AFCON 2025
By Chima Azu
Serie A top scorer and Napoli’s legend Victor Osimhen has been recognized as the most valuable African footballer globally by International Centre for Sports Studies.
CIES is an independent, research and education organization located in Switzerland. They have a method of analysis which is used in rating and ranking these players. Their analysis takes into account the player’s age, position, goals, assist and number of appearances for their national team. Significantly, it also includes the length of time left on the player’s contract.
According to the esteemed CIES Football Observatory, Osimhen has secured a spot among the top 100 most valuable footballers worldwide and his also amongst the top 50.
The CIES report points out a comprehensive statistical model developed exclusively by them to compile the list for the most valuable players in the world. Osimhen who played a crucial role in attack by leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years was valued at €77.3 million; €7.3 million more than he was initially signed from Lille. This assessment places the 24-year-old talisman at the 40th position globally and he’s the highest ranked African player in the top 100.
Notably, Osimhen’s valuation surpasses that of Mohamed Salah, the illustrious Liverpool and Egypt superstar whose value stands at €61.2 million. The list also features two other Africans: Achraf Hakimi from Morocco valued at €53.7 million and Muhammed Kudus from Ghana valued at €53.5 million.
Erling Haaland tops the list as the most valuable player in the world at €245 million; the Manchester city striker was ranked ahead of Vinicius Junior and Arsenal’s winger Bukayo Saka in terms of their potential transfer valuations.
