Africa boasts numerous exceptionally talented football stars, many of whom have gained international recognition.
The emergence of the Saudi Pro League, with its lucrative contracts, has enticed some of Africa’s finest footballing talents to ply their trade in Saudi Arabia.
Renowned African players such as Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, and Kalidou Koulibaly command substantial weekly wages in Saudi Arabia. Here, we look at the highest-paid African footballers of 2024, based on data from Capology.
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Riyad Mahrez
Club: Al-Ahli
Weekly Wage: £858,944
Annual Salary: £45 million
Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez, now the highest-paid African footballer globally, sealed a £30 million transfer to Saudi Pro League’s Al Ahli from Manchester City after a five-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
Mahrez commands an astounding annual salary of £45 million, equating to an estimated weekly wage of £858,944, or over £123,000 per day. This marks a significant increase from his previous weekly earnings of approximately £160,000 before taxes.
At 33 years old, Mahrez appears to be relishing his time in Saudi Arabia, having already notched up 10 goals and nine assists in his initial 22 appearances in the Saudi Pro League.
Sadio Mane
Club: Al-Nassr
Weekly Wage: £658,194
Annual Salary: £34 million
Following a challenging 2022/23 season at Bayern Munich, Sadio Mane departed the Bundesliga and embraced a lucrative opportunity with Al-Nassr.
The former Liverpool striker now commands an annual income of approximately £34 million and a weekly wage of £658,194 in Saudi Arabia, positioning him as the second highest-paid African footballer in the Saudi Pro League.
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Kalidou Koulibaly
Club: Al-Hilal
Weekly Wage: £570,984
Annual Salary: £30 million
After a successful stint at Napoli where he established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe, Kalidou Koulibaly made the transition to Premier League outfit Chelsea in 2022.
However, he encountered difficulties adjusting to the pace of the English league, leading to his departure and subsequent move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
The 32-year-old Senegalese captain now commands an impressive annual salary of £30 million, coupled with a staggering weekly wage of £570,984. This marks a significant increase from the £295,000 he earned during his time at Chelsea.
Mohamed Salah
Club: Liverpool
Weekly Wage: £350,000
Annual Salary: £18.2 million
Following interest from the money-spinning Saudi Pro League, Liverpool opted to offer Mohamed Salah an enticing new contract in the summer of 2022, amounting to £18.2 million annually and a weekly wage of £350,000.
The 31-year-old Egyptian forward has consistently dazzled at Liverpool, emerging as a vital component of Jurgen Klopp’s squad throughout his tenure with the club.
Seko Fofana
Club: Al-Nassr
Weekly Wage: £250,000
Annual Salary: £13 million
Amid interest from top European clubs, Ivory Coast midfielder and former Lens star opted to make a surprise switch to the Saudi Pro League, aligning himself with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
Currently on loan at another Saudi Pro League outfit, Al-Ettifaq, the 28-year-old commands an annual salary of approximately £13 million and a weekly pay exceeding £250,000.
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Achraf Hakimi
Club: PSG
Weekly Wage: £239,418
Annual Salary: £12.4 million
Regarded as one of the most talented fullbacks in the world, Achraf Hakimi is also on the list of highest-paid African footballers.
The 25-year-old PSG sensation, who boasts experience with Real Madrid and Inter Milan, earns approximately £239,418 per week at the Parc des Princes.
Franck Kessie
Club: Al-Ahli
Weekly Wage: £230,368
Annual Salary: £12 million
Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie earns £12 million per year and £230,000 a week at the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. The centre midfielder made a name for himself at AC Milan but joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022.
His time in Spain was rough, and after just a year, he moved to Al-Ahli and has been on a bumper salary ever since.
Victor Osimhen
Club: Napoli
Weekly Wage: £211,000
Annual Salary: £11 million
The current African Football Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, presently earns a weekly wage of £211,000 and an estimated annual income of £11 million at Napoli. His stellar performance has attracted attention from top clubs, prompting anticipation of a significant pay increase.
Reportedly, premier clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United are vying for the signature of the 25-year-old Nigerian international. This interest suggests Osimhen could potentially double his earnings compared to his current contract at Napoli.
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Thomas Partey
Club: Arsenal
Weekly Weekly: £200,000
Annual Salary: £10.4 million
Following his impressive spell at Atletico Madrid, Arsenal secured the signing of Thomas Partey in 2020 and handed him a substantial wage package. The Gunners exercised his release clause at Atletico, splurging £45 million to acquire him to the English league, with an annual salary of £10.4 million and weekly pay of £200,000 upon his relocation.
Inaki Williams
Club: Athletic Bilbao
Weekly Wage: £187,585
Annual Salary: £9. 7million
Iñaki Williams, a 29-year-old Athletic Bilbao forward currently earns a gross annual salary of £9. 7million and £187,585 per week, not including bonuses.
Inaki is a legend at the Spanish club and has been performing at a high level for the Athletic Club for close to a decade now.
