The 20 Highest-Paid African Footballers in World Football – Ranked
Over the past two decades, African footballers have risen to dominate the global stage—not just with their extraordinary talent, but also with the contracts to match. From the Premier League to the Saudi Pro League, these stars have become household names and major financial assets to their clubs.
In this 2025 ranking, we dive into the 20 highest-paid African players in world football, based on their weekly salaries. Some are legends cementing their legacy, others are emerging forces redefining their position. Here’s who’s earning the big bucks—starting from number 20 to the top earner on the continent.
20. Ismaël Bennacer – £111,594-a-week
The Algerian midfielder has quietly become one of AC Milan's most consistent performers. Known for his intelligent distribution and tenacity in midfield, Bennacer's contributions have earned him a salary just over £111k per week.
19. Brahim Diaz – £115,557-a-week
Although born in Spain, Brahim Diaz is eligible for Morocco and is considered part of Africa’s footballing elite. At Real Madrid, his technical ability and versatility across attacking roles have secured him a hefty weekly wage.
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18. Idrissa Gana Gueye – £120,000-a-week
Everton’s experienced Senegalese midfielder remains a vital presence in the Premier League. Gana Gueye is known for his ball-winning skills and tactical discipline, commanding £120,000 per week.
17. Abdoulaye Doucouré – £130,000-a-week
Another Everton stalwart, Doucouré brings physicality and attacking threat from midfield. His efforts in recent seasons have been rewarded with a solid six-figure weekly salary.
16. Sébastien Haller – £134,738-a-week
The Ivorian striker continues to make an impact at Borussia Dortmund. Haller, a strong presence up front, earns nearly £135,000 per week as a key option in their attacking line.
15. Noussair Mazraoui – £135,000-a-week
Mazraoui joined Manchester United and quickly became a dependable utility player under Ruben Amorim. His versatility and consistency earn him £135,000 per week.
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14. Serhou Guirassy – £149,480-a-week
After a stunning season at Stuttgart, Guirassy moved to Borussia Dortmund and continued his goal-scoring spree. The Guinean forward now earns just under £150,000 every week.
13. Mohammed Kudus – £150,000-a-week
Kudus made the switch to Tottenham Hotspur in 2025 and is seen as a central figure in their rebuild. The Ghanaian attacking midfielder takes home a solid £150,000 per week.
12. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £158,358-a-week
Now with Saudi club Al-Qadsiah, Aubameyang continues to find the back of the net regularly. The veteran Gabonese striker earns a sizable £158,358 per week in the Middle East.
11. Yassine Bounou – £158,515-a-week
The Moroccan goalkeeper, known for his Europa League heroics, plays for Al-Hilal. His shot-stopping excellence earns him just over £158,000 a week.
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10. Édouard Mendy – £174,366-a-week
Mendy made his name at Chelsea and now plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. He’s one of the top-paid African goalkeepers globally with a weekly wage of £174,366.
9. Iñaki Williams – £180,707-a-week
Loyal to Athletic Bilbao, Williams has been a cornerstone of the team for nearly a decade. The Ghana international earns over £180,000 a week for his dedication and performance.
8. Franck Kessié – £221,921-a-week
After stints at AC Milan and Barcelona, Kessié now shines at Al-Ahli. The Ivorian midfielder earns nearly £222,000 a week, reflecting his strength and impact in midfield.
7. Achraf Hakimi – £230,639-a-week
One of the best right-backs in world football, Hakimi stars for PSG. The Moroccan international commands a weekly salary of over £230,000 thanks to his blistering pace and attacking output.
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6. Victor Osimhen – £250,000-a-week
The Nigerian striker joined Galatasaray permanently in 2025 after a successful loan spell. Osimhen is now earning a massive £250,000 a week and remains one of the top forwards in the world.
5. Omar Marmoush – £295,000-a-week
Egyptian striker Omar Marmoush joined Manchester City to bolster their attacking options. He’s earning a huge £295,000 per week, underlining his rapid rise in European football.
4. Mohamed Salah – £350,000-a-week
A Liverpool legend, Salah remains one of the most valuable players in the Premier League. The Egyptian forward signed a new contract in 2025 worth £350,000 a week, cementing his status at Anfield.
3. Kalidou Koulibaly – £550,047-a-week
Koulibaly left Chelsea for Al-Hilal, where he's now among the best-paid defenders in the world. The Senegalese center-back takes home a staggering £550,047 every week.
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2. Sadio Mané – £634,060-a-week
After a brief spell at Bayern, Mané moved to Al-Nassr to join Cristiano Ronaldo. The Senegalese icon earns £634,060 per week and remains a global superstar.
1. Riyad Mahrez – £827,448-a-week
Topping the list is Riyad Mahrez, now at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The Algerian winger earns a jaw-dropping £827,448 per week, making him the highest-paid African footballer in history.
