Here is a list of the most expensive African footballers of all time, ranked by their transfer fees:
1. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
- Transfer Fee: €81.3 million (potentially rising to €91 million with add-ons)
- Transfer: Lille to Napoli (2020)
- Position: Striker
- Details: Osimhen’s transfer to Napoli made him the most expensive African player ever. He has since become a prolific goalscorer in Serie A.
2. Nicolas Pépé (Ivory Coast)
- Transfer Fee: €80 million
- Transfer: Lille to Arsenal (2019)
- Position: Winger
- Details: Pépé’s move to Arsenal remains one of the Premier League’s record transfers. While inconsistent at times, he has shown flashes of brilliance.
3. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
- Transfer Fee: €68 million
- Transfer: Inter Milan to Paris Saint-Germain (2021)
- Position: Right-back
- Details: Hakimi is one of the best full-backs in the world, known for his pace, versatility, and attacking prowess.
4. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
- Transfer Fee: €67.8 million
- Transfer: Leicester City to Manchester City (2018)
- Position: Winger
- Details: Mahrez has been integral to Manchester City’s success, winning multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League.
5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
- Transfer Fee: €63.8 million
- Transfer: Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal (2018)
- Position: Striker
- Details: Aubameyang became Arsenal’s main goalscorer and won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2019.
6. Sébastien Haller (Ivory Coast)
- Transfer Fee: €50 million
- Transfer: Eintracht Frankfurt to West Ham United (2019)
- Position: Striker
- Details: Haller had a short stint in the Premier League before excelling at Ajax, particularly in the Champions League.
7. Sadio Mané (Senegal)
- Transfer Fee: €41 million
- Transfer: Southampton to Liverpool (2016)
- Position: Winger
- Details: Mané played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League triumphs.
8. Naby Keïta (Guinea)
- Transfer Fee: €60 million
- Transfer: RB Leipzig to Liverpool (2018)
- Position: Midfielder
- Details: Keïta’s arrival at Liverpool brought high expectations, and while injuries have hindered him, he has been part of a successful squad.
9. Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast)
- Transfer Fee: €76 million (estimated value for rumored move to Saudi Arabia, 2023)
- Position: Winger
- Details: Zaha has been pivotal for Crystal Palace and his anticipated move could set new benchmarks.
10. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
- Transfer Fee: €42 million (plus bonuses)
- Transfer: Roma to Liverpool (2017)
- Position: Winger
- Details: Salah has justified his transfer fee many times over, becoming one of Liverpool’s all-time greats.
These players have set transfer records for African players and have showcased their talent in some of the world’s top leagues. Their moves reflect their value and the growing prominence of African footballers on the global stage.
