Neither Diomandé nor Hakimi: Who Are the Two Highest-Paid African Football Stars in 2026?

According to Forbes estimates for 2026, Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah are the highest-paid African footballers, both ranking among the world’s top ten earners. Mané, who plays for Al-Nassr, is estimated to earn $54 million a year, including $50 million from football, placing him seventh worldwide. Salah, listed with Trabzonspor, earns an estimated $40 million, with $20 million coming from off-field activities, and ranks tenth. Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with $300 million, followed by Lionel Messi with $145 million.