How Much Do National Team Coaches Earn in Africa? A Full Breakdown

How Much Do National Team Coaches Earn in Africa? A Full Breakdown

The Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco has once again put African football in the global spotlight. And alongside the football itself, one question naturally arises: how much do national team coaches across Africa actually earn?

The figures are striking — especially when compared with the economic realities in many of these countries.

Algeria: Vladimir Petković at the Top

The highest-paid national team coach in Africa is Vladimir Petković, head coach of Algeria.
His monthly salary is reported at €135,000, comfortably topping the continent.

Petković brings elite-level experience, having coached Switzerland for years and previously managed Lazio. Algeria’s FA clearly decided to pay top money for proven pedigree.

Libya: Aliou Cissé, Big Salary, No AFCON

Second on the list is Aliou Cissé, currently in charge of Libya, earning around €76,000 per month.

The twist? Libya are not participating in the current Africa Cup of Nations. Cissé’s task is long-term — to qualify the team for the next AFCON. Local media have already reported delays in salary payments, making the situation even more curious.

South Africa: Hugo Broos

Belgian coach Hugo Broos earns approximately €75,000 per month with South Africa.

Broos previously led Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2017, and South Africa are clearly paying for tournament experience and authority — even if results remain inconsistent.

Ivory Coast: Emerse Faé

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé is also on €75,000 per month.

For a country with strong footballing tradition and high expectations, this salary reflects pressure as much as ambition — especially during AFCON on home soil or near-home conditions.

Morocco: Walid Regragui

Morocco’s success story comes with a price. Walid Regragui, who led the Atlas Lions to a historic World Cup semi-final, earns around €70,000 per month.

Given Morocco’s recent achievements, this figure looks fully justified and relatively modest compared to European standards.

DR Congo: Sébastien Desabre and the Starkest Contrast

French coach Sébastien Desabre earns €50,200 per month in DR Congo.

This number becomes shocking when placed in context: the average monthly salary in the country is roughly €40, and more than 85% of the population lives in extreme poverty.
An average Congolese worker would need over 104 years to earn what Desabre makes in a single month.

Sudan: James Kwesi Appiah

In Sudan, James Kwesi Appiah earns around €48,000 per month.

While average wages in Sudan are slightly higher than in DR Congo — a few hundred euros at best — the gap between everyday life and the coach’s salary remains enormous.

Ghana: Otto Addo

Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo earns approximately €45,300 per month.

For a nation where football expectations are always sky-high, this salary reflects both pressure and prestige — even as the country continues to search for consistency on the continental stage.

Egypt: Hossam Hassan

Legendary former striker Hossam Hassan earns around €30,000 per month as Egypt’s head coach.

Compared to other top African nations, Egypt’s coaching salary structure appears more restrained — though still far above the country’s average wage levels.

Gambia: Tom Saintfiet

Rounding out the top ten is Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, who earns about €20,000 per month in Gambia.

With average local wages ranging from €50 to €80 per month, the contrast is once again dramatic — even if Saintfiet’s salary is the lowest in the top ten.

The Bigger Picture

African football federations are willing to pay serious money for experience, reputation, and international credibility. National teams are more than just sporting projects — they are symbols of identity, politics, and global visibility.

Still, when placed next to the economic reality faced by millions of people, these salaries underline just how uneven football economics in Africa truly are.

Published by Patrick Jane
29.12.2025