Since the beginning of the 21st century, the African continent has become one of the leading sources of football talent worldwide. This is clearly reflected in the list of the highest-paid players participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicked off on Sunday evening and will continue until the final match on January 18.

Global monitoring of the highest wages
The website "GiveMeSport" revealed the list of the top 10 highest-paid players participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a clear indication of the growing artistic and marketing value of the continent's stars.

The ranking is as follows:

The top 10 highest-paid players in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
10- Yassine Bounou (Morocco - Al Hilal Saudi Club)
£158,515 weekly
9- Édouard Mendy (Senegal - Al Ahli Saudi Club)
£203,808 weekly
8- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco - Paris Saint-Germain)
£231,662 weekly
7- Franck Kessié (Ivory Coast - Al Ahli Saudi Club)
£273,442 weekly
6- Omar Marmoush (Egypt - Manchester City)
£295,000 weekly
5- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria - Galatasaray)
£318,450 weekly
4- Mohamed Salah (Egypt - Liverpool)
£400,000 weekly

3- Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal - Al Hilal Saudi Club)
£550,047 weekly

2- Sadio Mané (Senegal - Al Nassr Saudi Club)
£634,060 weekly 

1- Riyad Mahrez (Algeria - Al Ahli Saudi Club)
£827,448 weekly

Riyad Mahrez (X)

Dominance of the Saudi League and a clear message
The list highlights the remarkable presence of Saudi league clubs, which are attracting top African stars with massive contracts. Meanwhile, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations confirms that it is not just a continental championship, but a platform that combines high artistic value and the growing economic strength of African football.