Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has emerged as the most valuable African footballer in the world, according to the latest data released by the CIES Football Observatory.
The 23-year-old Senegal international is now valued at €96.4 million, placing him at the summit of the continent’s footballing elite in financial terms.
Jackson’s rise to the top of the valuation list comes after a turbulent season at Stamford Bridge, where inconsistency and disciplinary issues threatened to overshadow his talent.
Despite spending time as a substitute, serving a suspension, and only logging 35 minutes over four matches leading up to the UEFA Conference League final, he made a decisive impact when it mattered most.
In the final against Real Betis, Jackson found the net to give Chelsea a crucial 2-1 advantage, a performance that significantly boosted his stock in the transfer market.
His match-winning contribution capped off a rollercoaster campaign and reinforced his potential in the eyes of scouts and analysts alike.
Trailing Jackson in the rankings is 21-year-old Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Cameroonian midfielder is currently valued at €78 million, underlining the Premier League’s growing influence on African footballers’ global valuations.
His teammate at Brighton, Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh, ranks fourth at €70 million, showcasing the club’s ability to attract and develop African talent.
Taking third spot is Egyptian attacker Omar Marmoush, whose January move to Manchester City for €75 million marked a significant milestone in his career.
While his market value has dipped slightly to €72.3 million in the months since the transfer, Marmoush still holds firm in the top three.
Rounding out the top five is Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite playing outside of the Premier League, Hakimi remains a prominent figure in the valuation charts with a price tag of €58.2 million.
The list, which highlights the most valuable African footballers currently active, is heavily dominated by Premier League players, further underscoring the league’s global pull and financial muscle.
Top five most valuable African footballers:
- Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) – €96.4 million
- Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion) – €78 million
- Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) – €72.3 million
- Yankuba Minteh (Brighton & Hove Albion) – €70 million
- Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) – €58.2 million
Jackson’s rise to the top is a personal milestone and a symbol of African football’s growing prominence on the world stage.
