Soccer
Africa’s influence in global football continues to grow, with many of the continent’s best players now starring for elite clubs across Europe, Soccernet.ng reports.
The latest market value rankings released by Transfermarkt offer a clear snapshot of who the most valuable African footballers are in 2026.
The list features a mix of established superstars, rising young prospects and proven performers playing in the top leagues in England, Spain, Germany, France and Italy. At the very top are players whose performances at club level and in major international tournaments have pushed their value into the €80 million bracket.
Morocco full-back Achraf Hakimi leads the list with a market value of €80 million, reflecting his consistent impact for Paris Saint-Germain. Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo also carries a value of €80 million, boosted by his move to Manchester United and his strong early performances there.
Ghana attacker Antoine Semenyo follows closely with a market value of €75 million after his big transfer to Manchester City.
Several other players also command impressive valuations. Egypt forward Omar Marmoush is valued at €60 million, while Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus holds a value of €55 million despite injury setbacks at Tottenham Hotspur. Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba is also rated at €55 million after continuing to develop at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Further down the ranking, Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye is valued at €50 million following his steady performances for Everton, while Ivorian winger Amad Diallo also holds a €50 million valuation at Manchester United.
Young defensive talent Ousmane Diomande and teenage prospect Yan Diomande are both valued at €45 million, alongside Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson, who currently plays for Bayern Munich.
Another group of players is valued at €40 million, including Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy and Algeria defender Rayan Aït-Nouri.
Completing the ranking are several experienced stars valued at €35 million, including Senegal winger Ismaïla Sarr, Burkina Faso attacker Dango Ouattara, Burkina Faso defender Edmond Tapsoba and Morocco playmaker Brahim Díaz.
Soccer Africa’s Best: Osimhen and Lookman fly Nigeria’s flag
Among Africa’s most valuable footballers, Nigeria’s strongest representation comes from striker Victor Osimhen and winger Ademola Lookman.
Osimhen, valued at €75 million, is the joint-second most valuable African player and he remains one of the continent’s biggest stars. The forward has continued to impress since joining Galatasaray, producing strong performances in the UEFA Champions League while maintaining his reputation as one of the most dangerous centre-forwards on the planet.
His performances for Nigeria’s Super Eagles have also helped reinforce his reputation, particularly during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where he was one of the standout players.
Lookman, valued at €35 million, has also continued to grow in importance. Since moving to Atlético Madrid, the winger has shown his ability to create chances and influence matches from wide attacking areas.
During the AFCON tournament, Lookman emerged as Nigeria’s most creative attacking outlet as the Super Eagles finished third. His performances at both club and international level have helped maintain his strong market value.
Both Osimhen and Lookman will likely be top contenders when voting opens later in the year for the Africa Footballer of the Year award.
Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi is the reigning Africa Best after picking up his first honour last year.
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