FULL LIST: Diomande, Pépé, Osimhen Lead Africa’s Most Expensive Footballers

FULL LIST: Diomande, Pépé, Osimhen Lead Africa’s Most Expensive Footballers

By BSN Sports 

Real Madrid’s reported signing of Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig has propelled the teenager to the top of the list of Africa’s most expensive footballers in history, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 19-year-old’s move to the Santiago Bernabéu is reportedly valued at $144 million, putting Diomande comfortably ahead of the other African players on the list and underlining Real Madrid’s continued willingness to invest heavily in emerging talent.

Diomande enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at RB Leipzig, attracting interest from several leading European clubs before Real Madrid reportedly moved to secure his services.

Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé ranks second after his $92 million transfer from Lille to the Premier League club. Pépé joined Arsenal in 2019 following an impressive spell in France, becoming one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history.

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen features twice on the list. His transfer from Lille to Napoli was valued at $91 million, while his subsequent permanent move from Napoli to Galatasaray was reportedly worth $87 million.

Manchester City also feature prominently, with Egypt international Omar Marmoush joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported $87 million. Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo also moved to the Etihad from Bournemouth in a deal valued at $83 million.

Manchester United’s signing of Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford is another major transfer on the list, with the deal reportedly worth $87 million as the Premier League giants strengthened their attacking options.

Paris Saint-Germain’s acquisition of Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan ranks among the continent’s biggest transfers, with the deal valued at $78 million.

Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez also features after his $78 million move from Leicester City to Manchester City, while Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus’ transfer from West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur was reportedly worth $74 million.

Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang completes the top 10, with a reported transfer value of $74 million.

According to a list shared by Bleacher Report on X on Thursday, the following are the most expensive African footballers in history:

1. Yan Diomande — RB Leipzig to Real Madrid — $144m

2. Nicolas Pépé — Lille to Arsenal — $92m

3. Victor Osimhen — Lille to Napoli — $91m

4. Omar Marmoush — Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City — $87m

5. Bryan Mbeumo — Brentford to Manchester United — $87m

6. Antoine Semenyo — Bournemouth to Manchester City — $83m

7. Achraf Hakimi — Inter Milan to Paris Saint-Germain — $78m

8. Riyad Mahrez — Leicester City to Manchester City — $78m

9. Mohammed Kudus — West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur — $74m

10. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — $74m

The figures highlight the growing financial influence of African footballers in the global transfer market, as some of Europe’s biggest clubs continue to commit substantial sums to players from the continent.

With Diomande’s reported $144 million move to Real Madrid, the Ivory Coast international now stands at the top of a list that includes some of Africa’s most accomplished players of the modern era.