Victor Osimhen: Where does Super Eagles star rank among the highest-paid African footballers in 2025?

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has been making the headlines after sealing a permanent transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

The blockbuster move sees the prolific striker depart Serie A side Napoli in a deal worth a staggering €75 million, making him the most expensive incoming transfer in Turkish football history. 

This landmark agreement not only solidifies Galatasaray's ambition but also significantly reshapes the landscape of the highest-paid African footballers.

Osimhen, 26, inked a comprehensive four-year contract with Galatasaray.

The terms of his new deal are nothing short of remarkable, highlighting his immense value and the face of Galatasaray's future aspirations. 

According to official confirmations from the club, Osimhen is set to receive a net guaranteed salary of €15 million per season. 

Beyond this substantial base wage, the Super Eagles star will also benefit from an annual net loyalty bonus of €1 million and a further €5 million per year in image rights payments, compensating for the use of his name, image, and likeness in the club's extensive branding and promotional activities. 

This impressive package totals an estimated €21 million annually, cementing his place among the highest paid African footballers.

Furthermore, Napoli stands to gain from Osimhen's future success, with a clause stipulating that they will receive 10% of any profit from his next transfer, though Osimhen cannot be sold to any Italian club for the next two seasons.

Osimhen's move to Istanbul, following a highly successful loan spell where he netted 37 goals in all competitions last season, inevitably places him amongst Africa’s highest-paid footballers.

The influx of significant investment into leagues outside of Europe's traditional 'big five', particularly from the Saudi Pro League, has dramatically altered the financial hierarchy of the world’s highest paid footballers in recent years. 

Osimhen had a stellar 2022–23 season, leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades while winning the golden boot, breaking all sorts of records on the way. 

Napoli improved his contract in December of 2023, making him the highest-paid player at the club.

It was the most significant increase in his career, as he began to earn over €260,666 (₦457 million) per week and over €12.5 million (₦22 billion) per year.

Riyad Mahrez is the highest-paid African footballer in 2025.

The Algeria international is currently earning €931,316-a-week at Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli, as per verified figures from Capology.

However, Forbes have always excluded Mahrez from their rich-list, and place Mohamed Salah as the highest-paid African footballer, as the Egyptian rakes in the most income from endorsements and sponsorships alone.

While exact figures constantly fluctuate, reliable sources such as Capology.com provide a clear picture of who commands the most lucrative contracts.

Based on reported weekly wages, as of August 1, 2025, the landscape of the highest-paid African footballers is dominated by stars plying their trade across Europe and the Middle East. 

However, Victor Osimhen's new deal with Galatasaray positions him prominently in this exclusive club.

According to Capology, Osimhen's new contract with Galatasaray sees him earn a base contract of €25 million, which converts to approximately €512,885 per week (including bonuses), placing him amongst the very top earners, above Mohamed Salah on this list, and significantly higher than several players listed in the top 10.

This new contract firmly secures his status as one of Africa's most financially rewarded footballing talents.

Here is a list of the top 10 highest-paid African footballers, using ONLY net salaries sourced from Capology.com:

1, Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia) – €931,316-a-week

2, Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia) – €753,846-a-week

3, Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia) – €654,038-a-week

4, Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, England) – €288,462-a-week

5, Franck Kessié (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia) – €263,846-a-week

6, Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England) – €253,910-a-week

7, Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia) – €207,308-a-week

8, Omar Marmoush (Manchester City, England) – €187,325-a-week

9, Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, France) – €139,615-a-week

10, Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao, Spain) – €105,192-a-week

Note: Figures are adjusted for inflation, excluding bonuses

As the 2025-2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Osimhen to see if his record-breaking transfer and substantial earnings translate into continued on-field dominance for Galatasaray, and how he further solidifies his legacy both in Turkey and on the global football stage.