Football fanatics from across the globe are glued to their television sets just to catch a glimpse of the on-going Euro 2016 football showpiece in France.

A lot of talent is on display with some of the players tracing their origins back to the African continent.

Here are the players currently participating at the Euro 2016 who could have been donning African colours.

1. Blaise Matuidi (France)

Country : Angola

The Paris Saint Germaine midfielder is a crucial member of the French squad at the Euro 2016. He traces his roots to the Southern African country of Angola.

2. Divock Origi  (Belgium)

Country: Kenya

The Liverpool striker lit up the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and has been an integral part of the Belgian squad ever since. We trace his roots to East Africa, Kenya.

3. Angelo Ogbonna (Italy)

Country: Nigeria

Italy are rarely known for naturalising players but over the last few years the Azzuri have encompassed players who are not necessarily of Italian origin. One such player is Angelo Ogbonna whose roots lead us to the West African country of Nigeria.

4. Jerome Boateng (Germany)

Country: Ghana
The Bayern Munich center back is a regular in the German National Team and traces his roots to Ghana. He is the brother to Kevin-Prince Boateng who represents Ghana.

5. Danilo Pereira (Portugal)

Country: Guinea
Danilo is with Portugal at the Euro 2016 and we trace his roots to Guinea.

6. Stephen El Shaarawy (Italy)

Country: Egypt

The AC Milan forward is one of the most gifted players in Europe at the moment. He is representing Italy at the Euro 2016 and is of Egyptian descent.

7. Dele Alli (England)

Country: Nigeria

Dele Alli took the English Premier League by storm with Tottenham Hotspurs in their magnificent push for the title last season. Dele Alli is of Nigerian descent but he chose to play for England instead.

8. David Alaba (Austria)

Country: Nigeria

Probably one of the best fullbacks in world Football is Bayern Munich’s David Alaba. He is part of Austria at the Euro 2016. We trace his African roots to Nigeria.

9. Sami Khedira (Germany)

Country: Tunisia
The combative midfielder Sami Khedira has origins from North Africa in Tunisia. He is an integral part of the German National team at the Euro 2016.

10. Patrice Evra (France)

Country: Senegal

Patrice Evra is one of the best players in his position. He is with France the hosts and we trace his parentage from Senegal.

11. Steve Mandanda (France)

Country: Congo

The veteran French goalkeeper has established himself as one of the best in the world. We trace his origins from Congo.

12. Luis Nani (Portugal)

Country: Cape Verde

Highly skilled and blessed with an eye for goal, Luis Nani is a regular in the Portugal National sqaud. In another universe, he could have been wearing the colours of Cape Verde.

13. Ngolo Kante (France)

Country: Mali
Ngolo Kante attained stardom with Leicester City in their amazing title winning season in the English Premier League. The defensive midfielder is part of the French squad at Euro 2016. We trace his roots to Mali.

14. Christian Kabasele (Belgium)

Country: Congo
The defender currently plays for Genk in the Belgian League.
Kabasele is representing Belgium at the Euro 2016. He has roots originating from Congo.

15. Eder  (Portugal)

Country: Guinea-Bissau

The lanky striker is one of the most dependable members of the Portuguese team. We trace his roots to the small African Nation of Guinea-Bissau.

16. Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

Country: Congo DR

Regarded as one of the most talented forwards in the modern game. The Everton striker is already proving his worth to the Belgian team at the Euro 2016. His father Roger Lukaku played for Zaire now Congo DR.

17. Paul Pogba  (France)

Country: Guinea
The Juventus midfielder currently valued at €120 million is the mist sought after central midfielder in the world. Paul Pogba probably has his name written first on the French team sheet. We trace his origins to Guinea.

18. Marouane Fellaini (Belgium)

Country: Morocco

The Manchester United midfielder who can also play as a centre forward has established himself in the Belgian squad. We trace his roots to Morocco.

19. Francois Moubandje (Switzerland)

Country: Cameroon
The defender who plays for Ligue 1 side Toulouse was born in the town of Douala, Cameroon. He is part of the Switzerland national team.

20. William Carvalho (Portugal)

Country: Angola

The Sporting Club de Portugal midfielder was born in Luanda, Angola. He is representing Portugal at the Euro 2016.

21. Bacary Sagna (France)

Country: Senegal
The Manchester City right back is a regular in the French National team and is once again part of the Euro 2016 squad. We trace his roots to Senegal.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer