Apart from Lookman, Here are Other African Highfliers in Serie A

In our recently-published analysis of top African stars plying their craft in Europe’s major football leagues, Ademola Lookman took the cake with his massive financial worth. However, his taking the cake shouldn’t deprive fellow African footballers in the league of some slice, particularly as they have been pulling their weights.

In the world of football in Italy, Serie A stands out as one of the most prestigious and competitive leagues, boasting an array of top-notch talent that captures the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

For these Africans to still hold their own with their massive paychecks speaks to how good they are. The following players were selected as runners-up to Lookman’s €55 million worth.

First is the latter’s Atalanta teammate, Odilon Kossounou who is valued at €30 million followed by Napoli’s Frank Anguissa, valued at €27 million. Completing the top three is Evan Ndicka at €25 million. 

Odilon Kossounou (Ivory Coast/Atalanta)

Credit: Transfermarkt

Born on January 4, 2001, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Odilon Kossounou is steadily establishing himself as one of the top young defenders in Serie A. Kossounou began his professional career with Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas. He was just 15 when he was spotted at Gothenburg's Gothia Cup while representing ASEC Mimosas, his hometown academy. This was in 2019 when the European scouts proceeded to facilitate his move to Club Brugge in Belgium.

At Club Brugge, Kossounou’s development accelerated, showcasing his solid defensive skills, agility, and leadership at the back. He contributed immensely to the side winning back-to-back Belgian Pro League titles. With an imposing physical presence of 6’3” (191 cm), Kossounou has speed, great composure on the ball with an uncanny ability of reading the game. In 2021, Bayer Leverkusen secured his services, and he continued to impress in the Bundesliga before making the move to Serie A.

Although he can plays either as a centre-back or right-back, Kossounou prefers to play with right foot. His jersey number is 3. On the international stage, Kossounou has also represented Ivory Coast at various youth levels and is expected to become a fixture in the senior national team in the coming years. His potential has already been recognised by scouts and pundits alike, making him one of the most coveted African talents in European football.

Frank Anguissa (Cameroon/Napoli)

Midfielder Frank Anguissa debuted in a Serie A fixture for Napoli on September 11, 2021 as a starter versus Juventus aged 25 years and 299 days. The Cameroonian has played in every one of Napoli’s 23 Serie A matches in 2024/2025, starting in all 23. Born on November 16, 1995, the central and defensive midfielder plays the right foot. 

The last Serie A game that Anguissa played came on February 2 for Napoli against Roma; a meeting that he played 90 minutes in during a 1-1 draw. The midfielder has scored five Serie A goals this campaign. He has been shown three yellow cards.

It was versus Juventus on January 25 when Anguissa last scored, netting in a 2-1 win. His opening goal of the campaign came in the 2-1 victory against Parma on August 31. So far in his Serie A career, Anguissa has appeared 118 times in the competition, with eight goals and 12 assists.

Anguissa linked up with Napoli on loan in August 2021 from Fulham, for whom he made 61 league appearances in total, providing three assists. He moved to Napoli on a permanent basis in July 2022, and has since been excelling in both defensive duties and creative play.

Anguissa’s ability to control the midfield, break up opposition attacks, and deliver precise passes makes him indispensable for his club and country. His consistent performances in Serie A and on the international stage highlight his importance as one of Africa’s top footballing talents.

Evan Ndicka (Cote d’Ivoire/Roma)

Credit: Football-espana

Evan Ndicka was born on August 20, 1999, in Paris, France, to a Cameroonian father and an Ivorian mother. The left-footed footballer who plays as a centre-back had been a standout defender in the Bundesliga before making a highly anticipated move to Serie A in 2024. 

His imposing physical presence, standing at 6'4", allows him to dominate in aerial duels and impose himself in one-on-one defensive situations. Such a frame has helped him score half of his dozen career goals to date with his head. Ndicka’s ability to combine strength, speed, and composure under pressure has made him a standout figure in European football.

Ndicka's career began at French club AJ Auxerre, where he impressed with his mature and composed performances at a young age. His move to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018 marked the beginning of his rise to prominence. Throughout his tenure at Frankfurt, he earned a reputation as one of the most reliable central defenders in the Bundesliga, helping the club to notable successes, including winning the 2022 UEFA Europa League.

Ndicka's decision to join Serie A's top club, AS Roma, in 2024 further is a testament to his standing as one of the most exciting defenders in European football. On the international front, he represented France at various youth levels with his athleticism, technical ability, and composure placing him in good stead for the French national team.

However, despite being born and growing up in France before representing his birth country at every level from U16 up to U21, Ndicka recently pledged allegiance to the country of his origin, in this case the Cote d’Ivoire (rather than Cameroon).