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Which national team is the most valuable in Africa?
With star power, history, and talent in abundance, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to be a thrilling showcase of Africa’s finest.
The tournament in Morocco promises to be a grand spectacle of football brilliance. With 24 nations qualified and Morocco hosting across six cities, the tournament will culminate in a thrilling final on January 18, 2026.
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Alongside the quest for glory, a fascinating storyline is the ranking of the most valuable squads, according to Transfermarkt's valuation, that have qualified for the tournament, showcasing the financial worth and talent depth of the continent’s finest football teams.
10. DR Congo — €91m
Ranked tenth, DR Congo features promising players like Burnley’s forward Jackson Muleka and Olympiacos striker Cedric Bakambu.
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Their squad, though not as star-studded as others, with an average market value of €1.88m, will be one of the dark horses in Morocco having reached the semifinal of the 2023 edition. Their most expensive asset remains Trabzonspor forward Simon Banza, who is worth €16m.
9. Burkina Faso — €106m
The 2013 AFCON finalists, Burkina Faso, are looking for another deep run, with players like Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara leading the charge.
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Valued at €10m, Ouattara is the Burkinabe’s third most expensive player, behind captain Bertrand Traore (€14m) and Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba (€30m).
8. Mali — €128m
Mali’s squad has a mix of youth and experience, highlighted by Diadie Samassekou of RB Leipzig and Southampton’s Moussa Djenepo leading their charge for glory in Morocco.
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With players capable of delivering game-changing moments, they remain strong contenders to surprise in Morocco, and with players like Yves Bissouma (€32m) and Cheick Doucoure (€32m), they could spring a surprise on the more heralded names in the draw.
7. Egypt — €130m
Mohamed Salah, valued at €55m, is arguably Africa’s greatest active footballer and headlines Egypt’s squad, which booked a place in the AFCON finals after topping Group C in the qualifiers.
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Salah remains Egypt’s most valuable player and is supported by rising star Omar Marmoush from Frankfurt, who is valued at €40m as the Pharaohs aim to reclaim their dominance of Africa in familiar territory next year.
6. Cameroon — €179m
The Indomitable Lions feature Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo as their most expensive player, with the winger valued at €40m.
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The Indomitable Lions will be eager to add to their five AFCON titles in Morocco and will have stars like Mbeumo, Manchester United’s Andre Onana, and Napoli’s Andre-Franck Zambo-Anguissa as the major drivers towards that goal.
5. Algeria — €180m
Riyad Mahrez of Al Ahli remains Algeria's key player, but he is far from their most valuable star as they prepare for the 2025 AFCON.
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That honour belongs to Wolves’ full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is valued at €35m, while Rennes star Amine Gouiri’s €25m also adds to the team’s overall valuation of €180m
4. Senegal — €231m
2021 AFCON champions Senegal remain among Africa’s elite, especially under the leadership of Sadio Mane, despite the Al Nassr star’s decreased value of €15m from €120m when the Teranga Lions became African Champions.
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Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson will undoubtedly be one of the Senegalese stars that fans will hope to see at the 2025 AFCON, but at €40m, he falls just short of Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr, who is the most valuable Teranga Lion, worth €45m.
3. Ivory Coast — €261m
Reigning champions Ivory Coast boast a talented squad featuring Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande (€40m) and Brighton’s Simon Adingra (€30m).
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The Elephants will have these two brimming talents to spearhead their title defence in Morocco, but will also be joined by veterans such as Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, and Nicolas Pepe, who all drive up the squad’s average to a massive €10.43m.
2. Nigeria — €333m
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are a force to reckon with. Boasting Victor Osimhen, the most valuable African player at €75m, it is no surprise that they are so high on the list of most valuable African teams.
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The Super Eagles are chock full of talent all over the pitch and can count on valuable stars like Victor Boniface (€45m) and 2024 CAF Player of the Year favourite Ademola Lookman (€40m) among the stars to help Nigeria add to their record 16 medals at the AFCON in 2025.
1. Morocco — €361m
As hosts and the most valuable squad, Morocco stands at the pinnacle of African football with a squad valued at €361m.
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PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, valued at €60m, is Africa’s second-most valuable player. He is joined in the squad by Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz (€40m), who finished as the top scorer during qualifiers, as well as Real Sociedad’s Nayef Aguerd (€35m) and Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui (€30m).
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