Behold the seven highest-paid players featuring at AFCON 2025
By Tosin Omojola –
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) got underway in Morocco on Sunday, with the host nation starting their campaign with a 2-0 win over Comoros.
That signals the commencement of hostilities as 24 countries battle to cart home the prestigious AFCON trophy in the tournament that will end on January 18.
On parade are top footballers featuring for their various national teams, including stars whose salaries at their different clubs catch attention when mentioned.
Call them elite players. These are stars earning staggering weekly wages at club level.
Based on salary figures published by Capology, here are the seven highest-paid African footballers participating at AFCON 2025:
- Riyad Mahrez – £886,500 per week
Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez tops the list as the highest-paid African footballer in the world. Since joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli from Manchester City in 2023, Mahrez has been on a lucrative four-year contract worth £886,500 per week, more than double the salary earned by Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
- Sadio Mané – £679,400 per week
Senegal captain Sadio Mané also made the move to Saudi Arabia in 2023, signing for Al-Nassr. Although his earnings fall well short of teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s, Mané remains one of Africa’s top earners. His current contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
- Kalidou Koulibaly – £589,300 per week
Kalidou Koulibaly, who plies his trade with Al-Hilal, is the highest-paid defender in world football. A key figure in Senegal’s historic AFCON triumph in 2021, the experienced centre-back will be aiming to add another continental title to his résumé.
- Mohamed Salah – £400,000 per week
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah narrowly missed out on AFCON glory in 2017 and 2021. Still under contract with the Premier League club until 2027, the Egyptian superstar continues to attract interest from Saudi clubs capable of significantly increasing his current earnings.
- Victor Osimhen – £318,450 per week
Nigeria’s talismanic striker Victor Osimhen enjoyed an outstanding season on loan at Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals. He has since signed a permanent deal running until 2029, placing him among the top five highest-paid African players at the tournament.
- Achraf Hakimi – £231,600 per week
Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi is the third-highest-paid player at the French club. The Moroccan international is expected to be a central figure in the host nation’s quest for AFCON success.
- Edouard Mendy – £203,800 per week
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy now earns over £200,000 per week at Al-Ahli, making him the highest-paid African goalkeeper at AFCON 2025. He narrowly edges Morocco’s Yassine Bounou in the salary rankings.
Source: OneFootball / Capology
