Highest-paid Africans in Ligue 1: Super Eagles forward joins PSG, Marseille stars

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has been named among the highest-paid African players in Ligue 1, France’s top division, Afrik-Foot reports.

According to the latest salary figures for the 2025/2026 season compiled by L’Equipe as per SN, Simon earns around €200,000 per month at Paris FC. That places him ninth on the list of African earners in Ligue 1.

Simon’s journey to this point has not been straightforward. He began his career at the GBS Academy in Jos and had an early setback when he was not retained by AFC Ajax after a trial. Rather than return home, he chose a tougher path, moving to Slovakia to join AS Trenčín.

That decision proved important. He later moved to KAA Gent, where he won the league title and played in the Champions League. A difficult spell at Levante UD followed, but Simon rebuilt his career in France with FC Nantes.

At Nantes, he became a fan favourite and played a key role in their Coupe de France success in 2022. His consistent performances earned him improved contracts, and at one point he became the club’s highest-paid player.

In 2025, Simon made a big move to Paris FC for a reported €7 million fee. The transfer, described as part of an ‘ambitious project”, saw his salary rise significantly. He now reportedly earns €200,000 monthly, confirming his place among the league’s top earners.

Ligue 1: Hakimi leads as PSG, Marseille stars dominate

At the top of the list of African earners in Ligue 1 is Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan full-back earns between €1.1 million and €1.12 million per month, making him not only the highest-paid African in France but also one of the top earners in the entire league.

He is the only African player to cross the €1 million monthly mark, a reflection of his status as one of the best full-backs in world football.

Behind him is Geoffrey Kondogbia of Olympique de Marseille, who earns €450,000 per month. His strength and leadership in midfield have made him a key figure for the club.

Club teammate Nayef Aguerd follows with €400,000, while veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains among the top earners on €350,000.

Also on €350,000 is Sofiane Diop of OGC Nice, whose creativity has been vital for his side.

Further down the list, Hamed Junior Traoré earns €320,000 at Marseille, while Moussa Niakhaté takes home €300,000 at Olympique Lyonnais.

Ghana’s Ernest Nuamah is eighth with €250,000, and Elye Wahi rounds out the top ten with €200,000 at Nice, boosted by additional income from his parent club.

The highest-paid player overall in Ligue 1 remains PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé, who earns €1.5 million per month.