The wealthiest footballers in Africa didn't get to where they are by just playing the game; they earned their wealth by working hard and putting in long hours at the clubs they joined in Europe. These athletes put in extra training hours because they wanted to succeed and help their family escape poverty in Africa.
These athletes have excelled for their teams, taking home national championships as well as numerous individual honors. Some of these players went on to win the Champions League and establish themselves as household names for the European clubs they represented.
On that note, we have chosen to rank the top 10 richest African players and their net worth in 2023 using information and facts that are in the public domain.
Table of Contents
Who is The Current Richest African Footballer?
As of April 2023, Samuel Eto'o is the richest African footballer on the planet. The former Cameroon international is estimated to have a net worth of $95 million, making him the world's No. 1 richest African footballer.
As of my knowledge in 2023, the current richest African footballer is Samuel Eto'o. The Cameroonian striker, known for his successful career at clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, tops the list of the richest African footballers with an estimated net worth of over $100 million. Eto'o's impressive earnings and endorsement deals throughout his career have contributed to his significant financial wealth.
However, it is important to note that the financial status of individuals can change over time due to various factors, including investments, endorsements, and other business ventures. Therefore, the rankings of the richest African footballers can fluctuate.
Richest African Footballers And Their Net Worth
The African continent has produced some exceptional talent in the world of football, with players going on to achieve great success on the pitch and amass significant wealth off it. In this article, we'll delve into the lives and financial fortunes of the top 10 richest African footballers in the world, showcasing their remarkable achievements and financial prosperity.
1. Samuel Eto'o - $95 million
- Full name: Samuel Eto'o Fils
- Date of birth: 10th March 1981
- Net worth: $95 million
Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o tops the list with an estimated net worth of over $95 million. His successful career included playing for renowned clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, where he earned impressive salaries and won numerous titles. He also makes in the narrow ranking of Richest Footballers worldwide.
2. Didier Yves Drogba Tébily - $90 million
- Full name: Didier Yves Drogba Tébily
- Date of birth: 11th March 1978
- Nationality: Ivorian
- Teams: Chelsea, Marseille, Montreal Impact, and Galatasaray
- Net worth: $90 million
Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba follows closely, boasting an estimated net worth of around $90 million. Known for his prolific scoring ability, Drogba played for clubs like Chelsea and Galatasaray, accumulating substantial earnings and endorsement deals.
3. Mohamed Salah - $90 million
- Full name: Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly
- Date of birth: 15th June 1992
- Age: 30 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Nagrig, Egypt
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Team: Liverpool
- Net worth: $90 million
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has rapidly risen to prominence, with an estimated net worth of around $90 million. His impressive performances for clubs like Liverpool and endorsements with brands like Adidas have bolstered his financial standing.
4. Yaya Touré Gnégnéri - $70 million
- Full name: Gnégnéri Yaya Touré
- Date of birth: 13th May 1983
- Age: 39 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire
- Nationality: Ivorian
- Team: Manchester City F.C.
- Net worth: $70 million
Yaya Touré Gnégnéri started playing football with the ASEC Mimosas Youth Academy team in Cote d'Ivoire. He then relocated to Europe, where he played for Beveren in Belgium.
The Ivorian midfielder Yaya Touré has a net worth of approximately $70 million. Renowned for his athleticism and skill, he enjoyed successful spells at Barcelona and Manchester City, earning significant wages and endorsement contracts.
5. John Obi Mikel - $45 million
- Full name: Mikel John Obi
- Date of birth: 22nd April 1987
- Age: 35 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Jos, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Team: Lyn
- Net worth: $45 million
Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel has an estimated net worth of around $45 million. His lengthy spell at Chelsea, where he won numerous titles, alongside endorsement deals, has solidified his financial status.
6. Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor - $45 million
- Full name: Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor
- Date of birth: 26th February 1984
- Age: 38 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Lomé, Togo
- Nationality: Togolese
- Team: AC Semassi FC
- Net worth: $45 million
Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor rounds off the list with an estimated net worth of around $45 million. Adebayor's career involved stints at clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City, where he earned sizable contracts.
7. Michael Essien - $35 million
- Full name: Michael Kojo Essien
- Date of birth: 3rd December 1982
- Age: 40 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Accra, Ghana
- Nationality: Ghanaian
- Teams: Chelsea, Sabail, AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Persib Bandung
- Net worth: $35 million
Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien has a net worth of approximately $35 million. His successful career, most notably at Chelsea, as well as endorsement deals with companies like Adidas, have contributed to his wealth.
8. Sadio Mané - $25 million
- Full name: Sadio Mané
- Date of birth: 10th April 1992
- Nationality: Senegalese
- Team: Bayern Munich
- Net worth: $25 million
Senegalese winger Sadio Mané has a net worth of approximately $25 million. With his talent and contributions to clubs like Liverpool and endorsements with companies like New Balance, Mané has secured significant financial success.
9. Kolo Abib Touré - $10.5 million
- Full name: Kolo Abib Touré
- Date of birth: 19th March 1981
- Age: 41 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire
- Nationality: Ivorian
- Teams: Manchester, Liverpool, Celctic, and Arsenal
- Net worth: $10.5 million
One of the wealthiest African footballers in 2023 is Kolo Abib Touré. The $10.5 million net worth of Kolo Abib Touré is extremely remarkable. The former athlete was a defender for the national teams of Ivory Coast, Manchester City, Arsenal, Celtic, and Liverpool.
He joined Arsenal in the Premier League in the beginning of 2002. Up until 2009, when he joined Manchester City, he was an Arsenal player. In May 2013, he signed with Liverpool. He retired in September 2017 and is currently coaching the Celtics.
10. Nwankwo Kanu - $9 million
- Full name: Nwankwo Kanu
- Date of birth: 1st August 1976
- Age: 46 years (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Owerri, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Teams: Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Dutch side Ajax, Inter Milan of Italy, Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth
- Net worth: $9 million
Nwankwo Kanu began working at Iwuanyanwu Nationale in 1992. In 1993, he began competing for the home nation's national team. He was acquired by Dutch Eredivisie AFC Ajax in the same year.
He was a player for West Bromwich Albion from 2004 to 2006 and Arsenal from 1999 to 2004. In 2012, he retired from playing football at Portsmouth. The total value of Nwankwo Kanu's assets is $9 million.
Final Thoughts: Richest African Footballers And Their Net Worth
The African continent has produced exceptional talent in the sport of football, and the top 10 richest African footballers exemplify both their athletic prowess and financial success. Through their skill on the pitch, dedication, and endorsement deals, these players have carved out significant wealth, representing the growing prominence of African football on the global stage.
It's important to note that these net worth figures are estimates and may vary over time due to factors such as contract details, endorsements, and investments.
Football provides a platform not only for athletic achievement but also financial empowerment. These players' stories serve as inspiration to aspiring African footballers, highlighting the potential for success both on and off the pitch.
[Note: The net worth figures mentioned are based on available estimates and are subject to change.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current richest African footballer?
As of April 2023, Samuel Eto'o is the richest African footballer on the planet. The former Cameroon international is estimated to have a net worth of $95 million, making him the world's No. 1 richest African footballer.
Who is the top 10 richest footballer?
Faiq Bolkiah. Net Worth: USD 20 billion. ... Lionel Messi. Net Worth: USD 600 million. ... Cristiano Ronaldo. Net Worth: USD 490 million. ... David Beckham. Net Worth: USD 450 million. ... Dave Whelan. Net Worth: USD 220 million. ... Neymar Jr. Net Worth: USD 200 million. ... Zlatan Ibrahimovic. ... Wayne Rooney.
Who is richest football in Africa?
The wealthiest African footballer is Samuel Eto'o Fils. He is worth $95 million as of 2023.