The continent of Africa has long been a breeding ground for exceptional football talents. African footballers have risen to global prominence and while their impressive performances have not only brought them widespread recognition, their market values has driven up, placing them among the most sought-after footballers in the world.
From Paris Saint Germain’s UEFA Champions League winning star Achraf Hakimi to Turkish league conqueror Victor Osimhen, this list explores the 5 most valuable African footballers in the world.
Achraf Hakimi (€80 million)
Top of this list as the most valuable African footballer in the world is Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi, who has an estimated market value of €80 million. The Paris Saint Germain star’s stocks has risen over the past year and is regarded as one of the best fullbacks in football presently following his consistent displays for both club and country.
Hakimi played an influential role in the French side’s historic treble victory in the just-concluded season, including scoring the opening goal in the 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan, as they claimed a first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
Omar Marmoush (€75 million)
Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush is the next on this highly-stacked list with an estimated market value of €75 million. The Egyptian forward rose to prominence in the early stages of the 2024-25 season at Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga before sealing a high-profile switch to the Etihad in January.
The 26-year-old continued his remarkable form in England, netting seven times in 16 Premier League appearances. His long-range strike against Bournemouth in May also earned him the Guinness goal of the season award, capping a breakthrough season.
Victor Osimhen (€70 million)
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen ranks as the third most valuable African footballer in the world with a market value of about €70 million. The 26-year-old spent last campaign on-loan at Turkish side Galatasaray, from Italian champions Napoli.
Osimhen, took the league by storm, netting 37 times in all competitions to break Mario Jardel’s long standing record for the most goals by a foreign player in a single Turkish league season. The Nigerian striker has unfinished business in Turkey, with a permanent move to Galatasaray very close to being agreed.
Ademola Lookman (€60 million)
Reigning African footballer of the year Ademola Lookman is the fourth name on this list with a market value of about €60 million. Despite a slow start to his career, the Atalanta winger has developed into one of the best footballers in the world, ranking 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards.
The 27-year-old most memorable moment was his three-goal peat in the final of the 2024 UEFA Europa League, guiding his side to a first ever European title win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Bryan Mbeumo (€55 million)
Manchester United newest acquisition Bryan Mbeumo concludes the top 5, with an estimated market value of €55 million. The Cameroonian forward enjoyed a sensational season with Brentford, netting 20 times and providing eight assists in the league as the Bees fell quite short of securing European football.
His stellar campaign has however been rewarded with a dream move to Old Trafford in a deal worth up to £71 million.
