Football is arguably the most loved sport in the world. The African continent has not been left behind as it has produced some of the most talented footballers globally.
Data from soccer betting operators like Betway, reveal that most punters prefer placing bets on football matches. The sport’s popularity has also seen top footballers get handsome pay from the clubs they play for.
Who are the top 10 highest paid African footballers? Read on to discover.
10. Joel Matip
Nationality: Cameroonian
Club: Liverpool
Salary: 100000 GBP Per week
The Cameroonian defender has not played much this season due to injuries. However, he is part of the Liverpool squad that took the EPL by storm last season. He takes home 100K GBP every week.
9. Hakim Ziyech
Nationality: Moroccan
Club: Chelsea
Salary: 100000 GBP per week
Hakim Ziyech joined Chelsea at the beginning of this season on a five-year deal. His annual average salary is 5.2 million GBP. His dribbling skills, dead-ball prowess, pace, and pinpoint crosses earn him 100000 GBP per week.
8. Riyad Mahrez
Nationality: Algerian
Club: Manchester City
Salary: 120000 GBP per week
Mahrez has grown into one of the most decorated African players after successful spells at Leicester and Manchester City. 2019 was perhaps the most successful year in his career after winning AFCON, Confederations Cup, Community Shield, FA Cup, and EPL. At 29, he is an essential player in Pep’s squad, especially with his dribbling and free-kick prowess. His 120000 GBP per week makes him the 9th highest paid African footballer.
7. Naby Keita
Nationality: Guinean
Club: Liverpool
Salary: 120000 per week
The Guinean central midfielder signed a lucrative contract with Liverpool worth 6.9 million GBP per year. He has been tipped to be the next Zinedine Zidane. At his age, he still has more room to improve his game and earn even more. Even though he earns the same weekly salary as Mahrez, his annual contract is more lucrative, putting him ahead of the Algerian.
6. Wilfred Zaha
Nationality: Ivory Coast
Club: Crystal Palace
Salary: 130000 GBP per week
Zaha signed a new contract with Crystal Palace last summer making him the club’s highest-paid player. The deal will keep him at Palace until 2023. He is a crucial player for his team’s attack and has also attracted the attention of various top clubs like Arsenal.
5. Sadio Mane
Nationality: Senegalese
Club: Liverpool
Salary: 150000 GBP per week
Mane has been an essential player for The Reds since he joined the club in 2016. He has been in spectacular form for club and country. In January 2020, he was crowned the 2019 African Player of the Year. His new five-year deal earns him 150000 GBP per week.
4. Kalidou Koulibaly
Nationality: Senegal
Club: Napoli
Salary: 175000 GBP per week
The towering defender is currently Napoli’s highest earner. He has been a critical player for Napoli in the past couple of seasons. He has also helped his country compete at the highest level.
3. Mohammed Salah
Nationality: Egyptian
Club: Liverpool
Salary: 200000 GBP per week
Popularly known as Mo Salah, the Egyptian forward has been a key player for Klopp. He has played a key role in the Red’s recent success. Salah holds the record of being the first African to score more than 30 goals in the EPL. He is regarded as one of the best players in the world right now.
2.Cedric Bakambu
Nationality: Congolese
Club: Beijing Guoan
Salary: 307000 GBP
Cedric Bukambu moved from Villarreal to the Chinese club Beijing Guoan last year in January. He cost the club 65 million GBP, making him the most expensive African footballer. He earns 307000 GBP per week, making him the third highest-paid player in the Chinese Super League.
1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Nationality: Gabonese
Club: Arsenal
Salary: 350000 GBP per week
Aubameyang joined the London club from Borussia Dortmund in 2018. Before signing the new contract, he had kept fans and punters on Betway, guessing his next move.
He finally signed a new lucrative deal that sees him take home 350000 GBP every week. Auba is not only the highest-paid player in Africa, but he is also the best paid in the EPL. He is currently Arsenal’s captain and an essential player in Arteta’s rebuilding project.