Have you ever asked yourself, "Who is the highest paid footballer in Africa in 2025?" or "How much do African players earn in top clubs?" If you're searching for reliable and well-researched answers to questions like: What is the monthly salary of top African footballers?, Which African player earns the most in Europe?, Who are the richest African footballers in 2025?, What clubs pay African players the highest wages?, Which positions attract the highest salaries for African footballers?, — then this guide is made just for you.
This post provides a well-detailed and updated list of the top 10 highest paid African footballers in 2025, including their estimated monthly salaries, the clubs they play for, and key reasons behind their high earnings. Whether you're a football fan, aspiring player, or simply curious about player earnings, this list reveals how Africa's best talents are making millions.
1. Mohamed Salah — $1.25 Million/Month
Mohamed Salah tops the list as the highest paid African footballer in 2025, earning an estimated $1.25 million every month. The Egyptian superstar plays for Liverpool FC in the English Premier League and remains one of the most consistent wingers in world football.
What Makes Him the Top Earner:
Long-term contract with Liverpool
Sponsorships with Adidas, Pepsi, and Vodafone
Top scorer for club and country
Club: Liverpool FC
Country: Egypt
Position: Right Winger
2. Sadio Mané — $1 Million/Month
Sadio Mané from Senegal is earning around $1 million per month at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. After moving from Bayern Munich, his salary increased significantly. He remains one of Africa's top exports.
Why He Earns So Much:
Star reputation in Europe
High-value move to Saudi Arabia
Strong marketability and humanitarian work
Club: Al Nassr (Saudi Pro League)
Country: Senegal
Position: Forward
3. Riyad Mahrez — $900,000/Month
Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez earns approximately $900,000 every month at Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. Known for his dribbling, flair, and match-winning goals, Mahrez made the switch after years of success with Manchester City.
Earnings Justification:
Trophy-laden career in Europe
High skill level and experience
Saudi Pro League’s lucrative contracts
Club: Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
Country: Algeria
Position: Winger
4. Achraf Hakimi — $650,000/Month
Achraf Hakimi is one of the highest paid defenders in world football. The Moroccan right-back earns about $650,000 per month at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Why He’s Highly Paid:
Consistent UEFA Champions League performer
Offensive full-back with pace and assists
Endorsements and growing global profile
Club: PSG (France)
Country: Morocco
Position: Right-back
5. Thomas Partey — $450,000/Month
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey earns around $450,000 per month playing for Arsenal FC in the English Premier League. Despite injury challenges, his physicality and tactical intelligence make him valuable.
Key Salary Drivers:
Premier League experience
Defensive midfield strength
Transfer fee and contract structure
Club: Arsenal FC
Country: Ghana
Position: Defensive Midfielder
6. Wilfried Zaha — $430,000/Month
Wilfried Zaha, now playing for Galatasaray in Turkey, is reportedly earning $430,000 per month. The Ivorian winger’s speed and unpredictability have kept him in demand.
Why He Earns Big:
Long Premier League history
Strong performance in Europe
Brand appeal in African and Turkish markets
Club: Galatasaray (Turkey)
Country: Ivory Coast
Position: Forward / Winger
7. André Onana — $400,000/Month
Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana is among the highest paid African goalkeepers in 2025, earning around $400,000 monthly at Manchester United.
Salary Influencers:
Transfer from Inter Milan
European and Champions League pedigree
Unique playing style as a ball-playing keeper
Club: Manchester United
Country: Cameroon
Position: Goalkeeper
8. Franck Kessié — $380,000/Month
Franck Kessié of Ivory Coast currently earns about $380,000 per month at Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. He joined from Barcelona and brings strength to the midfield.
Why He’s Paid Well:
Strong performances in La Liga and Serie A
Midfield control and versatility
High market value after Barca stint
Club: Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
Country: Ivory Coast
Position: Midfielder
9. Eric Bailly — $320,000/Month
Eric Bailly, also from Ivory Coast, earns roughly $320,000 per month playing for Besiktas in Turkey. A former Manchester United defender, Bailly’s experience boosts his value.
Earning Justification:
Solid defensive skills
Transfer market experience
Physical presence and versatility
Club: Besiktas (Turkey)
Country: Ivory Coast
Position: Centre-back
10. Victor Osimhen — $300,000/Month
Victor Osimhen rounds off the list with a monthly salary of about $300,000 at Napoli in Italy. The Nigerian striker was a key part of Napoli’s 2023 Serie A title win.
Why He’s a Top Earner:
Serie A top scorer 2022/2023
Strong transfer market interest
Consistent goal scoring record
Club: Napoli (Italy)
Country: Nigeria
Position: Striker
Summary Table: Highest Paid African Footballers in 2025
| Rank | Player | Club | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool FC | $1.25 million |
| 2 | Sadio Mané | Al Nassr | $1 million |
| 3 | Riyad Mahrez | Al Ahli | $900,000 |
| 4 | Achraf Hakimi | PSG | $650,000 |
| 5 | Thomas Partey | Arsenal FC | $450,000 |
| 6 | Wilfried Zaha | Galatasaray | $430,000 |
| 7 | André Onana | Manchester United | $400,000 |
| 8 | Franck Kessié | Al Ahli | $380,000 |
| 9 | Eric Bailly | Besiktas | $320,000 |
| 10 | Victor Osimhen | Napoli | $300,000 |
Conclusion
In 2025, the highest paid African footballers are commanding huge salaries due to their outstanding performances, global appeal, and consistent contributions to club and country. With several stars now moving to high-paying leagues like Saudi Arabia, earnings are at an all-time high.
From Egypt’s Salah to Nigeria’s Osimhen, Africa continues to produce world-class talent that competes at the highest level. These earnings reflect the growing value of African players on the global football stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the highest paid African footballer in 2025?
Mohamed Salah is the highest paid African footballer in 2025, earning about $1.25 million per month at Liverpool.
2. Which African players earn the most in Saudi Arabia?
Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, and Franck Kessié are among the top earners in the Saudi Pro League.
3. Do African goalkeepers earn as much as outfield players?
Some, like André Onana, earn competitive salaries. He makes around $400,000 monthly at Manchester United.
4. Who is the highest paid African defender in 2025?
Achraf Hakimi is currently the highest paid African defender, earning about $650,000 monthly at PSG.
5. Which African country has the most players on this list?
Ivory Coast dominates the list with multiple high-earning players, including Zaha, Kessié, and Bailly.