No longer are Europe’s elite clubs the only ones offering big contracts, teams across the world are now competing to attract the best talent, and African players have been among the biggest beneficiaries.
Some of these players have chosen huge paydays in emerging leagues, while others are still starring at the very top of European football. Either way, their weekly wages put them among the highest earners in the game today.
Here’s a look at the 10 highest-paid African footballers in 2025.
Yassine Bounou – £158,000 per week
The Moroccan goalkeeper left Sevilla after lifting the Europa League trophy and headed to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. It’s easy to see why, the wages were too good to refuse. He’s been rock-solid for the league leaders, proving every penny well spent.
Edouard Mendy – £174,000 per week
The former Chelsea stopper also chose a new adventure in Saudi Arabia, joining Al-Ahli on a huge contract. Since moving, Mendy has been a consistent performer, racking up clean sheets and helping his team stay competitive at the top.
Franck Kessié – £222,000 per week
After a tough spell at Barcelona, the Ivorian midfielder moved to Al-Ahli, where his salary skyrocketed. Known for his energy and versatility, Kessié has chipped in with goals and assists while dominating the midfield.
Achraf Hakimi – £231,000 per week
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back is one of the most exciting defenders in world football. From Real Madrid to Inter Milan and now PSG, Hakimi has been a standout everywhere he’s played. At just 26, he’s already earning huge money, and a pay rise could still be on the horizon.
Victor Osimhen – £250,000 per week
The Nigerian striker sealed a permanent move to Galatasaray after a successful loan spell. One of the deadliest forwards around, Osimhen’s contract reflects his reputation, and includes extra bonuses that push his earnings even higher.
Omar Marmoush – £295,000 per week
Manchester City snapped up the Egyptian forward to provide extra firepower behind Erling Haaland. With an impressive record of goals and assists in Germany, Marmoush is now being rewarded with Premier League wages to match his talent.
Mohamed Salah – £350,000 per week
Liverpool’s talisman signed a new deal to stay at Anfield after firing the club to another Premier League title. Salah has been the face of the Reds’ success since 2017, and his salary underlines just how valuable he remains.
Kalidou Koulibaly – £550,000 per week
Once one of Europe’s most feared defenders, Koulibaly swapped Chelsea for Al-Hilal after just one season. The Senegalese centre-back might be past his peak years, but he’s still earning a staggering wage in Saudi Arabia while chasing silverware.
Sadio Mané – £634,000 per week
The Senegalese winger left Bayern Munich for Al-Nassr to join Cristiano Ronaldo and take home an eye-watering salary. Mané’s incredible pace and star power made him one of the most high-profile signings in Saudi football.
Riyad Mahrez – £827,000 per week
Topping the list is the Algerian winger, now with Al-Ahli. From his days at Leicester City to his trophy-laden spell at Manchester City, Mahrez has gone from bargain signing to one of football’s biggest earners. At 34, he’s still delivering goals and assists, and taking home nearly £1 million every single week.
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