Sadio Mane is on DOUBLE what his former Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah earns while Riyad Mahrez is paid eye-watering sums of money - but who is the highest paid African footballer at AFCON 2024?

The AFCON has so far wowed football fans across the world with its thrilling storylines.

As we now enter into the knockout stages, there has been high drama with heavy favourites Senegal getting knocked out last night by hosts Ivory Coast.

One thing for sure has been the level of talent on show, with a host of top names including Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Salah.

But, with the advent of the Saudi Pro League and huge big money contracts on offer to Africa's best footballing stars - the money is certainly staggering.

From Saudi stars Mahrez, Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly earning huge amount of money - who are the highest paid African footballers at AFCON 2024?

Sadio Mane's wage is more than double what his former teammate Salah is on right now

Using data from Capology, experts at bettors.co.za have found out which African player is the highest paid at this year's tournament.

Analysing salaries, contracts and club financial accounts, it was revealed that former Manchester City winger Mahrez was the highest earner, taking in £860,000-a-week.

He is closely followed by former Reds winger Sadio Mane, who earns £657,000-a-week.

Interestingly, both players have now been knocked out of the tournament following Senegal's loss yesterday.

In at third is former Chelsea defender Koulibaly who earns £570,000-a-week and is also watching the tournament from the sidelines.

The fifth highest earner, and most paid player left in the tournament, is Ivory Coast's Seko Fofana who earns £250,000-a-week.

Below these players is PSG defender Achraf Hakimi (£240,000), Franck Kessie (£230,000), Victor Osimhen (£211,000), Inaki Williams (£187,000), Edouard Mendy (£181,000). 

According to Capology, Senegal were the highest earning team at the tournament prior to their elimination yesterday.

Ivory Coast are now the highest earning country at the tournament.

The remaining 20 highest paid AFCON stars include former West Ham striker Sebastien Haller, who is on £181,000, Noussair Mazraoui (£131,400), Ismael Bennacer (£115,640) and Andre Onana (£102,500).

Below them is former Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech (£98,231), Samuel Chukwueze (£84,270), Edmond Tapsoba (£82,100), Mohammed Kudus (£76,870), Ramy Bensebaini (£73,900) and Ismaila Sarr (£69,810).