With Mohau Nkota recently making the move to Saudi Arabia, here are several other notable African players who have also joined clubs in the Middle East in 2025.
The Bafana Bafana winger signed a three-year deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, joining from Orlando Pirates after a great 2024/25 season with the club.
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Malian midfielder Amadou Kone, who is also eligible to represent the Ivory Coast, moved from French Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims to Neom in the Saudi Pro League.
Algerian left-winger Mohamed Benrahma also made a move to Neom, signing a permanent deal from Olympique Lyon after initially joining the Saudi outfit on loan.
Another African talent now based in the Middle East is Congolese striker Jackson Muleka. He completed a permanent switch to Al‑Kholood from the Turkish side Besiktas, following a loan spell with the Saudi club last season.
Ghanaian midfielder Michael Baidoo has joined Qatar Stars League club Umm Salal on a season-long loan from EFL League One side Plymouth Argyle.
Meanwhile, former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, of Malian descent, signed with Saudi club Neom in mid‑August on a free transfer.
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More so, Zambian winger Evans Kangwa also made a move to Saudi Arabia this year, joining FC Abha, once coached by Pitso Mosimane, after departing Chinese side QD Hainiu.
Lastly, Egyptian centre-back Ramy Rabia completed a free transfer to Al‑Ain in the United Arab Emirates Pro League in June. Al‑Ain notably participated in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
