5 North American players with most Ligue 1 goals

For some reason, Ligue 1 has a rich history of North American players.

Many talented stars from the USA, Canada and Mexico have plied their trade in the French top-tier since the league's inception.

In more recent times, the likes of Timothy Weah and Jonathan David commenced their careers in the Ligue 1, and they certainly won't be the last.

With football steadily growing more in prominence and many talented young guns coming to the fore from the region, Ligue 1 could attract more players from North America in the future.

On that note, let's look at the five North American players with the most goals in Ligue 1:

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#5 Timothy Weah (USA) - 4 Ligue 1 goals

George Weah has made a mark with Lille this season.

If the name rings a bell, that's probably because Timothy Weah is the son of former PSG and AC Milan legend George Weah, who is the current president of Liberia.

While the 21-year old still has a long way to go before emulating his father's legacy, he is showing at Lille that he has certainly got the talent.

Starting out with PSG in 2017, Weah found first-team opportunities hard to come by. Following a short loan stint with Celtic, he is now plying his trade with Les Dogues.

After missing almost the entirety of last season due to injury, the forward has established himself as a regular starter this campaign, netting five times, including thrice in Ligue 1.

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#4 Rafael Marquez (Mexico) - 5 Ligue 1 goals

Rafael Marquez won the Ligue 1 title with Monaco in 2000.

The legendary Mexican Rafael Marquez started his European career with AS Monaco in the Ligue 1 after arriving from Atlas in 1999.

At the Stade Louis, though, Rafael Marquez struggled with injuries and lack of first-team chances in the first three years at the French club.

However, a good 2002/03 campaign was enough for Marquez to earn a move to Barcelona, where his career finally took off.

During those four years with the Monegasques, the midfielder made 104 appearances for the Ligue 1 club in all competitions, including 89 in the league, and lifted two titles.

#3 Theoson-Jordan Siebatcheu (USA) - 6 Ligue 1 goals

Theoson-Jordan Siebatcheu became the latest European-origin player to represent the USA.

Even though he has made two appearances with France's U21 side, Theoson-Jordan Siebatcheu recently announced he'd play for the USA, which makes him eligible for this list.

A product of Stade Reims, the striker has netted 17 times for them during the 2017-18 season, helping Les rouges et blancs earn promotion back to Ligue 1.

Before that, he struck thrice for them in the French top flight during the 2015-16 season as a 19-year old.

His only other goals in the Ligue 1 came with Rennes, where he showed great promise in his first year. But a lack of first-team opportunities saw him move to the Swiss Super League with Young Boys last year.

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#2 Jonathan David (Canada) - 9 Ligue 1 goals

Jonathan David has been unstoppable since the turn of the year.

Here's another player from Lille and yet another Canadian after Alphonso Davies enjoying a stellar campaign in a major European league.

But what's also particularly impressive about Jonathan David is that he ranks so high despite playing in only his first-ever season in Ligue 1 this campaign.

He joined Les Dogues from Belgian side Genk last summer,and following a slow start, he's found his footing.

David has played a key role in keeping his side at the summit of the French league. He needs just three more goals to become the most prolific North American scorer in Ligue 1 history.

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#1 Alejandro Bedoya (USA) - 11 Ligue 1 goals

Alejandro Bedoya captained Nantes for three years, playing almost a century of games.

Arguably the most marquee American to play in the Ligue 1 so far, Alejandro Bedoya has made 66 appearances for the USA team, winning two Gold Cups.

After lifting the first one in 2013, Nantes came calling for his services, where he enjoyed three decent seasons.

Bedoya was a regular in the side, making 96 appearances for the Canaries in all competitions and scoring 14 goals, including 11 in Ligue 1.

He was also the captain of the side throughout and truly led by example, providing a creative spark in moments of struggles and being one of the more vocal players on the field.

Alejandro Bedoya left Nantes for MLS side Philadelphia Union in 2016, where he's still in action.