5 Most Expensive African Players of All-Time: Where Does Bryan Mbeumo Rank?

Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo has joined Manchester United for €75 million, placing him among the top five most expensive African footballers in history.

The 25-year-old forward sealed his dream transfer to Old Trafford this week, signing a five-year deal with an option for another year. United’s improved bid finally convinced Brentford to part ways with their star man after months of negotiations.

But where does Mbeumo rank among the priciest African footballers ever?

5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – €63.75m

Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang became Arsenal’s record signing in January 2018 when the Gunners paid €63.75 million to Borussia Dortmund.

The striker hit the ground running, netting 92 goals and 21 assists in 163 matches for Arsenal, and lifted the FA Cup in 2020. However, his relationship with Mikel Arteta soured in 2021, leading to a move to Barcelona in early 2022.

4. Riyad Mahrez – €67.8m

Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez secured a blockbuster €67.8 million switch to Manchester City in the summer of 2018. Fresh from leading Leicester City to a historic Premier League title in 2016, Mahrez became a key figure at City.

During his five years in Manchester, Mahrez bagged four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League before moving to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli in 2023.

3. Achraf Hakimi – €68m

Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi joined Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan for €68 million in 2021. The defender has since proven himself as one of the world’s elite full-backs, helping PSG to four Ligue 1 titles and a Champions League crown.

2. Bryan Mbeumo – €75m

The latest entry on the list, Bryan Mbeumo arrived at Manchester United from Brentford in July 2025 for €75 million. The Cameroonian star impressed during his five-year stint at Brentford, scoring 70 goals and registering 51 assists in 242 appearances.

United fans are hopeful the 25-year-old can replicate that form at Old Trafford under manager Ruben Amorim.

1. Nicolas Pepe – €80m

Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe remains Africa’s most expensive player following his €80 million move from Lille to Arsenal in 2019.

Unfortunately, Pepe struggled to live up to the price tag, contributing only 27 goals and 21 assists in 112 games before a loan to Nice and eventual permanent transfer to Turkey’s Trabzonspor.

The African Elite

This list highlights Africa’s growing impact on global football, with clubs willing to pay top dollar for talent from the continent.

Will Mbeumo prove to be value for money at Old Trafford? Only time will tell.

For the latest on African stars in Europe, visit The Star’s Football Section.