Victor Wanyama reveals Europe's tough demands for African players
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 02.07.26. | 09:03
Wanyama announced his retirement from football in April 2026 and has since ventured into coaching, where he is currently pursuing his UEFA A Coaching Licence with the Irish Football Association (IFA).
Tottenham Hotspur legend Victor Wanyama has disclosed the extraordinary demands expected of African players to effectively compete in Europe.
The former Harambee Stars captain is one of the African stars who have had prolonged careers in Europe, having played there for over 12 years.
With stiff competition for places from players across the world, as well as the demand and responsibility of clubs to develop local and homegrown players, the standards for foreign players, especially those from Africa, are significantly higher.
Having undergone the pressure that comes with playing at the top level for several years, Wanyama took time to explain what it takes for African players to compete.
“I think in Europe there are a lot of players, and they have their own who can do the same job as you do. So when they get you, they expect you to be better, maybe five times or 10 times better than their own,” stated Wanyama.
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The 35-year-old began his European career in 2008 with Beerschot before joining Scottish giants Celtic in 2011. After two seasons with the Bhoys, Wanyama made a historic transfer to English Premier League side Southampton.
The JMJ Academy graduate then joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2016 and was part of the historic 2019 team that finished as runners-up in the UEFA Champions League. He stayed at the club until March 2020, when he left for MLS club CF Montréal.
Throughout his time at those clubs and years at the top level, one lesson was always clear in Wanyama's mind: he had to be better.
“I always say you have to be better than them to prosper in Europe. So I think that is important because they have a lot of players who can just run and do simple things. But if you work harder and are better than them, then you will always be on top,” he explained.
Wanyama announced his retirement from football in April 2026 and has since ventured into coaching, where he is currently pursuing his UEFA A Coaching Licence with the Irish Football Association (IFA).
