Mamelodi Sundowns v Al Ahly

The date, venue and kick-off time have been confirmed for this weekend’s CAF Champions League between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly. Photo: Weam Mostafa/BackpagePix

Who are Africa’s RICHEST: The top five most valuable clubs

Here we look at the top five most valuable clubs in Africa based on the squads at their disposal.

Mamelodi Sundowns v Al Ahly

The date, venue and kick-off time have been confirmed for this weekend’s CAF Champions League between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly. Photo: Weam Mostafa/BackpagePix

The top five most valuable clubs in Africa.

African clubs are growing in stature on the global stage and with that has come an increase in the value of players plying their trade in Africa.

Here we look at the top five African clubs by the value of the squad at their disposal.

Figures given are estimates of player market value.

The top five most valuable clubs in Africa


5 Pyramids – Egypt – R302 million

The first of a trio of Egyptian giants on this list and the youngest club to crack the top five.

Pyramids were only founded in 2008 and spent much of their existence away from the top flight until 2018 when they received an injection of cash from new owner who also renamed the club which was formerly known as Al Assiouty Sport.

Despite the club’s spending, they are yet to win a major trophy in Egypt or on the continent although they have contested a Caf Confederation Cup final.


4 Orlando Pirates – South Africa – R303 million

Deon Hotto Orlando Pirates
Deon Hotto. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Part of the so-called big three in South Africa, Orlando Pirates are a club rich in history with domestic and continental success.

They have quietly assembled the fourth most valuable squad on the continent although it is yet to bear fruit in the form of silverware.

Bafana Bafana defender Thulani Hlatshwayo and Namibian winger Deon Hotto are the club’s joint most valuable players according to market value estimates.


3 Zamalek – Egypt – R361 million

Zamalek Most valuable clubs in Africa
Zamalek’s Achraf Bencharki (R) in action. Photo: EPA/KHALED ELFIQI

The reigning Egyptian Premier League champions have existed under several different names since 1911, but are now known all over the globe as Zamalek.

Arch-rivals of Ah-Ahly, the club have tasted tremendous success on the continent winning the Caf Champions League five times.

Zamalek’s prized asset right now is Morrocan winger Achraf Bencharki.


2 Mamelodi Sundowns – South Africa – R394 million

Peter Shalulile Africa
A huge part of Mamelodi Sundowns success in the 2021/22 DStv Premiership season has been thanks to star Namibian striker Peter Shalulile. Photo: Twitter @Masandawana

Record-breaking PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns have the second-most valuable squad on the continent.

Owned by the mega-rich Motsepe family, Sundowns have dominated South Africa’s top flight for the last five years.

Namibian striker Peter Shalulile is estimated to be their most valuable player.


1 Al Ahly – Egypt – R536 million

Percy Tau
Percy Tau has recovered his form at the business end of the CAF Champions League for Al Ahly. Image: @AlAhly / Twitter

The runaway leaders at the moment are Egypt’s Al Ahly who currently lay claim to being the continent’s top club.

With South African football guru Pitso Mosimane at the helm Al Ahly have reached new heights.

They have also been willing to splash cash on players and have the most expensive squad on the continent.