Olusegun Taiye James
A tremendous impression has been made on the international football scene by African footballers, not only as a result of their extraordinary abilities, but also as a result of the rich contracts they have secured, which have placed them among the greatest earners in the sport. A significant number of African players have achieved amazing financial success as of the year 2025, which is a reflection of their value both on and off the field. The following is a list of the top ten highest-paid African footballers in the continent in the year 2025:
List Of Top 10 Highest Paid Football Players In Africa 2025
1. Riyad Mahrez
Born in Sarcelles, France, on February 21, 1991, Riyad Mahrez started his football career with AAS Sarcelles before relocating to Le Havre in 2009. In January 2014, Mahrez joined Leicester City, where he won the PFA Player of the Year award for his crucial role in their historic 2015–16 Premier League title win. In 2018, Mahrez moved to Manchester City, where he played a major part in the team’s domestic and international successes, including a treble-winning season in 2022–2023; in July 2023, he signed with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
2. Sadio Mané
Sadio Mané is a Senegalese footballer who plays professionally and is famous for his speed, talent, and ability to play the game and score goals. Born in Sédhiou, Senegal, on April 10, 1992, he started his football career with Génération Foot before joining to FC Metz in 2011. He has been playing as a professional since 2011. In 2012, he was able to secure a transfer to Red Bull Salzburg, where he went on to achieve a domestic double during the 2013–14 season. His strong performances led to the transfer.
3. Kalidou Koulibaly
Known for his defensive skills and leadership abilities, Kalidou Koulibaly is a professional football player who is highly regarded for his abilities. To begin his career in football, Koulibaly started out with the local club SR Saint-Dié. He was born on June 20, 1991, in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France, to parents who were originally from Senegal. Later on, he became a member of the junior program of FC Metz, where he moved up to the senior team and made his debut in the professional league in the year 2010. In 2012, Koulibaly made the move to the Belgian club Genk, where he was instrumental in the team’s success in the Belgian Cup during his first season with the club. He was able to get a transfer to Napoli in 2014 as a result of his performances, which garnered the interest of big clubs in Europe. It was during his eight-year stay in Italy that he made 236 appearances and scored 13 goals. He was an integral part of Napoli’s defense and was instrumental in the club’s success, as seen by the fact that they won the Supercoppa Italiana in 2014 and the Coppa Italia in 2020.
4. Achraf Hakimi
For his blistering pace, technical prowess, and tactical versatility, Achraf Hakimi is widely regarded as one of the most electrifying footballers of his generation. Hakimi was born on November 4, 1998, in Madrid, Spain, to Moroccan parents. He has carved out an impressive career at both the club and international levels. Despite the fact that he was eligible to play for La Roja while growing up in Spain, Hakimi chose to represent Morocco, becoming one of the most iconic players in the history of the country.
5. Mohamed Salah
When it comes to sport, Mohamed Salah is more than just a player; he is a sensation. Salah, who is renowned for his lightning-fast speed, pinpoint accuracy in finishing, and unassuming nature, has become as a global hero and a symbol of pride for Egypt and the Arab world. Salah’s career has been one of unyielding dedication and remarkable talent, beginning with the muddy alleyways of Nagrig and culminating in the towering stands of Anfield.
6. Omar Marmoush
When it comes to the younger generation of Egyptian football players, Omar Marmoush is swiftly becoming a prominent figure. Through his speed, dribbling, and ability to play across the front line, Marmoush has been rapidly climbing through the ranks of European football while simultaneously establishing his spot in Egypt’s national team. He is known for his ability to play across the front line. Having been born in Cairo and having had his training in Germany, Marmoush exemplifies the combination of unrefined African potential with the disciplined footballing systems of Europe.
7. Franck Kessié
In recent years, Franck Yannick Kessié has emerged as one of the most dominant midfielders to come out of other African countries. Kessié is a player who has competed at the highest levels of European football and continues to be an important figure for both his club and his country. He is renowned for his amazing work rate, physical power, and excellent accuracy when taking penalties. Kessié’s path is a tale of perseverance, development, and glory. It begins with his early days in Ivory Coast and culminates with him playing key parts in Serie A and La Liga.
8. Edouard Mendy
Andre Édouard Osoque Mendy’s ascent to the top of the football world is among the most motivational examples of an underdog’s ascension to fame in contemporary football. The journey that Mendy has taken from being unemployed and considering abandoning the sport to becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the world and winning the Champions League is a monument to the qualities of tenacity, resilience, and sheer talent. In addition to being a goalkeeper of world-class caliber, he has also been a proud representative of Senegal and African football. He has broken barriers in both of these areas.
9. Iñaki Williams
There is more to Iñaki Williams than just being a football player; he is a representation of perseverance, self-identity, and dedication. Iñaki, who is renowned for his lightning-fast speed and unparalleled endurance, is lauded not only for his exceptional footballing abilities, but also for his unwavering commitment to Athletic Club Bilbao, his remarkable record of continuous games, and his unwavering embracing of his Ghanaian heritage on the global stage.
10. Thomas Partey
It is because of his exceptional versatility, ball-winning talents, and composure under pressure that Thomas Teye Partey, better known simply as Thomas Partey, has garnered acclaim as one of the best midfielders in the world. This journey has been distinguished by tenacity, hard effort, and great talent. It began on the streets of Accra, Ghana, and ended with him playing in the Premier League for Arsenal FC.
