African football stars continue to dominate the global stage, not only with their exceptional talent but also with their massive earnings. With the rise of the Saudi Pro League and lucrative contracts across Europe, some of the continent’s biggest stars are securing staggering weekly wages.
Here is a ranking of the top 10 highest-paid African footballers in 2025, based on their latest club salaries:
Riyad Mahrez – £827,448-a-week (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia)
Former Manchester City and Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez leads the list as the highest-paid African footballer. Now playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, he earns a staggering £827,000 per week. Mahrez first made his name with Leicester City, helping them win the Premier League, before moving to Man City, where he won multiple league titles.
Sadio Mane – £634,060-a-week (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia)
Senegalese forward Sadio Mane takes second place with his £634,060-a-week salary at Al-Nassr. After a disappointing spell at Bayern Munich, Mané moved to Saudi Arabia, where he continues to showcase his attacking prowess. The 32-year-old, who was instrumental in Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs, is one of the league’s biggest signings.
Read Also: AFCON: Saudi Pro League players making headlines in Ivory Coast
Kalidou Koulibaly – £550,047-a-week (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
Another Senegalese star, Kalidou Koulibaly, is among the highest earners, taking home £550,047 per week at Al-Hilal. The former Chelsea and Napoli defender made a big-money switch to Saudi Arabia and has been a key figure in the club’s dominant run in the league.
Mohamed Salah – £350,000-a-week (Liverpool, England)
Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah remains the highest-paid African player in the Premier League, earning £350,000 per week at Liverpool. The 33-year-old has been a key figure at Anfield, but his future remains uncertain amid transfer speculation. Salah has won multiple trophies with Liverpool, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Read Also: Meet Ten Africa’s Highest-Earning Footballers in 2024
Omar Marmoush – £295,000-a-week (Manchester City, England)
Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush secured a big-money move to Manchester City in January and earns £295,000 per week. The former Eintracht Frankfurt star made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut against Chelsea.
Achraf Hakimi – £230,639-a-week (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi has been a vital player for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), earning £230,639 per week. The former Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund defender has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the world and could see a pay rise in the future.
Franck Kessié – £221,921-a-week (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia)
After leaving Barcelona, Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessié secured a big-money move to Al-Ahli, where he now earns £221,921 per week. The former AC Milan star is one of the key figures in the Saudi Pro League.
Thomas Partey – £200,000-a-week (Arsenal, England)
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey remains one of Arsenal’s highest earners, making £200,000 per week. Injuries have limited his impact in recent seasons, but the former Atletico Madrid star remains a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Inaki Williams – £180,707-a-week (Athletic Bilbao, Spain)
A consistent performer for Athletic Bilbao, Inaki Williams earns £180,707 per week, making him one of the highest-paid African players in La Liga. The Ghanaian international has spent his entire senior career at Bilbao, becoming one of the club’s key players.
Victor Osimhen – £158,515-a-week (Napoli, on loan at Galatasaray, Turkey)
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen earns £158,515 per week while on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli. The Serie A winner has been one of the most sought-after strikers in world football and is expected to receive a major pay rise with his next move.
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