Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah remain the two best-paid African footballers in 2026, according to the latest estimates from Forbes, despite the emergence of Yan Diomande and Achraf Hakimi’s status as a global star.

The pair are both included in Forbes’ list of the 10 highest-earning footballers in the world, with Mane ranked seventh and Salah 10th.

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the global standings with estimated annual earnings of $300m, while Lionel Messi is second on $145m. Kylian Mbappe follows on $100m, with Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior also among the leading earners.

Mane’s estimated income of $54m (£48m) puts him first among African players and seventh overall. The Senegal international, who is 34, continues to benefit from a lucrative contract with Al-Nassr, where he plays alongside Ronaldo.

The Saudi Arabian club won its first league title in seven years last season.

Most of Mane’s earnings come from his football salary. His commercial income is comparatively modest for a player of his profile, with sponsorships contributing $4m. He does, however, have a long-standing partnership with New Balance.

Salah is estimated to earn $40m (£35.6m), placing him second among African players and 10th in the worldwide ranking.

The Egypt international moved to a new stage in his career this summer by leaving Liverpool for Turkish club Trabzonspor. His two-year contract guarantees him about $19m a year, while he will also receive 20% royalties on merchandise sold by the club bearing his image.

Salah’s commercial appeal accounts for a significant share of his overall earnings. His agreements with Adidas, Pepsi and Vodafone generate income on a scale comparable with his football-related earnings.

The figures leave Mane $14m ahead of his former Liverpool team-mate and rival in the overall standings.

Both players are 34 and, despite their contrasting career paths in recent years, continue to set the financial benchmark for African footballers.