While only one African athlete cracked the ESPN Fame 100, which lists the most famous stars in world sport, the continent still has plenty of big names to showcase.
The rundown of active sportsmen and women is compiled by judging three criteria: an athlete's social media following, their Google Trend score and the amount of money that they bring in through endorsement deals. For the fourth year running, Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo took the crown as the world's most famous sporting icon.
But who makes it into the Africa-only top 10? Here are the results:
1. Mohamed Salah, Egypt, Football
The Egypt striker has scored many memorable goals for Liverpool, but the moment fans won't forget is when Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos brought Mohamed Salah down in the Champions League final last May. He left the field in tears with a shoulder injury, his team's chance of a trophy shattered and his nation's World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
"It's difficult to find new words. Everyone's raving about him at the moment. We're witnessing the start of greatness." - Rangers manager Steven Gerrard
2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon, Football
The Arsenal striker has been in prolific form for the Gunners this season despite a sluggish start, hovering near the top of the Premier League goalscorer charts alongside fellow African Mohamed Salah. 'Auba' has been a key reason for Arsenal's firm place in the top half of the table, despite their struggles in 2019. The Gabon captain, his country's top scorer, also made waves this past year by opposing his father's appointment as national team coach.
"I was sat with Ian Wright all day yesterday and I joked to him that he [Aubameyang] is the best striker Arsenal have ever had! Aubameyang is the Premier League's top scorer now and his last ten shots have all resulted in goals." - Alan Shearer in December 2018
3. Dale Steyn, South Africa, Cricket
Still the Proteas' premier paceman, at least as far as fans are concerned, the talismanic Steyn made a strong return to the game in 2019 after nearly two years on the sidelines with serious shoulder injuries. In December last year he finally, after an agonising wait to get the final few wickets, broke Shaun Pollock's record to become South Africa's all-time leading wicket-taker in Tests.
"The man who flattened my Off Stump with his 1st Test wicket is now the leading wicket taker in SA Test History ... Well done @DaleSteyn62 ... Great bowler & top man ... #Steyn" - Former England captain Michael Vaughan, on Twitter
4. David Miller, South Africa, Cricket
The middle order batsman and star fielder plies his trade in T20 leagues around the world, most notably for the Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League, but has been handy for the Proteas' ODI side this past year too. His record stand against Australia with Faf du Plessis, which clinched the series against those bitter rivals, was a highlight, as well as making his international captaincy debut, against Pakistan in February.
"What I like about him is that he has different paces to his game. Everyone knows that he has power, he has always shown in the IPL that he has power. But what is important in the one-day game is to have different gears." - SA captain Faf du Plessis
5. Riyad Mahrez, Algeria, Football
Manchester City's Mahrez has not been a regular starter this season for the Citizens, primarily coming off the bench since December, but has tended to make the most of his chances when handed them. His goal against Bournemouth in March saw his side return to the top of the Premier League table. His impact for Algeria, however, has been stronger, as he helped his country secure Africa Cup of Nations qualification with a brace against Togo in December.
"If he is positive and thinks, 'Okay my time is going to come' then his time is going to come because there are a lot of games." - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
6. Gervinho, Ivory Coast, Football
The Ivory Coast striker's career has been rejuvenated since his move to Serie A side Parma in August last year, following a lucrative yet lacklustre spell in China and a serious knee injury before that. The former Arsenal and Roma star has shone brightly this year, with his brace against Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus in February an especially glittering moment. Whether this form will see him recalled for the Africa Cup of Nations remains to be seen.
"Gervinho is a champion, we all know that, but I want to underline his human qualities too. He is a serious professional, a hard worker and has put himself at the disposal of this team to a remarkable degree." - Parma coach Roberto D'Aversa
7. Asamoah Gyan, Ghana, Football
The Black Stars legend and top scorer has primarily been in the news for off-field matters this past year, his private life splashed all over Ghana's media, while his football in Turkey has been less noteworthy. Much of the season has been spent sidelined through injury, though the Kayserispor forward returned to action in February, in time to state his case to Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah for Africa Cup of Nations inclusion. He's not missed an Afcon tournament since 2008.
"I deserve some respect for what I have done for the national team. Any player outside who has my kind of record will be held shoulder high but I don't get that treatment here in Ghana and it's sad." - Asamoah Gyan
8. Sadio Mané, Senegal, Football
Senegal's premier striker has formed quite the partnership with fellow African Mo Salah at Anfield, making the past two seasons some of the best in his career. His goal in the Champions League final last year was a first for a Senegalese player, though he'd likely not have been comforted by that given the result. Mané then appeared for his country at the World Cup in Russia, scoring a goal against Japan, and took that form into this season as he climbs the EPL scoring chart.
"I don't want to say he could become one of the best players in the world - he is already one of the best, you have to stress this... He has shown he is top-notch with his club and he has something unique." - Senegal coach Aliou Cisse
9. Faf du Plessis, South Africa, Cricket
South Africa's captain, the master of the marathon innings, has been in prolific form this season after starting the 2018/19 calendar with a Test pair at Centurion. His past six ODI knocks have all surpassed 35, with the four of those at least a half ton and one a century, while his 125 off 114 balls against Australia last November helped secure that series Down Under. His fame on the Subcontinent has always been strong, but his place with IPL giants Chennai Super Kings has cemented that further, along with his love of fashion and custom wine brands with BFF AB de Villiers.
"It's not easy when you don't play a lot of games but I always say you need to train your mind as well. That's where the experience comes in. You visualise what your role is, how you can contribute and Faf has been brilliant." - CSK captain MS Dhoni during IPL 2018
10. JP Duminy, South Africa, Cricket
Despite not playing a competitive cricket match since October 2018 due to injuries, the South Africa all-rounder has remained ever-popular amongst cricket fans, especially on the Subcontinent thanks to his IPL efforts with Mumbai Indians before his exit from the team in November. While he worked his way back, Duminy's efforts off the pitch also garnered much praise, with his JP21 Foundation working to improve the lives of schoolchildren through cricket, and his TV commentary going down a treat. His recovery efforts were rewarded in March with a recall to the national side.
"Someone like JP Duminy has to come back. We have to fix that. If he comes back, it might change one or two other things." - Faf du Plessis