Top 22 Highest-Paid African Footballers in 2026
Top 22 Highest-Paid African Footballers in 2026
Africa has produced a wealth of football talent that shines on the global stage, with many players earning impressive wages at some of the world's leading clubs. From Saudi Arabia to the Premier League, these African stars command top salaries. Below is a rundown of the 22 highest-paid African footballers as of 2026.
Players Ranked 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 weekSigned: July 21, 2025
- Contract Ends: June 30, 2030
- Since joining Man United in 2025, Mbeumo has scored 12 goals in 34 matches, quickly making an impact.
- Signed: January 9, 2026
- Contract Ends: June 30, 2031
- Known for his pace and goal-scoring ability, Semenyo impressed at Bournemouth before moving to City.
- Signed: July 10, 2025
- Contract Ends: June 30, 2030
- Kudus joined Spurs after strong performances at West Ham but faced injury setbacks during his debut season.
- Signed: July 18, 2024
- Contract Ends: June 30, 2028
- Guirassy scored 38 goals in 50 games during his first season at Dortmund, proving a bargain despite his high wage.
Players Ranked 10 to 6
- Yassine Bounou – Al-Hilal, Morocco, £167,441 per weekSigned: October 16, 2025
- Contract Ends: June 30, 2028
- The goalkeeper won the Europa League with Sevilla before moving to Saudi Arabia for a lucrative contract.
- Signed: August 12, 2019
- Contract Ends: June 30, 2028
- A club legend, Williams has remained loyal to Bilbao, becoming one of their standout forwards over nearly a decade.
- Signed: December 16, 2025
- Contract Ends: June 30, 2028
- Mendy left Chelsea for Saudi Arabia where he has been a consistent presence, keeping close to 50 clean sheets.
- Signed: February 2, 2026
- Contract Ends: June 30, 2030
- Once playing Sunday League, Lookman rose through the ranks to join Atletico Madrid on a hefty contract.
Players Ranked 5 to 1
- Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco, £223,911 per weekSigned: February 7, 2025
- Contract Ends: June 30, 2029
- One of the world's best full-backs, Hakimi has starred for PSG and might be due for a raise considering his influence.
- Signed: January 23, 2025
- Contract Ends: June 30, 2029
- Acquired by City in January 2025, Marmoush was expected to fill a key attacking role and remains a notable talent.
