Africa’s Top 5 Highest-Paid Sports stars — Who’s Cashing Out?

In 2024, African sports stars continued to make significant impacts globally, with five notable athletes featured in the exclusive list of the world's highest-paid sports personalities. 

According to Pulse Sports Nigeria’s Money Talk show, via Sportico here are the top five African sports stars in the world for that year:

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• Global Ranking: 31st

Cameroon’s Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers star, topped the list of African sports stars. 

His impressive earnings were largely driven by his substantial salary and significant endorsement deals.

Earnings: $58 million

Salary: $48.4 million

Endorsements: $10 million

• Global Ranking: 38th

As the highest-paid African footballer, Mohamed Salah's earnings were bolstered by his lucrative Premier League salary and substantial endorsement contracts.

The Egyptian King continues to shine bright for his club Liverpool and has continued in 2025 from where he left off under new boss Arne Slot.

Earnings: Approximately $55 million

Salary: $35 million

Endorsements: $20 million

• Global Ranking: 44th

The former Premier League winner with Leicester City and Manchester City from Algeria leads the Saudi Pro League group on this list.

Mahrez earned the highest salary among African athletes but had relatively lower endorsement earnings compared to others on the list.

Earnings: Approximately $52 million

Salary: $50 million

Endorsements: Around $2 million

• Global Ranking: 67th

The Senegalese is the second player on this list from the Saudi Pro League who is also a former Premier League winner with Salah’s Liverpool.

Mane's earnings were significant, reflecting his successful transition to Saudi Arabian football.

Earnings: $45.5 million

Salary: $43 million

Endorsements: $2.5 million

• Global Ranking: 81st

Relatively the unknown, the 30-year-old is the second Cameroonian and Basketballer on this exclusive list.

Siakam, a key player for the Indiana Pacers, rounded out the list with a substantial salary and modest endorsement earnings.

Earnings: $42 million

Salary: $40 million

Endorsements: $2 million

These athletes not only excelled in their respective sports but also demonstrated the growing influence and financial success of African sports personalities on the global stage.