Who are the highest-earning players at AFCON 2025?

The prestigious Africa Cup of Nations is well underway, with the group stage now complete and the competition heading into its final phases. Some of the world’s very best players, representing Africa’s greatest national teams, are competing with pride, humility, and immense talent on display.

But while fans focus on the action on the pitch, it is also fascinating to look at the financial side of the game. Who is the best-paid player currently competing at AFCON 2025, and which clubs are forking out the highest wages? The numbers, compiled via Transfermarkt, make for intriguing reading.

Riyad Mahrez leads the pack

Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez tops the salary charts at AFCON, earning a staggering £45.53 million per year in base salary, with bonuses adding another £6.83 million. Mahrez, representing Algeria as they prepare to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals, is paid by Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli SFC.

Following him are former Premier League stars Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly, both earning impressive sums in the Saudi League. Mané banks £34.88 million at Al-Nassr FC, while Koulibaly earns £30.26 million from Al-Hilal SFC, highlighting the financial muscle of the Saudi clubs in attracting top talent.

Algeria are currently priced at 9/4 to beat Nigeria in their quarter-final this weekend and reach the final four, and if you fancy backing them to pull it off, you can use our free bet calculator to work out how much you could stand to earn.

Salah is the Premier League’s highest-paid African star

Egyptian icon Mohamed Salah continues to be one of the highest earners in Europe. Liverpool pays the striker a base salary of £20.54 million, with bonuses of around £5.14 million. Salah was decisive for Egypt in the last 16 of AFCON, scoring the final goal in extra time to secure a 3–1 victory over Benin. While Liverpool fans will be eager to see him back at Anfield, his form for Egypt demonstrates why he commands such a salary.

Meanwhile, Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, despite being booed off the pitch after a confrontation with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Mozambique, earns £16.35 million per year from Galatasaray. Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush also makes the list, netting £15.15 million in base salary with up to £4.34 million in bonuses. Franck Kessié, Achraf Hakimi, Édouard Mendy, and Yassine Bounou round out the top ten highest-paid players, earning between £12.21 million and £8.89 million annually.

The clubs with the deepest pockets

When it comes to club financial firepower, Saudi clubs lead the way. Al-Nassr FC sit at the top, largely thanks to Sadio Mané’s £34.8 million base salary. Al-Ahli SFC follow closely, with three of their top players averaging £22.7 million in base salary, underlining how Saudi clubs are stretching their financial muscle to support marquee talent.

Across Europe, Liverpool FC pay Mohamed Salah £20.5 million in base, while Al-Hilal SFC keep pace with two stars averaging £19.5 million. Manchester City balance their roster with Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush earning an average of £10.6 million in base salary, plus £2.65 million in bonuses. Manchester United spread the wealth across three players, offering roughly £5.7 million in base, while Galatasaray’s three top players earn around £7.1 million each. PSG reward their two stars with £6.25 million in base and nearly £2.9 million in bonuses, highlighting the French club’s continued investment in elite talent.

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