10 Highest Earning African Footballers in 2025

The money in football keeps growing, and African footballers are right are enjoying 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, proof of how far the continent’s talent has come.

Here’s a look at the African footballers making the biggest money moves this year.

Riyad Mahrez – Al-Ahli (Algeria) €931,316/week

Riyad Mahrez tops the list once again. The Algerian winger’s move from Manchester City to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League came with a massive salary jump, nearly quadrupling what he earned in England. At 34, Mahrez is still making elite money while enjoying star status in the Middle East.

Sadio Mané – Al-Nassr (Senegal) €753,846/week

Sadio Mané is another big name who cashed in with a Saudi move. After a short spell at Bayern Munich, the Senegalese forward joined Al-Nassr to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and walk into one of the highest football salaries globally.

Kalidou Koulibaly – Al-Hilal (Senegal)€654,038/week

A commanding figure in defence, Koulibaly made waves in 2023 with a transfer to Al-Hilal. The Senegal captain quickly became one of the best-paid defenders in the world, proving that centre-backs, too, can command superstar wages.

Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (Nigeria) €512,885/week

Osimhen made headlines this year with his €75 million move to Galatasaray, a record-breaking transfer in Turkish football. His weekly salary places him ahead of many European stars and signals a shift in football’s financial power. The Nigerian striker is now the highest-paid player outside the Saudi League on this list.

Franck Kessié – Al-Ahli (Ivory Coast) €263,846/week

Midfield powerhouse Franck Kessié joined the Saudi rush after his time at Barcelona. At Al-Ahli, he’s not only a key player on the pitch but also one of the best-paid African midfielders today.

Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (Egypt) €253,910/week

Salah might not top the earnings chart anymore, but he remains the most influential African footballer in Europe. With sponsorships and endorsements piling up, his total income is still massive, even if his weekly wage at Liverpool has now been overtaken by others.

Edouard Mendy – Al-Ahli (Senegal) €207,308/week

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy moved to Al-Ahli in 2023, joining the wave of African stars in the Gulf region. His deal is one of the biggest ever signed by an African goalkeeper.

Omar Marmoush – Manchester City (Egypt) €187,325/week

Marmoush’s quiet arrival at Manchester City didn’t get much attention, but his salary shows how highly the club rates his future. The Egyptian attacker is now one of the best-paid African forwards in England.

Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain (Morocco) €139,615/week

Known for his speed and flair down the right flank, Hakimi remains a vital part of PSG’s squad. Though he’s not in the Saudi leagues, his Ligue 1 wages still rank him among Africa’s top earners.

Inaki Williams – Athletic Bilbao (Ghana) €105,192/week

Inaki Williams might not have made a flashy move, but his loyalty to Athletic Bilbao has paid off. The Ghanaian striker continues to earn well in La Liga and plays a key role for club and country.