At a Glance
- African footballers dominate rising valuations across Europe’s elite leagues and top clubs.
- Clubs expand scouting in Africa as player valuations climb across key positions.
- Major transfers underline growing demand for Africa’s most valuable young and established players.
African footballers continue to shape Europe’s biggest leagues, and their rising market valuations show just how central they’ve become to the modern game.
From Paris to Manchester, African footballers now sit at the centre of major transfer plans, commercial deals and long-term squad strategies.
The increase in valuation, several now above €50 million, underscores how central African players have become to top-flight European football. Their presence is stronger in recruitment strategies, commercial partnerships and long-term squad planning.
African players continue to face structural barriers, including inconsistent scouting pathways at youth level and fierce global competition. Yet the opportunities are widening as investment in academies improves and European clubs expand their presence on the continent.
Shore Africa profiles the 10 most valuable African players based on current market valuations, and how each has shaped their club and national-team prospects.
1. Masour Ousmane Dembélé (Mali/France)
Valuation: €100 million ($116.74 million)
Born with roots deeply entrenched in Senegal, Mauritania, and Mali, the French forward recently achieved two career-defining milestones: winning the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain and the coveted Ballon d’Or 2025. Ousmane Dembélé leads the list at 100 million euros. Dembélé’s footballing path began in Vernon, France, where his dual-cultural heritage played an influential role in shaping his dynamic style. In 2023, He was transferred to Paris Saint-Germain, a move that catalysed a new chapter of success. His crowning achievement came with the 2025 Ballon d’Or, recognising him as the world’s best footballer.
2. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Valuation: €80 million ($93.38 million)
Hakimi remains Africa’s most valuable footballer, anchored by his consistency at Paris Saint-Germain. A right-back who plays with the efficiency of a wide forward, he has become central to PSG’s system. He has been ranked the sixth most valuable player in France’s Ligue 1, with a market valuation of 80 million euros. His early grounding at Real Madrid and standout loan spell at Borussia Dortmund set the tone for a career defined by pace, delivery and tactical maturity. His run at Inter Milan further cemented his profile before his move to France.
3. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Valuation: €75 million ($87.51 million)
Now leading the line at Galatasaray, the Nigerian striker retains one of the highest valuations among African forwards. Osimhen’s numbers at Napoli, where he claimed the Serie A Golden Boot and delivered the club’s best league campaign in decades, continue to shape his market worth. The 2023 African Footballer of the Year remains a reference point for modern centre-forward play: direct, physical and ruthlessly efficient.
4. Omar Marmoush (Egypt)
Valuation: €75 million ($87.51 million)
Marmoush’s move to Manchester City has placed him in one of Europe’s most demanding setups, and his valuation has surged with his Premier League exposure. The Egyptian international impressed during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, combining work rate, movement and a steady improvement in finishing. His ceiling remains high in a system that values versatility.
5. Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
Valuation: €70 million ($81.66 million)
A switch to Manchester United has elevated Mbeumo’s profile after consistent seasons at Brentford. His ability to play across the frontline, press intelligently and create scoring chances has made him one of Cameroon’s most valuable exports. United view him as a long-term attacking piece in their rebuild.
6. Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)
Valuation: €60 million ($70 million)
The Brighton midfielder is one of the Premier League’s fastest-rising assets. Baleba’s control in midfield, ability to resist pressure and tidy distribution have strengthened his valuation. At 20, he stands out as one of Africa’s most promising central-midfield prospects.
7. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Valuation: €55 million ($64.17 million)
Lookman’s performances with Atalanta, especially in European competition, have pushed his value higher. The 2024 African Player of the Year has become a key attacking option for the Italian side, offering direct runs, balance on the ball and reliable end product.
8. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Valuation: €55 million ($64.17 million)
Salah’s valuation reflects both age and achievement. The Liverpool forward remains one of the Premier League’s most dependable scorers and leaders, with league titles, a Champions League crown and multiple individual awards anchoring his legacy. His commercial value to club and country remains unmatched among African players.
9. Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)
Valuation: €55 million ($64.17 million)
Chelsea’s Senegalese striker has emerged as one of the club’s long-term bets. His blend of pace, strength and movement gives him strong upside, especially as he continues to settle in the Premier League.
10. Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso)
Valuation: €45 million ($52.5 million)
Tapsoba has grown into one of the Bundesliga’s most dependable centre-backs at Bayer Leverkusen. His reading of the game, composure and clean distribution make him crucial to Leverkusen’s defensive structure and a consistent presence on European scouting lists.
11. Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
Valuation: €40 million ($46.66 million)
Diallo’s valuation has climbed as he breaks deeper into Manchester United’s plans. His acceleration, close control, and ability to influence games in tight spaces continue to distinguish him as a high-potential wide attacker.
