Africa's biggest football exports in 2015

2015 proved a good year for African players abroad. From the incredible Dede Ayew to the new wonderkid Odion Ighalo, the continent’s big boys came out to have a party.

Dede Ayew

With six goals scored so far, the son of Ghanaian football legend Abedi Ayew Pele is yet the continent’s biggest export this year helping Swansea win some crucial games.

His move from Marseille was worth every noise made about it. In August, he won player of the month in the Premiership.

Odion Ighalo

The Nigerian super cool kid proved an exciting revelation for Watford. With ten goals so far in the bag, he is on his way to achieving Premier League success if his fine form continues.

Odion Ighalo (10) has scored the most goals by a WatfordFC player in #BPL history - and he's done it in 16 matches pic.twitter.com/HPSVvgzdMm

— Premier League (premierleague) December 13, 2015

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The Gabonese talisman consolidated his gains in 2015 continuing in fine form for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

With some 18 goals scored and three solid assists offered, he can only get better going into 2016.

Africa's finest

BVB's Aubameyang7 in final three for African Player of the Year

CAF_Online #CAF_Glo_awards pic.twitter.com/ojfVRFOZJb

— Bundesliga (Bundesliga_EN) December 14, 2015

Arouna Kone

The Ivorian showed glimpses of a player ready for bigger things in 2015.

His more than impressive form for Everton has earned him a regular spot in the team’s starting eleven, and should do a lot of good for him ahead of 2016.

Kone has scored five goals for the Toffees already and is currently the teams second highest scorer this season.

Riyad Mahrez

The Algerian is on fire. Absolutely stunning he’s proved, his hat-trick for Leicester City two weeks ago and winning goal against Chelsea on Monday has ensured the foxes have gained a comfortable lead on top of the table.

His goals against Swansea makes him the first Algerian to ever to score a hat-trick in the Premiership. He is one to watch in 2016.

COMBINED #BPL GOALS AND ASSISTS THIS SEASON:
18 – Mahrez

17 – Vardy

16 – Lukaku

15 – Ozil

12 – Ighalo pic.twitter.com/7Yv0BgwM8t

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 15, 2015

Benjamin Moukandjo

The young Cameroonian has scored eleven goals for Lorient and is pushing his way up mainstream appreciation in the French Ligue 1. 2016 offers another exciting day at the office.

Salomon Kalou

The Hertha Berlin was impressive under the year in review. He’s bagged eight goals for Hertha Berlin and showed how much of a big game player he is.

Matchday 16 in numbers

salomonkalou has HerthaBSC flying high pic.twitter.com/eftsANZxwu

— Bundesliga (@Bundesliga_EN) December 14, 2015

Mohammed Salah & Gervais Gervinho

Both players have been excellent for Italian side AS Roma. Both have 11 goals between them. Their combined output earned them consistent appearances. 2016 promises to be a good year for them.

With more players joining the exodus, and with so much talent shown in the last twelve months, it can only get better for a continent whose footballers continue to shape Europe’s most patronized leagues.