Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers In 2025: Mahrez, Mane & Koulibaly Lead The Rich List

African footballers have never been more dominant—on and off the pitch. The year 2025 shows just how powerful the combination of Saudi Pro League riches and Europe’s financial giants has become, pushing African stars into the upper tier of world football’s earners.

According to official contract figures, Riyad Mahrez currently wears the crown as the highest-paid African footballer in the world, pocketing a staggering £827,448 per week at Al-Ahli.

Mahrez Leads With Record Salary

The 34-year-old Algerian winger joined Al-Ahli in July 2023, becoming one of the marquee faces of Saudi Arabia’s football revolution. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Mahrez remains hugely influential, contributing 29 goals and 35 assists in 78 appearances.

His paycheck—close to £1 million a week—places him far ahead of his peers and cements his status as Africa’s top financial earner in football history.

Sadio Mane & Kalidou Koulibaly Not Far Behind

• Sadio Mane sits second on the list, raking in £634,060 per week at Al-Nassr, where he lines up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. After a mixed stint at Bayern Munich, Mane has rediscovered his form and fortune in Saudi Arabia.

• Kalidou Koulibaly, also from Senegal, takes home £550,047 weekly at Al-Hilal after swapping Chelsea for Riyadh in 2023. The veteran defender’s leadership has been key in keeping Al-Hilal at the top of the Pro League.
  

Salah Still Europe’s Top Earner

Among African players still in Europe, Mohamed Salah reigns supreme. The Egyptian King earns £350,000 per week at Liverpool, having signed a fresh extension in April 2025. His loyalty was rewarded not just with financial security but also with another Premier League title in 2024/25, keeping him as one of the continent’s most influential athletes.

Osimhen, Hakimi & Kessie Break Into The Top Ten

• Victor Osimhen – Following a successful loan, the Nigerian forward sealed a permanent move to Galatasaray in July 2025, earning £250,000 per week.

• Achraf Hakimi – The Moroccan right-back continues to shine at PSG, with wages of £230,639 weekly.

• Franck Kessie – Since leaving Barcelona for Al-Ahli in 2023, the Ivorian midfielder has been collecting £221,921 per week.
  

The Veterans: Inaki Williams & Edouard Mendy

• Inaki Williams, loyal to Athletic Bilbao, earns £180,707 weekly, making him one of La Liga’s highest-paid African stars.

• Edouard Mendy, meanwhile, thrives at Al-Ahli with 32 clean sheets in 74 games and wages of £174,366 per week.
  

Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers Weekly Salaries (2025)

1. Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) – £827,448

2. Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr) – £634,060

3. Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) – £550,047

4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – £350,000

5. Omar Marmoush (Man City) – £295,000

6. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) – £250,000

7. Achraf Hakimi (PSG) – £230,639

8. Franck Kessie (Al-Ahli) – £221,921

9. Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) – £180,707

10. Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) – £174,366

The Rise Of African Power Earners

The financial dominance of Saudi clubs on this list reflects a broader shift in world football. African stars are no longer just global icons on the pitch—they are among the highest-paid athletes in the world.

From Mahrez’s record-breaking wages in Riyadh to Salah’s enduring empire at Anfield, 2025 has cemented the fact that African footballers are thriving both in influence and financial power.