African footballers are commanding record-breaking salaries in 2025, reflecting their global impact both on and off the field. The rise of the Saudi Pro League and continuing dominance in Europe have transformed earnings for the continent’s stars. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 earners and what sets them apart.
1. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria / Al‑Ahli, Saudi Arabia)
At the summit is Riyad Mahrez, earning approximately £827,448 per week (equivalent to nearly $58 million annually) at Al‑Ahli. A decorated Premier League champion, he now leads the financial charge in the Saudi Pro League.
2. Sadio Mané (Senegal / Al‑Nassr, Saudi Arabia)
Mané follows with £634,060 weekly, one of the highest in world football. A household name from his Liverpool and Bayern Munich days, his move to Saudi Arabia cemented his status.
3. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal / Al‑Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
The Senegalese centre-back earns £550,047 per week. Known for his commanding presence, Koulibaly’s shift to Al‑Hilal turned him into one of the richest defenders globally.
4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool, England)
Salah remains the highest-paid African in the Premier League, with £350,000 weekly wages. His enduring form and strong brand partnerships keep him in elite company.
5. Omar Marmoush (Egypt / Manchester City, England)
A breakout signing for Manchester City, Marmoush earns £295,000 per week, marking a meteoric rise within European football.
6. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / PSG, France)
One of the world’s best full‑backs, Hakimi takes home £230,639 per week at PSG, with a high impact in Europe’s top league.
7. Franck Kessié (Ivory Coast / Al‑Ahli, Saudi Arabia)
Kessié earns £221,921 weekly, a major increase since his Barcelona days, reflecting the Saudi league’s pull on top talent.
8. Thomas Partey (Ghana / Arsenal, England —> Villareal/Spain)
Despite injury setbacks, Partey commands £200,000 per week at Arsenal, where his tactical presence and midfield leadership remain valued.
9. Iñaki Williams (Ghana / Athletic Bilbao, Spain)
A fixture at Bilbao, Williams earns £180,707 per week, demonstrating longevity and consistency in La Liga.
10. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria / Napoli → Galatasaray)
Osimhen ranks eighth in global earnings among African players, making £158,515 weekly. His brilliance at Napoli and loan move to Galatasaray underline his growing market value.
This list highlights several trends reshaping African football:
- Saudi Pro League’s Financial Revolution: Countries like Saudi Arabia continue to lure top African talent with unmatched salary offers, elevating players like Mahrez, Mané, Koulibaly, and Kessié to the top earnings bracket.
- European Consistency: Salah, Partey, Williams, and Hakimi remain rooted in top European leagues, balancing performance with prestige and brand value.
- Nigeria’s Rising Star: Osimhen’s inclusion and expected contract rise signal Nigeria’s growing influence among Africa’s elite football economy.
- Market Maturity: Players earning over £200,000 weekly reflect evolving contracts that integrate performance bonuses, image rights, and strong endorsement portfolios.
In 2025, African footballers are no longer just cropping up on elite rosters, they’re earning at world-leading levels. As markets expand and contracts become more sophisticated, this ranking will shape perceptions and power moves in global football value chains.
