winning Year(s): Arsenal (2017, 2020)

Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny has twice lifted the Community Shield with Arsenal. 

Joining the Gunners in 2016, Elneny established himself as a reliable and experienced presence in the midfield, providing stability and depth to the squad. 

His contributions in the 2017 and 2020 Community Shield victories highlight his role as a consistent performer, often stepping up when called upon.

Club(s) & Winning Year(s): Chelsea (2005, 2009)

Ghanaian midfield powerhouse Michael Essien claimed two Community Shield titles with Chelsea, alongside his teammate Didier Drogba. 

Affectionately known as "The Bison" for his formidable physical presence and tireless work rate, Essien was a dynamic and tenacious midfielder, especially pivotal to Chelsea's successes under Jose Mourinho. 

His ability to dominate the midfield, break up opposition attacks and contribute offensively made him a complete box-to-box player. 

His Community Shield wins were part of an extensive trophy haul at Chelsea, including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in 2012.

Club(s) & Winning Year(s): Arsenal (2002, 2004)

The Cameroonian defender Lauren was an indispensable, often unsung, hero in Arsene Wenger's formidable Arsenal sides, securing two Community Shield titles in 2002 and 2004. 

Initially signed as a midfielder, he seamlessly transitioned to right-back, where his consistency, technical proficiency, robust tackling and composure became hallmarks of his play. 

Lauren's contributions were crucial to Arsenal's "Invincibles" Premier League triumph and multiple FA Cup victories, highlighting the crucial importance of adaptable and reliable players in building a genuinely successful, trophy-laden team.

Club(s) & Winning Year(s): Chelsea (2005, 2009)

Didier Drogba, the iconic Ivorian striker, famously won the Community Shield twice with Chelsea. 

A quintessential big game player, he made an immediate impact by scoring both goals in Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the 2005 Shield, setting the tone for a dominant era; he added a second trophy in 2009. 

Drogba's powerful presence, exceptional aerial ability and finishing were instrumental in Chelsea's most successful period, where he also secured four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the unforgettable 2012 Champions League.

Club(s) & Winning Year(s): Arsenal (2015, 2017)

Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi clinched two Community Shield titles during his formative years at Arsenal. 

A product of the Gunners' renowned academy, Iwobi was part of the squads that lifted the Shield in 2015 and 2017. 

Known for his tireless work rate, intelligent movement and dribbling ability, he established himself as a valuable asset under Arsene Wenger. 

Iwobi’s Community Shield win really showcases how effective youth development pathways are in nurturing talented players who can make meaningful contributions to the success of the senior team. 

Club(s) & Winning Year(s): Arsenal (2002, 2004), Manchester City (2012)

Formidable Ivorian central defender Kolo Toure secured three Community Shield titles across two of England's footballing giants. 

He was an integral part of Arsenal's legendary "Invincibles" squad, winning the Shield in 2002 and 2004. 

The Ivorian’s move to Manchester City saw him add a third Shield in 2012, making him one of the few players to win the trophy with multiple Premier League champions. 

Toure’s distinctive accomplishment showcases his remarkable adaptability and sustained excellence across different football eras. 

Club(s) & Winning Year(s): Liverpool (1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990)

Iconic Zimbabwean goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar stands as the most decorated African player in Community Shield history, having lifted the trophy five times with Liverpool. 

Renowned for his eccentric style, athleticism and "wobbly knees" antics in penalty shootouts, Grobbelaar was a cornerstone of Liverpool's dominant era throughout the 1980s. 

His Community Shield victories were often a prelude to further silverware, including six First Division titles, three FA Cups and the 1984 European Cup. 

Grobbelaar’s remarkable longevity in top-flight English football and Liverpool's sustained dominance during that period allowed for the accumulation of such titles, highlighting how a stable, successful club environment directly contributes to individual player records in domestic competitions.