Top 10 Richest Footballer in Africa (2025)

The football scene in Africa has evolved rapidly over the last few years, with many players representing European teams. Some of them have already generated significant wealth and have been living a lavish life. If we look at the best league in the world Premier League, Mohamed Salah has been able to make a strong statement while representing Egypt, achieving tremendous success as part of Liverpool. The prolific winger, without any doubt, leads the charts for the Richest Footballer in Africa. Sadio Mane, another Anfield star, also needs special mention, as the Senegalese forward has earned a handsome amount of money during his stay in the Premier League and subsequently, secured a place among the richest football players in the world. Some legends of the game, like Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and Samuel Eto’o, have already shown the world why Africa has always been prominent on the global football map. Even after many years of retirement, these former players still remain on the list of the richest footballer in Africa. Let’s take a look at the top 10 richest footballer in Africa:

List of Richest Footballer in Africa

Football used to be very localized until the late 20th century, with a few European teams competing at the big stage. With the advancement in technology and global sponsorships, new markets opened up for the game. As scouting networks were established in every nook and corner of the world, a great talent burst happened. Africa is known for its raw footballing talent. However, most of the players turn their backs on their home clubs and move to Europe for better opportunities. Some of them make the most out of their skills and now, are now featuring on the list of richest footballers in Africa. Let’s take a look at the top 10 list to know who is the current richest footballer in Africa:

How We Ranked the Richest Football Player in Africa?

• Estimated Net Worth: Our ranking of the richest football player in Africa was based on the approximate net worth of the players available from credible sources like celebritynetworth.com and reputed African publications like Nigerian Tribune. The estimated net worth of players helped us find out who is the richest footballer in africa.
• Endorsements: A vast majority of players in the list have earned their income from salaries. The other major source of the richest footballer in Africa has to be big-money endorsements and sponsorships. The list of the top ten richest footballer in Africa also features some former players, extremely marketable and helped a few brands grow from scratch in their prime. The teams, in turn, poured a lot of money into retaining these players, making them the richest footballers in Africa.

Who is the Richest Footballer in Africa?

Taking a look at the table would’ve given you a clear look at who is the richest footballer in Africa is. They are a mix of active and retired professionals. A few have already ventured into management after retirement, while a few are enjoying diverse after-careers. Without further delay, let us find out more about the top 10 richest footballers in Africa.

10. Achraf Hakimi – PSG

The flying full-back is on the moon after an extraordinary season with PSG. Achraf Hakimi played a pivotal role in his side winning the elusive Champions League and also a domestic treble. His bumper contract with one of the richest clubs in the world, sees him earn north of $230,000 a week, which will get upgraded as he is nearing the end of his current one.

Hakimi was always an attacking fullback and is currently leading the list of best right backs in the world. He played at some of the world’s best clubs, including Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan. He also represented his country successfully at the World Cup in their epic run to the semis. He endorses Under Armour. The PSG defender has established the Achraf Hakimi Foundation to help underprivileged youth.

9. Sadio Mane – Al-Nassr

Who could ever forget prime Sadio Mane? The majestic Senegalese was full of speed, dribbling and excellent finishing at Liverpool, the most successful club in the Premier League with 20 trophies, as he scored and created for fun. Mane was well rewarded every time in his career, salary-wise. When he moved to Al-Nassr in 2023, he signed a lucrative contract.

He earns nearly a million a year while playing for the Riyadh-based club in the Saudi Pro League. Mane was a main endorser for Nike, New Balance, Vodafone and Gillette. He used millions to build a hospital, a school, a petrol station and a post office in his hometown, Bambali, Senegal.

8. Michael Essien - Retired

Regarded as one of the finest midfielders of all time, Essien is one of the richest footballer in Africa. He began his career at Liberty Professionals in Ghana before breaking onto the European scene. Essien even went on to win the Africa Cup of Nations with his country, Ghana.

As soon as he hung up the boots, Essien turned to coaching, as he is currently working with the Danish side FC Nordsjælland as an assistant manager. The former Chelsea midfielder regularly contributes to charities and has his own Michael Essien foundation that provides education to underprivileged children. Giving them access to sports and even supplies women with menstrual cups.

7 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Al Qadsiah

Entering the $50 million club now, we move on to the Gabon striker Aubameyang, also known for his panther celebration, which is ranked 7th in our list of best celebrations in football. The lanky forward redefined what a striker looks like and plays. With his pace and agility, he made moving with the ball so easy. He had an ease while finishing that made him a natural goalscorer who played with top clubs like Barcelona, Dortmund, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Apart from his high salary, Aubameyang also earned decently from his endorsement deals with Nike and Electronic Arts (EA). Aubameyang is a strong believer in charity and supported the “Kinderlachen e. V” foundation for children during his time in Germany. His sights are set on establishing a football academy in his country, Gabon.

6. Riyad Mahrez – Al Ahli

When one of the best right wingers in the history of the Premier League, Riyad Mahrez signed for Leicester City, little did he know that he was going to take over the world and have a career like he did. He was nearly an unknown when he entered the league, but he left it as a legend. His magical first touch, chance creation, and eye for a wondergoal drove Leicester City to a miraculous title in 2016. He followed it up by moving to Manchester City, where he won trophy after trophy. The Algerian was also handsomely paid, building up his net worth.

Mahrez won the AFCON with his country, enhancing his reputation and becoming a global force. When he had to leave City, he moved to the Saudi Pro League with Al Hilal. Mahrez played a key role in their AFC Champions League triumph this season too. Throughout his career, Mahrez has supported various charities to make a better world.

5. Kalidou Koulibaly – Al Hilal

Kalidou Koulibaly is a colossus of a centre-back. The Senegalese international would be at the top of the toughest defenders to play against for many strikers. He was strong in the air, strong in his challenges and can move the ball smartly. He helped Napoli end their perennial Scudetto drought. After a mixed spell with Chelsea, he found his niche with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia again.

Koulibaly is known as one of the most charitable people. He played a key role in funding a hospital in his country, Senegal. He also partnered with the Red Cross to help immigrants learn native languages and get employed. He always supported the underprivileged in his vicinity.

4. Yaya Touré - Retired

Yaya Toure, who is considered one of the best African players in the Premier League, was a colossus figure in the middle of the park; there was nothing he couldn’t do on the pitch. His technique, power, skill and pace made him a player who could decide games in an instant. The Ivorian midfielder had an incredibly successful career with top clubs like Barcelona and Manchester City. He went on to win plenty of trophies in the process before retiring.

Yaya was handsomely paid for his contributions, which made him rise this high in the list. Toure was the face of brands like Puma and Nissan during his playing days. The former Man City legend tried his luck at coaching and some business ventures after hanging up his boots.

3. Didier Drogba - Retired

Didier Drogba is the second Ivorian on the list of the top 10 richest footballer in Africa. Drogba was a phenomenal striker who showed his talent from a very young age. The former Chelsea striker made an impact with other clubs before finding a home at Chelsea, where he won 4 Premier League titles, including a Champions League title.

Drogba is considered one of the best foreign imports into the league. After retirement, he became a part-owner of the Phoenix Suns FC. He is trying to win an MLS expansion spot for his club. Through the Didier Drogba Foundation, he has been helping the marginalised communities in Africa since 2007.

2. Samuel Eto’o - Retired

Considered one of the best African strikers of all time, Eto’o was a force of nature. The former Barcelona man is the second richest footballer in the world right now. The star player was known for his speedy runs into the box, making defenders helpless. His powerful strikes and pace were enough for him to find the back of the net most of the time.

Samuel Eto’o won the African Footballer of the Year award four times. His endorsement deals and brand deals with Puma & Ford are among the factors for his massive wealth. Post retirement, Eto’o tried to make his career in politics. The former Barcelona striker is the current president of the Cameroon Football Federation.

1. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

Now, finally arriving at probably the best African footballer and the current richest footballer in Africa, we move to the Egyptian King. Mohamed Salah needs no special introduction for his footballing skills. He is the face of the Premier League, and his impact in the Arab world is beyond imagination. He gave confidence to every aspiring youngster from MENA that they could make it big. Apart from being the current richest footballer in Africa, Salah also ranks among the highest paid player in the Premier League.

After dropping an all-timer season in the Premier League, he signed a new contract with Liverpool that sees him earn nearly $500,000 a week. This is fitting as Salah could be the highest-paid player in the Premier League. Brands flock just to get a picture of Salah associated with them. Salah is truly a generous king as he donated hospitals, schools, and other infrastructure in his hometown, Nagrig.

Honorable Mentions

This section is meant for recognizing those players who have the potential to earn a spot in the above rankings of the top 10 richest footballer in Africa. These players are either emerging African stars or doing well off the pitch with their business. Let's check who is on the honorable list of the richest footballer in Africa.

Victor Osimhen - Galatasaray

The Nigerian Striker is first on our honorable mention list with a net worth exceeding $9 million in 2025. From a teenager who used to play on the streets of Nigeria to becoming one of the lethal strikers in the World, Osimhen has seen a significant surge in his net worth. Apart from his valuable contracts at Napoli and Galatasaray, the striker earns a good amount of money from various endorsements.

Additionally, his social reach in the African continent makes him the man target for brands to reach the vast audience. However, his move to Turkish Club Galatasaray remains in question, limiting his net worth, which could be in the 40s in 50s if he had joined a club in the best league in the world. Although the final numbers for the financial years are not which made us put the Nigerian striker in the honorable list of richest African players.