Continuing our alphabetical world tour, next up is Angola. Having been a Portuguese colony for much of the 20th century, Angola has always been a footballing nation. Though success has been limited, Angola qualified for the 2006 World Cup, and finished second in the 2011 African Nations Championship (a tournament in which only players who play club football in Africa can participate, not to be confused with the Africa Cup of Nations)
According to the Premier League website, two players have represented Angola in the Premier League.
First Player – Jordão (West Bromwich Albion; 2002-03)
The first of only two players to represent Angola in the Premier League, defensive midfielder Jordão made three appearances for West Bromwich Albion in 2002/03.
He had featured heavily in the Baggies’ promotion campaign but was unable to establish himself in the side in the top-flight and left the club in the summer of 2003 following their relegation.
Jordão represented Portugal at youth level, but never won a senior cap and is listed as Angolan on the Premier League website.
Records
- Most Appearances – Manucho (14)
- First appearance – Jordão (Fulham 3-0 WEST BROM, February 19th 2003)
- Most goals – Manucho (2)
- First goal – Manucho (Fulham 0-1 HULL, March 4th 2009)
Other Players
Other than Jordão, the only other Angolan to play in the Premier League was Manucho, who made 14 appearances for Manchester United and Hull City in 2008/09.
Trivia & Records
- Since signing Manucho in 2008, Manchester United have permanently signed four other African players (Mame Biram Diouf, Wilfried Zaha, Sadiq El Fitouri and Eric Bailly).
- Manucho is the 16th most capped Angolan of all time (53 caps).
