Elizabeth Antidius Shumbusho | Africa Guardian
According to the CIES Football Observatory, Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus ranks behind Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson on the list of Africa’s most valuable players for 2025. The rankings take into account factors such as age, contract length, on-field performances, career trajectory, and international recognition.
As African footballers continue to make their mark globally, 2025 sees an intensifying race for the title of the continent’s most valuable player, combining established stars with emerging talent. Based on insights from the CIES Football Observatory, here are the top five African players whose performances have captured attention and earned them significant market value.
Top 5 Most Valuable African Players in 2025:
5. Brahim Diaz (€63.6M)
Real Madrid’s versatile attacker, Brahim Diaz, has emerged as one of Africa’s most promising talents. He finished as the top scorer in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, showcasing his ability to deliver despite occasional injuries. His adaptability and technical ability position him as a key player for both club and country, with the potential to become one of Africa’s best.
4. Victor Boniface (€65.3M)
Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has impressed since his move to Bayer Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise. Known for his clinical finishing and physical presence, Boniface played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title win. Though recurring injuries have slightly hindered his consistency, his immense potential keeps him among Africa’s most valuable players.
3. Mohammed Kudus (€66.2M)
West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus is valued at €66.2M, ranking third on the list. Kudus made a stunning debut season in London, scoring 18 goals and providing 7 assists. Although his form has dipped this season, with fewer than 10 goals so far, his vision, creativity, and versatility keep him among the continent’s top players.
2. Pape Matar Sarr (€70.7M)
Pape Matar Sarr of Tottenham Hotspur has seen his value rise steadily in recent years. While his game time in England was initially limited, the Senegalese midfielder has shown flashes of brilliance. His composure, ability to control play, and forward drive have made him one of the most exciting young talents in African football, significantly boosting his market value.
1. Nicolas Jackson (€105.4M)
At the top of the list is Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, valued at an impressive €105.4M. The Senegalese forward has quickly become a key figure at Stamford Bridge since joining in 2023, contributing 9 goals and 3 assists in 19 Premier League appearances. His intelligent movement and clinical finishing have firmly established him as Africa’s most valuable player.
Notable Absentees
Despite CIES’s extensive evaluation, some of Africa’s most high-profile stars were excluded from the top five. These include Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, a two-time African Footballer of the Year, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and Napoli’s Serie A-winning striker Victor Osimhen. PSG’s Achraf Hakimi also did not make the list.