Football is hugely popular in Africa, and the continent has produced some of the most talented players who go on to shine for major European clubs. African footballers are increasingly among the highest paid in the world thanks to their skill, achievements, and commercial appeal.
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Top 10 Highest Paid African Footballers of 2023
As footballer salaries continue to rise, these are currently the 10 highest paid African players expected to earn in 2023 according to reported wages and endorsements:
Mohamed Salah – $53 Million
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah is set for another lucrative year with Liverpool in the Premier League and as a global phenomenon. His salary and bonuses from Liverpool combine with endorsement deals with Adidas, Vodafone, and others to make him Africa’s highest paid footballer.
Sadio Mané – $35 Million
Senegalese winger Sadio Mané shocked fans with his move from Liverpool to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in 2022. His lucrative contract with the German giants along with income from endorsements with New Balance, Interswitch and more secures his spot among the best paid African players.
Riyad Mahrez – $31 Million
Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez is a key player for English champions Manchester City. His contributions on the pitch along with his sponsorship deals with Adidas and other major brands make him one of the top earning African footballers this year.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – $29.5 Million
Gabonese striker and former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined Chelsea for a massive contract in 2022. His Chelsea salary combined with longstanding endorsement deals with Nike, EA Sports and Axé make him hugely lucrative African player.
Thomas Partey – $25 Million
Ghanaian defensive midfielder Thomas Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 and is a vital player for the London side. His Arsenal contract and other deals with Nike and Energy drink VOLT push him up the list of best paid African players.
Wilfred Zaha – $23 Million
Ivorian winger Wilfred Zaha is Crystal Palace’s star player in the Premier League. His crucial role for the London club along with endorsements from the likes of Adidas and Forex trading company 10EQX make him one of Africa’s highest earning footballers.
Naby Keita – $22 Million
Guinean midfielder Naby Keita has become an influential force with Liverpool. His wages from the Premier League giants supplemented by sponsorship deals with Adidas and other African brands put Keita among the highest paid African footballers.
Franck Kessié – $20 Million
Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié signed with La Liga champions Barcelona in 2022 on a lucrative contract. His Barcelona salary combined with endorsement deals with Puma and other brands secure him a top earning position among African players.
Sébastien Haller – $18 Million
Ivorian striker Sébastien Haller has starred for the likes of West Ham, Eintracht Frankfurt and Ajax. He joined German club Borussia Dortmund for 2022-2023, and his wages plus sponsorships like Predator boots make him immensely well paid.
Achraf Hakimi – $17 Million
Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi has been a revelation since joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Alongside his PSG salary, endorsement deals with brands like Puma, Electronic Arts, and Cola-Cola earn him a top spot among African football’s big earners.
The vast salaries and endorsement deals of modern football allow Africa’s biggest stars to earn sums unimaginable just a decade ago. The continent’s top players will continue pushing for major trophies and lucrative contracts in 2023.
Kwarteng Seth