Emmanuel Ochayi
African footballers are making waves on the global stage, not just for their talent but also for their massive earnings. With the growing influence of the Saudi Pro League and lucrative deals across European clubs, some of Africa’s biggest stars are securing high salaries. In 2025, the list of highest-paid African footballers includes stars playing in Saudi Arabia, England, France, and Spain.
Riyad Mahrez: £827,448-a-week (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia)
Riyad Mahrez
Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez is the highest-paid African footballer in 2025, earning an impressive £827,448 per week at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. Mahrez, a former Manchester City and Leicester City player, made the switch to the Saudi Pro League after a successful Premier League career. His move came as part of Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in high-profile players.
Sadio Mane: £634,060-a-week (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia)
Sadio Mane
Senegalese forward Sadio Mane follows closely behind, earning £634,060 per week at Al-Nassr. Mane, who previously played for Bayern Munich and Liverpool, moved to Saudi Arabia in search of a fresh challenge. Known for his speed and goal-scoring ability, Mane remains one of the most influential African players in world football.
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Kalidou Koulibaly: £550,047-a-week (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
Kalidou Koulibaly
Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly is also among the highest-paid African footballers, taking home £550,047 per week at Al-Hilal. After playing for Napoli and Chelsea, Koulibaly opted for a move to Saudi Arabia, where he has become a key part of Al-Hilal’s squad.
Mohamed Salah: £350,000-a-week (Liverpool, England)
Mohamed Salah
Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah remains the highest-paid African footballer in the English Premier League, earning £350,000 per week at Liverpool. Salah has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success over the years, winning multiple trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League. However, with increasing transfer speculation, his future at Anfield remains uncertain.
Omar Marmoush: £295,000-a-week (Manchester City, England)
Omar Marmoush
Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush joined Manchester City in January and earns £295,000 per week. The former Eintracht Frankfurt player made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut against Chelsea. His move to City marks a significant step in his career, placing him among the highest-paid African footballers.
Achraf Hakimi: £230,639-a-week (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world. Playing for Paris Saint-Germain, he earns £230,639 per week. Hakimi, who previously played for Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, remains a crucial part of PSG’s squad and could see an increase in earnings with his next contract.
Franck Kessié: £221,921-a-week (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia)
Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié made a big-money move from Barcelona to Al-Ahli, where he now earns £221,921 per week. Kessié was a key figure in AC Milan’s title-winning squad before moving to Spain. His switch to Saudi Arabia highlights the league’s growing appeal to top African talent.
Thomas Partey: £200,000-a-week (Arsenal, England)
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey remains one of Arsenal’s top earners, making £200,000 per week. Despite facing injury setbacks in recent seasons, Partey is still considered an important player in Mikel Arteta’s squad. His experience and defensive abilities make him a valuable asset to the Gunners.
Inaki Williams: £180,707-a-week (Athletic Bilbao, Spain)
Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams continues to be one of La Liga’s highest-paid African players, earning £180,707 per week at Athletic Bilbao. Williams has been a consistent performer for Bilbao, spending his entire senior career at the club and becoming one of their most important players.
Victor Osimhen: £158,515-a-week (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is another top earner, making £158,515 per week while on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli. Osimhen, who helped Napoli win the Serie A title, is considered one of the best young strikers in the world. His next move could see him earn an even bigger contract.
African Players Dominating Global Football Salaries
The increasing wages of African footballers reflect their importance in the modern game. The Saudi Pro League, in particular, has played a significant role in boosting salaries, attracting some of the best players from Africa. Meanwhile, European clubs continue to recognize and reward African talent with lucrative contracts.
With football finances constantly changing, new names could join the list of highest-paid African footballers in the coming years. For now, players like Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah remain among the top earners, showcasing the continent’s footballing excellence on the global stage.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
