Mbeumo overtakes Osimhen as Africa’s most valuable player

Nigeria’s international striker Victor Osimhen has been displaced at the summit of African football valuations, with Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo rising to joint-first place alongside Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi in the latest market value rankings.

According to updated figures by Transfermarkt, Mbeumo’s valuation has surged to €80 million, matching Hakimi’s and pushing Osimhen down to joint-third place at €75 million, where he shares the position with Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo.

The latest rankings highlight a significant reshaping at the top of African football’s valuation ladder. Mbeumo’s ascent reflects his strong club performances and growing influence at Manchester United, cementing his status among Europe’s elite attackers.

By contrast, Osimhen’s valuation has remained unchanged since his transfer to Galatasaray in 2025, despite his continued goal-scoring exploits.

The Nigerian striker previously reached a career-high value of €120 million during his prolific spell at Napoli in June 2023, but now sits at €75 million — the same figure recorded at the time of his move to Turkey.

Despite the continental drop, Osimhen remains the most valuable player in Turkey’s Süper Lig and Galatasaray’s highest-valued asset, as well as Nigeria’s top-ranked player.

However, analysts note that multiple market factors have influenced his position, including age dynamics. At 27, Osimhen is the oldest player among Africa’s top 10 most valuable footballers — a detail that often affects long-term valuation compared to emerging younger talents.

Among those younger stars gaining ground are midfielder Carlos Baleba, 22, and winger Amad Diallo, 23.

READ ALSO: Galatasaray valuates Victor Osimhen at €150m amid interest from PSG, Juventus, others

Data from the valuation list shows a strong attacking bias, with six of the top 10 players operating primarily as forwards or wingers. These include Mbeumo, Semenyo, Egypt’s Omar Marmoush, Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus and Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye.

Hakimi stands as the only defender in the elite bracket, underscoring the premium placed on attacking talent in modern football markets.

Globally, Osimhen now ranks 41st overall and eighth among centre-forwards — a notable contrast to his previous standing among the world’s most highly valued players.

Transfermarkt’s Turkey area manager, Lara Karacan, emphasized that Osimhen’s valuation reflects more than just on-field output.

“Osimhen is a brand. He is not only a player, he is a figure in football,” Karacan said on the Market Values podcast, noting that his global appeal and commercial value continue to sustain his high ranking despite uncertainty over future transfers.

While Mbeumo’s meteoric rise marks a new chapter in African football’s financial hierarchy, Osimhen’s enduring reputation, scoring pedigree and global profile suggest the race for the continent’s most valuable player remains far from settled.