Top five most expensive African players in history

Bryan Mbeumo is the most recent addition to the list.

The African nations have produced extraordinary talent over the years, and they continue to do so. The top players from this specific continent have a specific skillset, athleticism, and charisma. With the help of this, those players have always been able to leave their marks on the world football stage.

The top talents from the African region have already engraved their names in the top European football leagues. In this era of modern football, the transfer fee matters a lot, as based on that, many players are compared. As per the current scenario, the clubs spend staggering sums to sign players, who can be important for their squads.

The signings football clubs make help them lift trophies, decide crucial matches and also help them boost the commercial revenue. The procedure is no different for the players from Africa. In the recent era, more and more players have emerged from that continent and have joined the top football leagues.

There has always been a story connected with the players from the African region that not just reflects personal ambition but also the global demand for dynamic, versatile, and resilient footballers. Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable moves.

Five African players with the highest transfer fees

5. Achraf Hakimi – Inter Milan to PSG (€68 million)

Achraf Hakimi is a well-known right-back who started his club career with the LaLiga and European giants Real Madrid. He later went on to join Inter Milan, from where Paris Saint-Germain sealed a deal for the Moroccan player. For €68 million transfer fee, PSG signed Achraf Hakimi in 2021.

This earns him a spot as one of the African players on the list.

4. Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford to Manchester United (€71 million)

One of the most recent signings for Manchester United, Bryan Mbeumo, is one of the most expensive African players. After a breakout season with Brentford in 2024-25, the Red Devils grabbed a deal for the Cameroon national team player for an intensive sum of €65 million + €6 million add-ons. He has a five-year contract with the Premier League giants.

3. Omar Marmoush – Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City (€75 million)

The Egypt international joined the English Premier League in the January 2025 transfer window when Manchester City signed a deal with the Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee of €70 million + €5 million add-ons. Omar Marmoush came up with some top performances, which led Man City to sign him.

2. Victor Osimhen – LOSC Lille to Napoli (€80 million)

In 2020, the Serie A club Napoli announced the signing of Victor Osimhen from the Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille. The Italian club paid €70 million + €10 million in add-ons. With this deal, he remains the second most expensive African player in the history of football. He recently made a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray for a fee of €75 million.

1. Nicolas Pepe – LOSC Lille to Arsenal (€80 million)

Nicolas Pepe is the most expensive signing as an African star. In 2019, Arsenal sealed a deal with LOSC Lille for €80 million. This also became the highest fee paid by the Gunners for any player.

He was later loaned to Nice in 2022, as he was unable to perform up to the mark in the English Premier League.

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