With an African club in Mamelodi Sundowns getting their first win at the FIFA Club World Cup, we take a look at the five most valuable African superstars playing at the competition.
Earlier this week, Ka Bo Yellow became not only the first side from the African continent to win a match at the tournament, but also the first to score a goal — a decisive strike from Iqraam Rayners.
Despite the Capetonian putting both his and the club’s name on the global stage, neither he nor any of his teammates are among the most valuable Africans at the tournament. The players who would command the highest transfer fees all ply their trade in European football, and topping the list is Achraf Hakimi.
The right-back has enjoyed a phenomenal season with Paris Saint-Germain, winning a treble with Les Parisiens, and has been an integral part of the team’s success. According to Transfermarkt, the Madrid-born star is valued at €80 million (R1.6 billion).
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PSG are considered favourites to win the global spectacle, but Hakimi is not the only North African full-back on the list. While the Moroccan is the most valuable, the fifth most valuable African player at the tournament is Manchester City’s latest signing, Algeria’s Rayan Aït-Nouri.
The 24-year-old has been a standout performer for Wolverhampton Wanderers in recent seasons but will now bring his quality to the Sky Blues. He is expected to come up against an African side in the group stages, as the Citizens have been drawn alongside Wydad Athletic Club in Group G. Aït-Nouri is valued at €35 million (R723 million).
