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Victor Osimhen, the 26-year-old Nigerian striker finalized a €75 million move from Napoli to Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, shattering the Turkish Süper Lig’s all-time transfer fee. But it’s his new paycheck, not just the price tag, that’s turning heads in financial circles.
According to salary data compiled by Capology, Osimhen’s deal with Galatasaray will earn him €25 million annually, or roughly €512,885 per week when bonuses are factored in. That figure places him firmly among the top-paid African footballers globally—and, perhaps more notably, ahead of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
The shift is significant. For years, Salah stood as the financial benchmark for African footballers in Europe, his weekly wage at Anfield hovering just over €250,000. But as Saudi Pro League clubs and now, increasingly, ambitious European outliers like Galatasaray push the market forward, the wage structure for elite African players is undergoing a fundamental recalibration.
Here’s a look at the 10 highest-paid African footballers in 2025, based on reported weekly salaries:
- Riyad Mahrez
Nationality: Algerian
Club: Al-Ahli
Salary – €931,316/week
The former Manchester City winger remains the highest-paid African player, thanks to a lucrative Saudi deal that nearly quadrupled his Premier League earnings.
- Sadio Mané
Nationality: Senegalese
Club: Al-Nassr
Salary – €753,846/week
Mané followed Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr, trading Bayern Munich’s spotlight for one of the most aggressive salary packages in world football.
3. Kalidou Koulibaly
Nationality: Senegalese
Club: Al-Hilal
Salary – €654,038/week
The Senegalese defender became one of the best-paid players in his position after his move to Saudi Arabia in 2023.
4. Victor Osimhen
Nationality: Nigerian
Club: Galatasaray
Salary – €512,885/week
Osimhen’s record-breaking arrival in Istanbul redefines what Turkish football—and by extension, Europe's second-tier leagues—are willing to pay for world-class talent.
5. Franck Kessié
Nationality: Ivorian
Club: Al-Ahli
Salary – €263,846/week
Another former Barcelona player opting for Saudi riches, Kessié is cashing in during his prime years.
6. Mohamed Salah
Nationality: Egyptian
Club: Liverpool
Salary – €253,910/week
Still the most marketable African player in Europe, Salah remains Liverpool’s top earner, but has slipped a few spots in the earnings race.
7. Edouard Mendy
Nationality: Senegalese
Club: Al-Ahli
Salary – €207,308/week
The former Chelsea goalkeeper continues his career in Saudi Arabia on a substantial contract.
8. Omar Marmoush
Nationality: Egyptian
Club: Manchester City
Salary – €187,325/week
The Egyptian forward’s recent move to City was quiet by Premier League standards, but his salary reflects the club’s long-term belief in his upside.
9. Achraf Hakimi
Nationality: Moroccan
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Salary – €139,615/week
One of PSG’s more consistent performers, Hakimi continues to command top-tier wages in Ligue 1.
10. Inaki Williams
Nationality: Ghanaian
Club: Athletic Bilbao
Salary – €105,192/week
The Ghanaian forward rounds out the top 10, with his loyalty to Athletic Club rewarded by steady wages and a central role.
