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Iwobi moves ahead of Salah in Premier League appearances among Africans
Nov 02 2026 18:48 · By onefootball.com · 12 Reads
Alex Iwobi has moved ahead of Mohamed Salah to become the second African player with the most Premier League appearances, but the Fulham midfielder has his sights set on an even bigger milestone.
The Nigeria international reached 329 appearances after starting and playing 75 minutes in Fulham’s 1-1 draw away to Aston Villa on Saturday, moving one clear of former Liverpool forward Salah, who had been level with him on 328.
Only Kolo Toure now stands above Iwobi in the rankings. The former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool defender holds the record with 353 appearances, leaving the 30-year-old Fulham star just 25 short of matching his tally.
Iwobi began his Premier League career at Arsenal, where he came through the academy and made his senior debut in 2015. He went on to make 100 league appearances for the Gunners before joining Everton in 2019.
After four seasons at Goodison Park, the midfielder returned to London to sign for Fulham in September 2023. He has since become an important part of the Cottagers, taking his overall Premier League total to 329 appearances across three clubs.
Most Premier League appearances by African players:
Kolo Toure - 353ALEX IWOBI - 329Mohamed Salah - 328Jordan Ayew & Wilfried Zaha - 305