Benni McCarthy’s legacy goes way beyond lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy. He’s a true legend of South African football.
Why Benni Is a Football Icon
To start with, McCarthy is Bafana Bafana’s top scorer ever, netting 31 goals in 80 appearances. He’s also the only South African to have ever won the prestigious UEFA Champions League — a feat that instantly puts him in a special class.
Cool Facts About Benni McCarthy
- Born in Cape Town, raised in Hanover Park.
- The first and only South African to win the UEFA Champions League.
- Won league titles in Portugal, the Netherlands, and South Africa.
- Made his international debut in 1997 as a teenager under legendary coach Clive Barker.
- Played for big European clubs like Ajax, Celta Vigo, FC Porto, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham.
- Nicknamed “Mr Benni Makathini” and “Zulu Warrior” after leading AmaZulu to the CAF Champions League in 2021.
- Fluent in English, Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese.
- Scored 18 Premier League goals for Blackburn in 2006-07, finishing second top scorer — just ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s 17 goals.
- Achieved an incredible streak of 10 consecutive shots on target in the Premier League in 2007.
- Recently became first-team attacking coach at Manchester United, adding coaching honors to his career with the 2023-2024 FA Cup win.
- Currently head coach of Kenya’s Harambee Stars.
Benni’s Coaching Journey
Benni’s coaching career started as assistant manager at Sint-Truiden in Belgium (2015-2016). He then took charge at Cape Town City, winning the MTN8 trophy in 2018-19. Later, he managed AmaZulu, leading them to their first-ever CAF Champions League appearance. Now, with coaching experience at top levels, some wonder if the Orlando Pirates head coach job might be on his radar.
Playing Career Highlights
- Two-time Portuguese Primeira Liga champion with Porto.
- Dutch Eredivisie winner with Ajax in 1998.
- South African Premier Division champion with Orlando Pirates (2011-12).
- Nedbank Cup and MTN8 winner with Pirates in 2011.
- Once the most expensive South African footballer, transferring from Ajax to Celta Vigo for €6 million in 1999 — a record held until 2023.
