Mohau Nkota: 10 African players thriving in the Saudi Pro League

South African winger Mohau Nkota has finalized his transfer from Orlando Pirates to a Saudi Pro League club, joining a rising wave of African players reshaping the Gulf’s football identity. The 20-year-old prodigy, who broke into the Pirates’ first team just a season ago, becomes part of a growing list of African footballers opting for Saudi Arabia’s increasingly competitive and financially rewarding league.

With Nkota’s arrival, the Saudi Pro League continues to boost its African footprint. From global superstars to emerging gems, here are 10 African players lighting up the Saudi Pro League, including what they earn and why their moves matter.

1. Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Al Nassr

Transfer Fee: €30 million from Bayern Munich
Reported Salary: €40 million/year
A household name in world football, Sadio Mané’s 2023 move to Al Nassr marked a new era. Joining forces with Cristiano Ronaldo, he brought goals, leadership, and continental flair to one of Saudi’s most ambitious clubs.

2. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – Al Ahli

Transfer Fee: €35 million from Manchester City
Reported Salary: €30 million/year
The Algerian winger, known for his silky footwork and playmaking vision, brought Premier League pedigree to Al Ahli. His presence has driven fan engagement and bolstered the club’s attacking threat.

3. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal) – Al Hilal

Transfer Fee: €23 million from Chelsea
Reported Salary: €30 million over 4 years
A rock-solid defender, Koulibaly brought calm and experience to Al Hilal’s backline. His move symbolized how elite African defenders are now a priority for Gulf clubs.

4. Edouard Mendy (Senegal) – Al Ahli

Transfer Fee: €18.5 million from Chelsea
Reported Salary: €10 million/year
A Champions League-winning goalkeeper, Mendy offers reliability and shot-stopping excellence, helping solidify Al Ahli’s push for silverware.

5. Franck Kessié (Ivory Coast) – Al Ahli

Transfer Fee: €12.5 million from Barcelona
Reported Salary: €15 million/year
Kessié’s box-to-box dynamism and tactical discipline have been central to Al Ahli’s midfield strength, proving that even La Liga starters are keen to move east.

6. Mohamed Fofana (Mali) – Al Hazem

Transfer Fee: Undisclosed (estimated €2–3 million)
Reported Salary: Not disclosed
Still developing, Fofana is one of the league’s promising midfielders. His arrival underscores the Saudi clubs’ commitment to scouting long-term African talent.

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7. Habib Diallo (Senegal) – Al Shabab

Transfer Fee: €18 million from Strasbourg
Reported Salary: €12 million/year
Diallo’s goalscoring instinct has made him a key figure at Al Shabab. With pace and power, he continues to thrive in a league known for physicality and flair.

8. Toko Ekambi (Cameroon) – Abha Club

Transfer Fee: Free transfer from Lyon
Reported Salary: €5 million/year
The Cameroonian forward was signed on a free but negotiated a high-end contract, bringing experience and attacking versatility to Abha’s squad.

9. Yassine Bounou (Morocco) – Al Hilal

Transfer Fee: €21 million from Sevilla
Reported Salary: €12 million/year
Morocco’s World Cup hero added class and composure to Al Hilal’s defense. His signing showed Saudi clubs are no longer just investing in outfield stars.

10. Mohau Nkota (South Africa) – Al-Ettifaq FC

Transfer Fee: Estimated €500,000–€1 million from Orlando Pirates
Reported Salary: Not disclosed
Nkota’s move is smaller in scale but big in significance. As the youngest on this list, the 20-year-old’s Saudi switch highlights how Gulf teams are betting on African youth, not just finished products.

Nkota’s 2024/25 season with Orlando Pirates was a breakout campaign, where he scored and assisted in league and continental matches. His flair, speed, and direct style made him a transfer target abroad, and his move is seen as a gateway to even bigger opportunities.

Why the Saudi Pro League Appeals to African Stars

1. Competitive Salaries: Most African stars in the league earn between €5–€40 million annually, amounts rarely matched outside Europe’s elite clubs.
2.  Cultural Fit & Climate: The environment is familiar, and many players cite the lifestyle and warm climate as advantages.
3. Global Visibility: With increased media deals and continental tournaments, the Saudi Pro League is no longer a footballing backwater.
4. Short-Term Contracts, Long-Term Growth: Many African players use the league as a stepping stone toward higher market value or leadership roles back home.

A New Frontier for African Excellence

From Senegal’s seasoned warriors to South Africa’s rising gems, African players are flourishing in the Saudi Pro League. As Gulf football evolves, the continent’s influence grows deeper, richer, and more dominant.

Mohau Nkota may be the latest to arrive, but he surely won’t be the last. With talent pipelines now reaching Johannesburg, Dakar, Abidjan, and beyond, expect even more African brilliance in the seasons to come.