Top 22 Highest-Paid African Footballers in 2026
Africa has produced some of the world's finest football talents, with many making their mark at elite clubs worldwide. The Premier League alone hosts numerous African stars, but the continent's influence spans globally, including leagues like Saudi Arabia's Pro League. Salaries for these players have soared over recent years, reaching levels previously thought unimaginable. Below is a rundown of the 22 highest-paid African footballers as of 2026, highlighting their wages, clubs, and nationalities.
Rankings 22 to 15
- Brahim Diaz – Real Madrid (Morocco) | £119,671 per week
- Amad – Manchester United (Ivory Coast) | £120,000 per week
- Rayan Ait-Nouri – Manchester City (Algeria) | £120,000 per week
- Idrissa Gueye – Everton (Senegal) | £120,000 per week
- Youssef En-Nesyri – Al-Ittihad (Morocco) | £133,952 per week
- Noussair Mazraoui – Manchester United (Morocco) | £135,000 per week
- Yoane Wissa – Newcastle United (DR Congo) | £140,000 per week
- Yan Diomande – Real Madrid (Ivory Coast) | £148,500 per week
Players Ranked 14 to 11
- Bryan Mbeumo – Manchester United (Cameroon) | £150,000 per week Signed: July 21, 2025
- Contract expires: June 30, 2030
- Since joining Man United in 2025, Mbeumo has scored 12 goals in 34 games, quickly becoming a vital asset.
- Signed: January 9, 2026
- Contract expires: June 30, 2031
- Semenyo impressed at Bournemouth before joining City, known for his pace and goal threat on the wing.
- Signed: July 10, 2025
- Contract expires: June 30, 2030
- Kudus transferred from West Ham, showing promise at Spurs until an injury interrupted his debut season.
- Signed: July 18, 2024
- Contract expires: June 30, 2028
- Guirassy scored 28 Bundesliga goals for Stuttgart, then 38 goals in 50 matches for Dortmund, proving his striking prowess.
Top 10 Players
- Yassine Bounou – Al-Hilal (Morocco) | £167,441 per week Signed: October 16, 2025
- Contract expires: June 30, 2028
- After winning the Europa League with Sevilla, the goalkeeper moved to Saudi Arabia, earning a hefty wage.
- Signed: August 12, 2019
- Contract expires: June 30, 2028
- A club legend at Bilbao, Williams has remained loyal despite transfer rumors, consistently performing well.
- Signed: December 16, 2025
- Contract expires: June 30, 2028
- Mendy left Chelsea to join Al-Ahli, maintaining top form with nearly 50 clean sheets in 115 games.
- Signed: February 2, 2026
- Contract expires: June 30, 2030
- Lookman rose from Sunday League football to sign a major contract at Atletico Madrid after success in Italy.
- Signed: February 7, 2025
- Contract expires: June 30, 2029
- One of the best full-backs globally, Hakimi has been vital for PSG since 2021, leading them to Champions League glory twice.
- Signed: January 23, 2025
- Contract expires: June 30, 2029
- Marmoush joined City to support their attacking line; though not always starting, his instincts remain strong.
