In 2025, several African players secured contracts that elevated them to the top echelons of global football salary rankings. These earnings reflect not only their performance but also the growing financial influence of leagues in the Middle East and beyond. According to Capology and various sports news outlets, the following six players lead the list of highest-paid African footballers in 2025.
1. Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli)
Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez tops the chart. He earns around €931,316 per week, thanks to his contract at Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. Those numbers place him well above other African stars and mark him as the highest-paid among them in 2025.
2. Sadio Mané (Al Nassr)
Senegal’s Sadio Mané comes in second with weekly earnings of approximately €753,846. His move to Al Nassr continues to offer him one of the most lucrative wages in football. Many reports note that Al Nassr has become a magnet for top African players seeking high-value contracts.
3. Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal)
The Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly ranks third among African footballers for 2025 salary. He reportedly earns about €654,038 per week at Al Hilal. His consistent performance and recent transfer contributed to his high wage.
4. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Victor Osimhen from Nigeria ranks among the top earners with a weekly salary of around €512,885, including bonuses under his Galatasaray contract. His move from Napoli and the deal he signed this summer vaulted him above others like Mohamed Salah in terms of pay.
5. Franck Kessié (Al Ahli)
Franck Kessié completes the top five, with wages near €263,846 per week at Al Ahli. The Ivorian midfielder’s performances in Europe and the Middle East continue to make him a highly paid asset.
6. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah rounds out the top five. He earns approximately €253,910 per week at Liverpool. While his wage doesn’t match the Saudi deals, his global brand, consistency, and performance still keep him among the elite African earners.
What Drives These High Wages
Several factors pushed these salaries higher in 2025. First, clubs in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East continue offering large contracts to attract proven talent, which drives global salary benchmarks upward. Second, the demand for marquee players who deliver commercial value (via sponsorships, fanbase, and performance) boosts what clubs are willing to pay.
Also, the transfer market has seen huge fees for stars like Osimhen, which often correlate with higher salary demands. Meanwhile, European clubs are either matching or losing ground in some cases when they cannot compete with offers from clubs with strong financial backing.
Bonus Read: Top 5 Highest-Paid Chelsea Players in 2025
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