Football in Africa continues to prominently evolve and gain global recognition, giving rise to some of the most talented stars on the pitch. In 2024, the African continent witnessed a sharp increase in player salaries, largely due to migrations to the Middle East during the summer transfer window. In this article, bestsoccertips.com will unveil the top 10 highest paid african footballer of 2024.
Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers of All Time
The 10 highest-paid African footballers in 2024 serve as a testament to the remarkable talent and marketing prowess of African players. These athletes can achieve financial success through skill, diligence, and dedication to the sport. These African stars also serve as role models for ambitious footballers across the continent, showcasing the potential of football to bring prosperity to individuals and nations alike. Only one Nigerian footballer made it to the list, with the majority dominated by stars actively engaged in deals in the Saudi Pro League.
Below is the list of the world’s highest-paid African footballers.
1. Riyad Mahrez, Al Ahli – $58 million
At 32 years old and Algerian nationality, Riyad Mahrez boasts a net income of $56 million, along with $2 million from off-field earnings. Mahrez was a key figure in Manchester City’s recent successes before moving to Saudi Arabia in the summer.
The Algerian captain signed with Al Ahli of the Saudi Pro League and received triple his Man City salary, now earning approximately $56 million annually, making him the highest-paid African footballer globally in 2024. As of 2024, no African player in the world earns more than Mahrez on the field. Off the pitch, Mahrez is reportedly engaged with Nike and Pepsi.
2. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool – $53 million
At 31 years old and Egyptian nationality, Mohamed Salah earns a net income of $35 million and $18 million from off-field earnings. Salah was ranked the highest-paid African footballer in Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes in 2023. However, the prolific winger still trails behind Riyad Mahrez in income for 2024. Liverpool’s star and Egyptian national team standout consistently dominates the Premier League.
Salah has become a legendary player for Liverpool and nearly became the most expensive signing in the Saudi Pro League after Al Ittihad offered an astonishing $190 million transfer fee – which Liverpool promptly rejected upon expiration. Off the pitch, Mo Salah has a signature Adidas boot line and contracts with brands like Pepsi, Vodafone, Oppo, among others.
3. Sadio Mané, Al Nassr – $52 million
At 31 years old and Senegalese nationality, their net income is $48 million, with off-field earnings of $4 million. Former Liverpool star Sadio Mané closely follows Salah. Known for his rapid pace and impeccable ball control, the Senegalese forward has ascended to the highest echelons of the sport.
Mané is the highest-scoring Senegalese footballer in history, leading his nation’s goal-scoring charts with 37 goals in his career. After a successful stint in England with Liverpool, Mane departed the Premier League to explore new territories in the Bundesliga with German giants Bayern Munich.
However, following a challenging season in Germany, the philanthropic winger secured a lucrative deal to join Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. This deal essentially makes him the highest-paid African footballer in history in terms of on-field salaries and one of the highest-paid players globally in 2023. Off the pitch, Mané has numerous lucrative deals, most notably with the renowned sportswear brand New Balance.
4. Kalidou Koulibaly, Al Hilal – $26 million
At 32 years old and Senegalese nationality, Kalidou Koulibaly earns a net income of $26 million, with off-field earnings of $0.05 million. Kalidou Koulibaly is a highly-rated Senegalese defender, renowned for his strength, speed, and exceptional reading of the game. Koulibaly has since established himself as one of the finest African defenders in the world. Koulibaly played for Serie A club Napoli for over 7 years before moving to Chelsea.
However, the 32-year-old defender had to cut short his time at Chelsea as he admitted he couldn’t refuse a move to Saudi Arabia in the 2023 summer transfer window in a deal that helps him earn approximately $26 million annually. “I cannot deny that, I will go to Arabia to earn money. I will be able to help my whole family live well, from my parents to my cousins,” Koulibaly said in a statement reported by Corriere dello Sport. Outside of the field, Koulibaly continues to garner a significant following on social media platforms as one of the most tracked Senegalese footballers.
5. Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain – $20 million
At 25 years old and Moroccan nationality, Achraf Hakimi earns a net income of $15 million, with off-field earnings of $5 million. Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi is widely regarded as one of the highest-market-value African athletes in the world. The Moroccan World Cup star is known for his exceptional speed and versatility on the pitch. He primarily plays as a wing-back or full-back and is renowned for his attacking prowess, contributing both defensively and offensively. Hakimi has played for top clubs like Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan, and is one of the highest-paid Moroccan footballers.
Off the pitch, the 25-year-old is one of the most active players on social media, known to be close friends with one of the highest-paid players in the world, Kylian Mbappé. Achraf Hakimi is currently sponsored by Adidas UK and has endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Pepsi, and Huawei. He has also appeared in campaigns for Puma and Beats by Dre, while being one of the most followed African footballers on social media.
6. Victor Osimhen, Napoli – $20 million
At 25 years old and Nigerian nationality, Victor Osimhen earns a net income of $18 million and off-field earnings of $2 million. At the onset of 2024, Victor Osimhen emerged as the Nigerian footballer with the highest salary. The 25-year-old striker for Napoli signed a breakthrough contract with the reigning Scudetto champions late last year. This deal makes him the highest-paid African footballer to have ever played in Serie A.
The reigning CAF Player of the Year is also the highest-valued African footballer globally. Osimhen’s new contract with Napoli is the second-largest contract ever signed by a Nigerian footballer, as he is set to earn $40 million by the end of his contract in 2026.
Off the pitch, the Lagos-born forward has numerous undisclosed investments. He is also reportedly courted by sportswear giants Nike, Puma, and Adidas, who are trying to strike deals with the most influential Nigerian footballer in 2024, as he is invited to sign a lucrative deal departing from Italy.
7. Franck Kessié, Al Ahli – $17 million
At 28 years old and Ivorian nationality, Franck Kessié earns a net income of $15 million and off-field earnings of $2 million. Franck Kessié had a brief stint at Barcelona, helping them secure the LaLiga EA Sports championship in the previous campaign before moving to Saudi Pro League club, Al Ahli.
Kessié is a versatile player with good physicality, excellent passing ability, and sharpness in goal-scoring opportunities. Kessié has established himself as one of the most dynamic and sought-after midfielders in the world of football. Off the pitch, he has several endorsement deals, including one with Adidas. As of 2024, Franck Kessié is the highest-paid Ivorian footballer globally.
8. Thomas Partey, Arsenal – $16 million
At 30 years old and Ghanaian nationality, Thomas Partey earns a net income of $13 million and off-field earnings of $3 million. Arsenal’s Thomas Partey is the sole Ghanaian on this list. Partey is recognized for his versatility, solid defensive prowess, and precise passing, being regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
Partey is also one of the highest earners at Arsenal and is the third most-followed Ghanaian footballer on social media. Off the pitch, Partey is one of the most influential Ghanaian athletes globally, having signed several endorsement and sponsorship deals with brands like Adidas.
9. Seko Fofana, Al Nassr – $16 million
At 28 years old and Ivorian nationality, Seko Fofana has had an impressive career marked by remarkable development. With a net income of up to $16 million and off-field earnings of $0.03 million, he is one of the highest earners in football.
Midfielder Seko Fofana was once renowned for his performances at RC Lens in Ligue 1 but decided to depart to play in the Saudi Pro League during the summer transfer window. With a developmental journey from Manchester City’s youth academy, Fofana proved to be one of the top players in France’s top flight, showcasing remarkable agility and strength in his midfield role.
The move to Al Nassr has provided him with a new opportunity with a salary more than ten times greater than his previous club. Since 2024, Fofana has become one of the highest-paid Ivorian footballers globally, symbolizing success and prestige in the international football community.
10. Sébastien Haller, Borussia Dortmund – $14 million
Sébastien Haller, 29 years old and Ivorian nationality, has gone through a challenging journey before returning to the pitch in Germany last year. With a net income of $12 million and off-field earnings of $2 million, he has overcome hardships to become a football hero.
Known for his excellent goal-scoring abilities, Sébastien Haller has been associated with clubs such as Ajax, West Ham, and Eintracht Frankfurt. However, in 2022, he faced a major challenge when diagnosed with testicular cancer. Yet, with extraordinary mental strength, he overcame this frightening illness and returned to professional football in January 2023.
By 2024, Sébastien Haller has become the highest-paid player at Borussia Dortmund, and one of the leading African football stars globally. With significant contracts both on and off the pitch, including collaborations with Puma, he embodies success and strength in the international football scene.
Conclusion
In the life and career of Sébastien Haller, we clearly see the power of determination and patience. The journey from challenges and difficulties has helped him mature and develop, and ultimately, he has risen to become one of the top stars of football. Adversity is not only a part of his success story but also a significant source of motivation for him to rise above and overcome any obstacles. Through Sébastien Haller’s story, we see that nothing is impossible with determination and belief in oneself.
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