Four players of African descent made the top 50 list of Forbes’ Highest-Paid-Athletes.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – 13th place
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Nigerian/Greek star of the Milwaukee Bucks, is the highest-ranked athlete of African ancestry on Forbes’ 2025 list, coming in at 13th with $94.4 million in earnings.
His on-court NBA salary and performance bonuses accounted for $49.9 million, while off-court activities, including sponsorships, investments, and media endeavors, brought in $45 million.
Giannis’s ability to blend elite-level play with business collaborations has propelled him to the ranks of the world’s wealthiest sportsmen.
Kylian Mbappé – 16th place
Kylian Mbappé, the French football prodigy with Cameroonian roots, is ranked 16th with a total earnings of $90 million.
His on-field contract and incentives contributed $70 million to his total earnings, making him one of the highest-paid football players in the world.
His off-field earnings totaled $20 million, owing to a portfolio of sponsorships and commercial deals that reflect his global celebrity status.
Joel Embiid – 36th place
NBA center Joel Embiid, another world-class athlete of Cameroonian descent, ranks 36th on the list, with a total earnings of $60.4 million in 2025.
The majority of his earnings ($40.4 million) came from his salary and performance bonuses with the Philadelphia 76ers.
He also earned $10 million off the court through endorsements and other commercial activities. Embiid’s worth to the NBA and worldwide businesses is growing.
Sadio Mané – 48th place
Senegalese footballer Sadio Mané earned $54 million in 2025, ranking him 48th overall. His on-field earnings were considerable, totaling $50 million, most likely indicating a lucrative deal in a top-tier league.
He also made $4 million in sponsorships and commercial deals, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s most successful footballers both on and off the field.
These four athletes demonstrate the growing global relevance of African talent in sports, not just via their abilities, but also by their enormous market worth and commercial appeal.
