Countries with just one Premier League player

One-player nations

Since its launch in 1992, the Premier League has showcased players from over 100 different nations. Footballers have arrived from far and wide, yet a small group of countries can claim only one appearance on this stage. With Abdukodir Khusanov of Uzbekistan joining Manchester City earlier this year, the tally has reached 18 such nations. Let's take a look!

Armenia: Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Mkhitaryan became Armenia's only Premier League player when he joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in 2016. According to Transfermarkt, the attacking midfielder made 63 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 13 goals, including a stunning scorpion kick against Sunderland (pictured). Mkhitaryan won the 2017 Europa League with United before moving to Arsenal.

Central African Republic: Frédéric Nimani

Nimani, a forward by trade, briefly featured for Burnley on loan during the 2009/10 season, becoming the only player from the Central African Republic in Premier League history. The striker’s short spell in England added to his journeyman career across Europe.

Cuba: Onel Hernández

After being promoted with Norwich City, Hernández became the first, and only, Cuban player in the Premier League in 2019/20. Even though the Canaries were relegated that season, the winger’s pace and flair brought excitement to Carrow Road for many years.

Faroe Islands: Gunnar Nielsen

Nielsen is the Premier League’s only ever player from the Faroe Islands. The goalkeeper made a single appearance for Manchester City on 24 April 2010 as a substitute for the injured Shay Given during the side's stalemate against Arsenal. Though brief, his cameo marked a proud moment for Faroese football.

Gibraltar: Danny Higginbotham

Higginbotham, born in Manchester but representing Gibraltar (three caps), played in the Premier League for Southampton, Sunderland and Stoke City. The defender made 200+ top-flight appearances between 1998 and 2013, becoming something of a cult hero.

Guatemala: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Although he only represented Guatemala in recent years, Mendez-Laing featured in the EPL for Cardiff City in the 2018/19 season. The dynamic winger, a favourite of boss Neil Warnock, scored four goals in 20 league appearances, including a brace against Manchester United (pictured).

Indonesia: Jordi Amat

The Premier League’s sole Indonesian representative, Jordi Amat, played for Swansea City from 2013 to 2018. Though born in Spain, Amat’s heritage allowed him to represent Indonesia internationally later in his career. He made 52 Premier League appearances, primarily as a central defender.

Kenya: Victor Wanyama

Wanyama put Kenya on the Premier League map thanks to successful stints with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. According to Transfermarkt, the powerful midfielder played 154 league games, scoring 10 goals. Known for his physicality and defensive capabilities, Wanyama was instrumental in Spurs’ 2016/17 runners-up campaign. He remains one of Kenya’s most celebrated athletes.

Oman: Ali Al-Habsi

Ali Al-Habsi enjoyed a successful Premier League career as a goalkeeper with Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic. With over 100 appearances between 2006 and 2013, Al-Habsi played a key role in Wigan’s 2011/12 survival campaign. He remains one of Oman’s most celebrated sporting icons.

Pakistan: Zesh Rehman

Rehman became Pakistan’s lone representative in the Premier League while playing for Fulham between 2004 and 2006. A versatile defender, the Birmingham-born Rehman made 21 EPL appearances, according to Transfermarkt. His breakthrough inspired many young footballers from South Asia, and he remains an advocate for diversity in football.

Philippines: Neil Etheridge

Etheridge broke new ground as the first Filipino to play in the Premier League, appearing for Cardiff City in 2018/19. The goalkeeper featured in every game that season, according to Transfermarkt, earning plaudits for his penalty-saving abilities. Despite Cardiff’s relegation that year, Etheridge’s performances stood out, making him a trailblazer for Southeast Asian players.

Suriname: Ryan Donk

Donk, a versatile Dutch-born defender, briefly played in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion in 2008/09 before later going on to represent Suriname internationally. Although his stint in England was short, Donk has enjoyed a successful career across Europe, especially in Turkey.

Syria: Mahmoud Dahoud

Dahoud (right) joined Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023, becoming Syria’s first Premier League player. Previously a mainstay for both Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund, Dahoud had earned a reputation as a creative midfielder with an excellent passing range. However, he lasted just one season in England before returning to the Bundesliga.

Tanzania: Mbwana Samatta

Having impressed in Belgium with Genk (82 goals in 227 appearances, according to Transfermarkt), Samatta became Tanzania’s first Premier League player when he joined Aston Villa in 2020. The striker scored on his league debut but struggled for consistency, leaving for Turkey just seven months after signing a four-and-a-half-year contract.