Yan Diomande becomes Africa's most expensive player in Real Madrid move

Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande has set a new record as Africa's most expensive footballer following his €125 million transfer to Real Madrid.

Yan Diomande has become the most expensive African footballer in history following his transfer from RB Leipzig to Real Madrid. The Ivory Coast winger signed a seven-year contract with the Spanish club for an initial fee of €125 million. With potential add-ons worth up to €15 million, the total package could reach €140 million, making him Real Madrid's most expensive signing ever.

This move breaks the previous continental record held by Nicolas Pépé, who moved from Lille to Arsenal in 2019 for approximately €80 million. Diomande's transfer also surpasses the €80 million valuation of Bryan Mbeumo's summer 2025 move from Brentford to Manchester United.

Victor Osimhen appears twice in the top ten most expensive African transfers. His permanent move to Galatasaray cost €75 million, marking a record for Turkish football. Previously, the Nigerian striker moved from Napoli for a value of roughly €71 million, a deal that helped the club secure a Serie A title.

Other players in the top ten include Omar Marmoush, whose move to Manchester City could reach €75 million, and Mohammed Kudus, who joined Tottenham for around €63 million in 2025. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal and Riyad Mahrez's 2018 move to Manchester City also feature. Achraf Hakimi completes the list following his transfer from Inter Milan to Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite his high-profile move from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid, Ademola Lookman did not enter the top ten. The Nigerian forward's deal is worth €35 million, which could rise to €40 million with add-ons, leaving him short of the required figures for the list.