Yan Diomande. Photo credit: 433

Real Madrid’s reported signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig has placed the Ivory Coast winger at the top of the list of Africa’s most expensive footballers in history.

The 19-year-old’s move to the Santiago Bernabéu is reportedly worth $144 million, making him the most expensive African player on the list and highlighting Real Madrid’s continued investment in young elite talent.

Diomande enjoyed a breakthrough season at RB Leipzig, where his performances attracted interest from several European giants before Real Madrid moved to secure his signature.

Former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pépé ranks second on the list following his $92 million transfer from Lille to the Premier League club. The Ivorian winger joined Arsenal after impressing in France and became one of the club’s most expensive signings at the time.

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

Manchester City have also been involved in several major deals, with Egypt international Omar Marmoush joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for $87 million and Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo arriving from Bournemouth for $83 million.

Manchester United’s signing of Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford also ranks among the biggest transfers, with the deal valued at $87 million as the Red Devils strengthened their attacking options.

Paris Saint-Germain’s acquisition of Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan was another significant deal, with the transfer valued at $78 million.

Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez’s move from Leicester City to Manchester City also appears on the list at $78 million, while Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus’ transfer from West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur was valued at $74 million.

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

As reported by Bleacher Report on X on Thursday, the following are the most expensive African players in football history:

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

Nicolas Pépé — Lille to Arsenal — $92m

Victor Osimhen — Lille to Napoli — $91m

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

Bryan Mbeumo — Brentford to Manchester United — $87m

Victor Osimhen — Napoli to Galatasaray — $87m

Antoine Semenyo — Bournemouth to Manchester City — $83m

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

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

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

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — $74m

The figures reflect the growing influence of African footballers in the global transfer market, with Europe’s biggest clubs increasingly investing heavily in players from the continent.