The money in football keeps growing, and African footballers are right at the center of it. From Saudi Arabia to Turkey and top European leagues, African stars are now pulling in some of the biggest paychecks in the game.
In 2025, the combined weekly salaries of the top 10 highest-paid African footballers hit around $4.6 million, showing how far the continent’s talent has come.
Here’s a closer look at the African footballers making the biggest money moves this year.
Who Are the 10 Richest Footballers in Africa in 2025
African footballers continue to dominate global football and now enjoy incredible wages that compete with the best in the world. Many of them have moved to Saudi Arabia, where the Pro League is offering staggering salaries, while others remain in Europe with big deals.
Let us break down the highest earners today.
Riyad Mahrez – Al-Ahli (Algeria) €931,316 per week
Riyad Mahrez leads the list once again. The Algerian winger left Manchester City for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League and saw his salary nearly quadruple. At 34, Mahrez still commands elite wages and enjoys superstar treatment in the Middle East.
Sadio Mané – Al-Nassr (Senegal) €753,846 per week
Sadio Mané is another African star benefiting from the Saudi League’s spending power. After a short spell at Bayern Munich, the Senegalese forward joined Al-Nassr to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo. His move secured him one of the highest football salaries globally.
Kalidou Koulibaly – Al-Hilal (Senegal) €654,038 per week
Koulibaly proved defenders can also earn massive salaries. The Senegal captain moved to Al-Hilal and became one of the best-paid defenders in the world. His leadership and consistency make him a key figure in the Saudi Pro League.
Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (Nigeria) €512,885 per week
Osimhen made history with his €75 million transfer to Galatasaray, the most expensive move in Turkish football. His salary puts him ahead of many European stars and shows the growing financial power of Turkish clubs. He is the highest-paid African outside the Saudi League.
Franck Kessié – Al-Ahli (Ivory Coast) €263,846 per week
Franck Kessié left Barcelona to join Al-Ahli and has since become one of the best-paid African midfielders. His physical strength and technical ability make him a core part of the team and justify his big paycheck.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (Egypt) €253,910 per week
Mohamed Salah no longer tops the salary chart, but he remains one of the most influential African players in Europe. While his Liverpool wages have been surpassed by others, his endorsements and sponsorships make him one of the wealthiest African athletes overall.
Edouard Mendy – Al-Ahli (Senegal) €207,308 per week
Mendy joined Al-Ahli after leaving Chelsea and signed one of the most lucrative goalkeeper deals for an African player. His move shows how much Saudi clubs value world-class keepers.
Omar Marmoush – Manchester City (Egypt) €187,325 per week
Omar Marmoush’s signing by Manchester City was low-key, but his weekly wage proves how highly the club rates him. The Egyptian forward is among the top earners in England and continues to rise in status.
Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain (Morocco) €139,615 per week
Hakimi is still a vital part of PSG’s lineup. Known for his attacking runs from the right flank, the Moroccan star remains one of the highest-paid defenders in Europe. His consistent performance ensures he stays among Africa’s elite earners.
Inaki Williams – Athletic Bilbao (Ghana) €105,192 per week
Inaki Williams has stayed loyal to Athletic Bilbao and continues to be well rewarded for it. The Ghanaian striker earns a solid salary and plays a key role in both La Liga and the Ghana national team.
Final Thoughts on 10 Richest Footballers in Africa
The financial power in football is shifting, and African players are now among the top earners globally. Moves to Saudi Arabia and Turkey have opened new opportunities, while stars in Europe continue to secure big deals.
These footballers are not just athletes; they are global icons changing the game for future generations.
