Libyan clubs have emerged as the biggest spenders in African football, with all five of the continent’s highest-paid players currently featuring in the Libyan top flight.
The list is headlined by DR Congo striker Fiston Mayele, whose reported deal with Al Ahli Tripoli has placed him among the highest earners in African football.
1. Fiston Mayele — $5 million per year
Club: Al Ahli Tripoli
The Congolese forward reportedly earns around $5 million annually after joining Al Ahli Tripoli following a successful spell with Egyptian giants Pyramids FC. Mayele arrives in Libya with a strong reputation, having won major continental honours and established himself as one of Africa’s most dangerous strikers.
2. Kwasi Sibo — $5 million per year
Club: Al-Swehly
Ghanaian midfielder Kwasi Sibo is reportedly among the highest-paid players on the continent after making a move to Al-Swehly. The former Watford and Real Oviedo player has built his career across Europe before securing a lucrative move to Libya.
3. Mohamed Tougai — $3.7 million per year
Club: Al Ahli Tripoli
Algerian defender Mohamed Tougai is another major name benefiting from Libya’s financial rise in football. His reported salary places him among the continent’s top earners.
4. Jean Claude Girumugisha — $2.4 million per year
Club: Al Ahli Tripoli
Burundian attacker Jean Claude Girumugisha completes Al Ahli Tripoli’s dominance of the rankings, with the club reportedly offering some of the biggest contracts in African football.
5. Lameck Banda — $1.85 million per year
Club: Al-Swehly
Zambian winger Lameck Banda rounds out the top five after joining the Libyan side, further highlighting the country’s growing ability to attract established African talents.
Libya’s New Financial Power
The figures underline Libya’s growing ambition to compete financially with some of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses. Clubs such as Al Ahli Tripoli and Al-Swehly are now offering salaries that rival those seen in bigger African leagues, attracting international stars to the Libyan Premier League.
