African footballers have never been more dominant on the global stage, translating their on-field excellence into financial fortunes that place them among the world’s elite earners.

The year 2025 paints a clear picture: the vast wealth of the Saudi Pro League, combined with the enduring financial might of Europe's top clubs, has pushed the weekly wages of the continent's stars to unprecedented heights.

The salary landscape reveals that three names, all residing in the Middle East, currently command the apex of African football finance.

According to contract figures, Riyad Mahrez currently holds the title of the highest-paid African footballer in the world, earning a staggering £827,448 per week at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Professional League.

The Algerian winger, Riyad Mahrez who joined Al-Ahli in July 2023, has become the face of the Saudi football revolution. At 34 years old, Mahrez’s weekly wage, close to £1 million, eclipses that of any other African player.

Despite his age, the former Manchester City and Leicester City star remains a key contributor, with 29 goals and 35 assists in 78 appearances for Al-Ahli.

Following Mahrez on the rich list is Sadio Mane, who pockets £634,060 a week at Al-Nassr, where he plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The Senegalese forward joined from Bayern Munich in August 2023, after a mixed spell in Germany.

Another big earner is Kalidou Koulibaly, also of Senegal, whose move from Chelsea to Al-Hilal in 2023 secured him a lucrative £550,047-per-week deal. Despite his age, the experienced defender has helped his club maintain dominance in the Saudi Pro League.

Among players still in Europe, Mohamed Salah is the continent’s top earner, with £350,000 per week at Liverpool. The Egyptian forward recently signed a contract extension in April 2025, ending speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia.

Salah remains pivotal to Liverpool’s success, guiding them to another Premier League title in the 2024/25 season.

Omar Marmoush joined Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 for approximately £59 million and earns a reported £295,000 per week.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen ranks sixth on the list, following his permanent transfer to Galatasaray in July 2025, which sees him earn £250,000 weekly.

The move came after a successful loan spell, during which he reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s elite strikers.

Achraf Hakimi of PSG after extending his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in February 2025, his gross annual salary is €13.2 million, or approximately €253,000 per week.

As of the 2025–2026 season, Franck Kessié's estimated base salary at Al-Ahli is €269,231 per week, approximately £232,125.

Veteran forward Inaki Williams remains loyal to Athletic Bilbao, earning £180,707 a week, making him one of the highest-paid African players in Spain.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy takes home £174,366 weekly at Al-Ahli, where he has impressed with 32 clean sheets in 74 appearances since joining in 2023.

The dominance of Saudi clubs on this list reflects a broader trend, African stars are not only among the best on the pitch but also among the most financially rewarded in global football.

With Mahrez, Mane, Koulibaly, and Osimhen leading the way, the continent’s football icons are reaping the rewards of years of excellence and global appeal.

This financial breakdown in 2025 confirms that African footballers are not just participating in the world’s most elite leagues; they are driving the global salary market, cementing their status as indispensable assets to both European behemoths and the new financial forces emerging from the Middle East.