There are many African-born footballers representing big European countries, but here are 10 high-profile African internationals who were not born on the continent, including Chelsea's latest signing and Riyad Mahrez!

Click through the gallery above to see 10 African internationals who were not born in Africa, according to Transfermarkt!

Chelsea announced their successful signing of Moroccan superstar Hakim Ziyech from Ajax Amsterdam recently, but the 26-year-old had the option of representing another country growing up.

The winger, who will join the Blues next season, was born in the Netherlands, and represented the European nation at youth level as recently as 2013.

Ziyech, however, has been capped 32 times for Morocco since, scoring 12 times, and has represented the Atlas Lions at a FIFA World Cup and an Africa Cup of Nations.

Download The Soccer Laduma Social Media App & Earn Airtime for Selfies!

Perhaps unknown to many, record Arsenal signing Nicolas Pepe was born in France despite playing for Ivory Coast on the international stage. The 24-year-old has only ever played international football at senior level, and has represented the Elephants on 18 occasions to date.

Like Pepe, Algeria and Manchester City superstar Mahrez was also born in France, while Morocco fullback Achraf Hakimi was born in Spain.

Messi Makes History After Four-Goal Haul

Arguably the biggest name in our list is Arsenal and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who also hails from France – click through the gallery above to see more African stars who were not born on the continent!

Can you name any other players who would fall in this category? Let us know in the comments section below.