The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) got underway on Sunday, December 21, bringing together some of the best-paid footballers in the world. Hosted by Morocco, the tournament began with the Atlas Lions taking on Comoros and will run through to January 18.
This year’s AFCON reflects the shifting financial power in global football, with several African superstars earning enormous salaries—many of them plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League. The top earners include a mix of legendary figures and players still operating at their peak, spread across Europe and the Middle East. Their earnings highlight both Africa’s growing influence on the global stage and the economic forces reshaping the modern game.
Morocco head into the tournament as favourites, while Egypt, Senegal and Nigeria are also widely tipped as strong contenders. Based on figures from Capology, YEN.com.gh has compiled a list of the six highest-paid African players set to feature at AFCON 2025.
1. Riyad Mahrez – £886,500 per week
Riyad Mahrez leads the rankings as Africa’s highest-paid footballer. After departing Manchester City in 2023, the Algerian winger signed a four-year contract with Saudi side Al-Ahli, earning a reported £886,500 per week. Although he may be past his absolute prime, Mahrez is enjoying the most lucrative deal of his career, earning more than twice Mohamed Salah’s weekly salary.
2. Sadio Mané – £679,400 per week
Senegal’s Sadio Mané also made the move to Saudi Arabia in 2023, joining Al-Nassr. While his salary falls well short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s, Mané remains one of the continent’s top earners. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, his next move is likely to attract major attention.
3. Kalidou Koulibaly – £589,300 per week
Kalidou Koulibaly is another African star benefiting from Saudi football’s financial boom. The Senegalese defender earns around £589,300 per week at Al-Hilal, making him the highest-paid defender in world football. A key part of Senegal’s AFCON triumph in 2021, the 34-year-old will be hoping to add another continental title to his résumé.
4. Mohamed Salah – £400,000 per week
Despite earning less than several Saudi-based players, Mohamed Salah remains one of the biggest names in world football. The Liverpool forward takes home approximately £400,000 per week and will be desperate to finally win AFCON after losing finals in 2017 and 2021. Though contracted to Liverpool until 2027, continued interest from Saudi clubs could see him offered an even richer deal in the future.
5. Victor Osimhen – £318,450 per week
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen enjoyed a sensational loan spell at Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals before the Turkish club completed a permanent transfer in the summer. Now tied down until 2029, the prolific striker reportedly earns £318,450 per week, ranking him fifth among Africa’s top earners at AFCON 2025.
6. Achraf Hakimi – £231,600 per week
Rounding out the list is Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, who earns an estimated £231,600 per week at Paris Saint-Germain. The attacking full-back is PSG’s third-highest-paid player, behind only Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. As tournament hosts, Morocco will be counting heavily on Hakimi’s leadership and experience.
Notable Absentees
Despite the wealth of talent on display, AFCON 2025 will miss several high-profile players, including Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus and Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana. Their absence is a major blow to their respective nations, impacting both experience and squad depth as the competition unfolds.
Source: YEN.com.gh
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