Discover the top 10 most valuable players from Africa! From skillful strikers to talented defenders, this list features the best of the best.
From the iconic football pitches to the basketball courts and beyond, Africa has consistently delivered top-tier players. They’ve not only captivated global audiences but also left an indelible mark on their respective sports. These individuals rose above the competition, showcasing exceptional skill, dedication, and determination. So, without further ado, let’s see the top 10 most valuable players from Africa.
10. Thomas Partey (Ghana) – €35m
In a sport where midfield mastery is paramount, Thomas Partey shines brightly. The Ghanaian midfield dynamo carries a robust presence in the middle of the pitch. His impeccable ball control and ability to break up opposition plays are top-tier.
Partey has been a mainstay at Arsenal since his €50 million arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2020, accumulating over 100 appearances. He also remains an ever-present figure for Ghana national team.
9. Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast) – €35m
In a significant move in September, Ibrahim Sangaré transferred from PSV to Nottingham Forest. The 25-year-old cost an impressive €35 million.
Hailing from the Ivory Coast, Sangaré has showcased his football prowess on both domestic and international fronts. The midfielder has amassed over 30 caps and netted nine goals for his national team. His arrival at Nottingham Forest promises to be a game-changer, adding depth and skill to the squad.
8. Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) – €35m
In a remarkable bargain, Bryan Mbeumo joined Brentford from Troyes in 2019 for €6.5 million. Since then, his market value has skyrocketed to €35 million. The winger has been a pivotal figure for Brentford, amassing over 170 appearances. He played a crucial role in the Bees’ promotion to the Premier League and their subsequent top-flight survival.
Mbeumo’s exceptional form is evident this season, having already netted four goals in as many games, making him a standout talent in English football.
7. Andre Onana (Cameroon) – €35m
In a blockbuster transfer this July, Andre Onana made the switch to Manchester United from Inter Milan for a staggering €52.5 million. His arrival came on the back of a stellar season at Inter. He kept 19 clean sheets in 41 appearances, contributing significantly to their domestic cup double and their journey to the Champions League final.
On the international stage, Onana has earned over 30 caps representing the Cameroon national team. His outstanding performances also earned him a well-deserved nomination for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite talents.
6. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana) – €40m
At a staggering €40 million, Mohammed Kudus stands as the most valuable Ghanaian in the world. His journey took a significant turn in July when he made a €43 million transfer from Ajax to West Ham. Kudus’ football odyssey began at the Right to Dream academy, and he subsequently made his European debut with FC Nordsjaelland.
Kudus’ international track record is equally impressive, with over 20 caps for the Ghanaian national team, showcasing his scoring prowess with eight goals and three assists.
5. Frank Anguissa (Cameroon) – €40m
At €40 million, Frank Anguissa is the highest-ranked Cameroonian in the list of most valuable players from Africa. His football journey led him to Napoli in 2022, following a loan spell at Fulham. The Italian club secured his services for a modest €16 million. The midfielder’s career has spanned several top European leagues, including France, Spain, England, and now Italy, attesting to his versatility and skill on the pitch.
On the international stage, Anguissa has earned over 40 caps for the Cameroon national team. He has contributed five goals and three assists along the way.
4. Ismaël Bennacer (Algeria) – €40m
In 2019, Ismaël Bennacer made a significant move from Empoli to AC Milan for €17.2 million. Since then, he has been a crucial part of the Milan midfield, amassing over 140 appearances. His football journey began in France, but he ventured to Arsenal in 2015 before ultimately finding his stride in Italy.
Bennacer has also been a stalwart for the Algeria national team, earning over 40 caps. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Algeria’s triumph at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
3. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – €65m
Achraf Hakimi, with a high-profile transfer worth €68 million, joined PSG from Inter Milan in 2021. Since then, the full-back has become a prominent figure, making over 80 appearances and clinching two Ligue 1 titles with the club. His journey commenced at Real Madrid and took him to Borussia Dortmund. He later had a brief stint at Inter, before landing in Paris.
Remarkably, at the youthful age of 24, Hakimi boasts an impressive international record. He has amassed over 60 caps for the Moroccan national team and contributed significantly with eight goals and eight assists.
2. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – €65m
In 2017, Mohamed Salah made a game-changing move, joining Liverpool from AS Roma for €42 million. His Liverpool journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The attacker has made over 300 appearances, netting more than 180 goals and leading the club to one Premier League and Champions League title. He has also donned the jerseys of FC Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina, and Roma in Europe.
Salah has also been a prolific scorer for Egypt, earning 90 caps and notching 51 goals. His contributions were pivotal in Egypt’s runner-up finishes in the AFCON finals of 2017 and 2021.
1. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – €120m
Victor Osimhen tops the list of the most valuable players from Africa, boasting a staggering market value of €120 million. The striker’s journey led him to Napoli in 2020, making a €75 million transfer from Lille. His prolific scoring ability has shone brightly at Napoli, where he has notched 62 goals in over 100 appearances. In the 2022/23 season, Osimhen made history as the first African to claim the Serie A Golden Boot. His 26 goals in 32 games helped Napoli secure their first title in 33 years.
Internationally, Osimhen has earned 25 caps for the Nigerian national team, scoring 17 goals. He played a role in helping Nigeria secure a third-place finish in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Victor Osimhen” by Victor Osimhen is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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