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.

When it comes to football royalty, few names shine brighter than David Beckham. From Manchester United to Real Madrid and LA Galaxy, Beckham has conquered the football world. But off the pitch, he and his wife Victoria Beckham have built a lifestyle empire that’s now opening up to Netflix cameras once again.

Fans are being treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the Beckhams’ £111 million property portfolio, spread across the UK, Miami, and London. The three-part series starring Victoria Beckham takes viewers beyond the glamour of red carpets and fashion runways, right into the couple’s stunning homes.

A Rustic Retreat In The Cotswolds

The Beckhams’ Grade II-listed farmhouse in the Cotswolds is pure countryside luxury. Purchased in 2016 for £6.15m, the sprawling estate features chandeliers, fireplaces, and a giant orchard. It’s the perfect escape for family gatherings, and yes, cameras capture David casually cooking up family feasts in their giant kitchen.

Miami Mega-Mansion Worth £55m

Across the pond, the Beckhams own one of Florida’s most spectacular properties: a waterfront mansion in Miami, valued at £55m. With six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a private spa, a theatre, and a pool overlooking Biscayne Bay, it’s their most extravagant purchase yet.

Victoria speaks to viewers from this property’s floor-to-ceiling windowed living room, giving fans a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. No surprise, considering David’s heavy involvement with Inter Miami CF – the MLS club that famously brought Lionel Messi to the U.S.

London Luxury In Holland Park

Back in the English capital, the Beckhams’ Holland Park townhouse shines in Victoria’s documentary. The £31.5m property features a bay-windowed dining area with garden views, alongside luxury add-ons like a gym, spa, wine cellar, and even a nail salon. After investing a further £8m in renovations, this home epitomizes celebrity living in London.

More Than Just Mansions

The Netflix documentary doesn’t just highlight luxury; it shows the Beckhams’ balance of family, fame, and legacy. For David, who already has a football-focused Netflix feature under his belt, and Victoria, now stepping into the spotlight with her own series, it’s about more than just homes—it’s about letting fans into their world.

From football legend to lifestyle mogul, David Beckham’s story continues to evolve, and the mansions are simply part of the bigger picture.

Ademola Lookman’s dream move to Inter Milan never materialized this summer, despite the Nigerian forward’s extraordinary efforts to force the transfer from Atalanta. From rejecting a bigger offer from Napoli to reportedly going on strike, Lookman pulled every string available to push through a Nerazzurri switch. Yet, in the end, Inter’s lukewarm interest left the Super Eagles star stranded and disappointed.

So, what really went wrong with the deal?

Lookman’s Desire vs. Inter’s Reality

Lookman’s form at Atalanta last season made him one of Serie A’s standout performers, catching the attention of top Italian clubs. Inter Milan appeared the most likely destination, with the player reportedly prioritizing a move to the San Siro above all other options.

However, according to reports from Fcinter1908, Inter never considered Lookman their top transfer priority. While the Nerazzurri hierarchy admired his qualities, their focus was on filling a different tactical need under new head coach Cristian Chivu.

A System in Transition

For the past few years, Inter Milan thrived under Simone Inzaghi’s structured system. But with Chivu’s arrival, the club shifted direction. Instead of strengthening their forward line, Inter sought a combative, physically imposing midfielder who could dominate the center of the pitch.

That tactical recalibration meant that Lookman was seen more as a “market opportunity” rather than a pressing necessity. Inter refused to match Atalanta’s valuation and went cold on negotiations for nearly two weeks before officially pulling out.

The Kone Obsession

The player Inter were truly prepared to break the bank for was Manu Koné of Roma. Backed by Oaktree, Inter’s American investment group, the Nerazzurri were ready to sanction a €40 million move for the French midfielder. When Atalanta rejected their second bid for Lookman, Inter shifted their focus entirely towards Koné.

Ultimately, when Koné slipped through their grasp, Inter turned to Andy Diouf, another midfielder of similar profile. This further confirmed that their summer transfer blueprint had little room for another attacker, no matter how talented.

The Aftermath for Lookman

Inter’s decision left Lookman in a precarious position. Having rejected Napoli’s bigger offer and strained his relationship with Atalanta by attempting to force the move, the Nigerian now faces a season of rebuilding trust and focus in Bergamo.

For Atalanta, retaining a player of Lookman’s caliber is still a huge win. But for the forward, the saga raises questions: Did he gamble too much on Inter? Or did Inter simply use his availability as a smokescreen while pursuing their true targets?

Bigger Picture: What This Means for the Transfer Market

This episode underscores the cold realities of modern football transfers. Clubs like Inter operate less on sentiment and more on tactical fit and financial logic. A player’s desire alone isn’t enough—he must match the system and project.

For brands and sponsors, the Lookman-Inter saga also reveals another truth: the value of player stability. While transfers can boost visibility, uncertainty can just as easily disrupt momentum. Lookman remains a star in Italy, but his next steps will determine whether he solidifies his status—or risks being seen as unsettled.