From Europe To Saudi Gold: AFCON’s Top-Paid Stars
AFCON’s Elite Earners Take Centre Stage
THE 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will bring together Africa’s finest talents, many of whom command enormous salaries at club level. As the tournament begins, salary data reveals a clear picture of where African football’s financial power now lies.
Mahrez Sets the Pace
Riyad Mahrez tops the earnings table, pocketing £886,500 per week at Saudi side Al-Ahli following his move from Manchester City in 2023. His salary dwarfs that of many elite players in Europe and highlights the growing influence of Saudi football on African stars.
Senegal’s Golden Generation
Senegal boasts two of the tournament’s top earners. Sadio Mané earns £679,400 per week at Al-Nassr, while centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly receives £589,300 weekly at Al-Hilal. Both players were instrumental in Senegal’s AFCON 2021 triumph and will again be central to their title defence hopes.
Familiar Faces, Massive Paychecks
Mohamed Salah remains Africa’s biggest name in European football, earning £400,000 per week at Liverpool. Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen follows, earning £318,450 weekly after a prolific scoring campaign that reinforced his reputation as one of the world’s most lethal strikers.
Rounding Out the Top Seven
PSG’s Achraf Hakimi (£231,600 per week) will be vital to Morocco’s ambitions, while Edouard Mendy (£203,800 per week) leads the goalkeeping ranks, narrowly edging Morocco’s Yassine Bounou in the salary stakes.
