Many African players picked from domestic African leagues have gone on to sign for some of the biggest football clubs in Europe. No doubt, the African continent is blessed with a plethora of talents in different fields and sectors. Africa has produced some of the greatest soccer players, with some of them leaving great legacies on the pitch and accumulating millions of dollars from their skills.
Football is a profitable career and many African footballers in local and international leagues have made sustainable wealth from their football career, alongside other streams of income such as endorsement deals, advertising, investments, business ventures, and coaching.
Who is the richest African footballer of all time? We are about to find out. This article features a list of the richest footballers in Africa. This post is a compilation of soccer stars, including those currently playing and those who have retired.
Richest Football Players in Africa of All Time
Here are the richest African soccer players of all time:
1. Samuel Eto’o ($95 Million)
Samuel Eto’o’s estimated net worth of $95 million makes him the richest African footballer ever. The Cameroonian is considered one of the best strikers of his generation as he received several individual and team awards. He won the African Footballer of the Year award four times, which is an astonishing feat. He also won several honors with his team, including the UEFA Champions League trophy.
In 2004, he joined the Spanish giant FC Barcelona for 24 million Euros. There, he played with big names like Lionel Messi, Deco, Ronaldinho, Iniesta, etc. His goalscoring ability contributed to the team’s success.
Despite retiring from professional football, Samuel Eto’o still makes money from his investment in other businesses such as real estate. As the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Eto’o is known to motivate several players. he serves as a role model to several young players looking to make a mark in football. Away from the field, Samuel Eto’o is known for philanthropic acts.
2. Didier Drogba ($90 Million)
Didier Yves Drogba Tébily was born in 1978 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The Ivorian started his professional football career in France before moving to England in 2004 to join Chelsea FC, where he won several honors.
Drogba earns over $15 million annually. Although he is retired now, he continues to make significant income for himself – thanks to his massive influence and popularity.
Drogba is widely known for his time at Chelsea, where he won four FA Cups, four English Premier League trophies, and remarkably, the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2012, where he scored the equalizer and converted the winning penalty.
Drogba will be remembered as a Chelsea legend alongside John Terry, Frank Lampard, Petr Cech, and Eden Hazard. During his stint at the club, the striker scored more goals than any foreign player and is the 4th highest goalscorer in the club’s history.
Drogba has a net worth of around $90 million (USD), which makes him one of the richest African players.
3. Mohammed Salah ($90 Million)
Mohammed Salah is an Egyptian footballer revered as Pharoah or the King of Egypt. He currently plays with the English side of Liverpool and also captains the Egypt national football team.
Mo Salah is known for his impressive playing skills, accurate shots, pace, dribbling, and scoring ability. He is one of the most consistent Liverpool players.
The forward has won multiple individual and team awards, including consecutive African Footballer of The Year Awards in 2017 and 2018, the FWA Footballer of the Year Award, and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. Also, Salah has won the Premier League Golden Boot award two times after finishing the season as the league’s top scorer.
Mohamed Salah’s net worth is estimated to be around $90 million. Making a switch to the Saudi Pro League could potentially make him the richest African footballer.
4. Yaya Toure ($70 Million)
Yaya Touré Gnégnéri is a retired Ivorian footballer who played as a midfielder. He started his career at the ASEC Mimosas Youth Academy back in his home country. Afterward, he moved to Europe, where he played for Belgium side KSK Beveren.
Touré’s outstanding skill and talent were clear for all to see and this made him a target of top European clubs. Aside from playing for KSK Beveren, Yaya Touré has gone on to play for bigger football clubs such as Metalurh and Olympiacos.
However, the highlight of his career began when he joined FC Barcelona and Manchester City, where he played a key role and won several titles.
Yaya Touré is one of the greatest African footballers of all time. He won the African Footballer of the Year Award four times in a row in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Yaya Toure also has a younger brother named Kolo Toure, whom he played with. His successful career brought him fame and wealth. Yaya Touré has a net worth of $70 million
5. Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang ($50 Million)
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is a Gabonese player who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah. Aubameyang has played for several big names, including Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Marseille, and Barcelona. He is known for his pace, dribbling, and finishing ability.
Aubameyang has an estimated net worth of $50 million, making him one of the richest African footballers. Aside from his mammoth salary, he has been the face of several brands and has made money from endorsement.
6. John Obi Mikel ($45 Million)
Nigerian international, John Obi Mikel is a former professional footballer who played for the likes of Lyn, Chelsea, Tianjin TEDA, Middlesbrough, Trabzonspor, and Stoke City.
The talented and versatile footballer began at the Pepsi Football Academy at the tender age of 12 but started a career at Plateau United. He was picked to represent Nigeria at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Finland, where he finished second best, just behind Lionel Messi.
Mikel’s talent endeared him to several top European clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, who were vying for his signature. In 2005, he signed a contract and committed his future to Chelsea.
Mikel’s time at Chelsea is considered a success. He was an important part of the club and was used by several managers who came in and out of the club. He won Chelsea’s Best Young Player Award in 2007 and 2008 respectively and played in key role in the titles they won.
The midfielder also won the AFCON title in 2013 with the Nigerian national team under the Late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. Mikel has won several national and international titles as a player, including the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, African Cup of Nations, and others.
The retired football star is still influential in the game of sports. He has a podcast named Obi One Podcast, where he shares his views about several topics in football. As of 2024, Mikel has a net worth of $45 million.
7. Emmanuel Adebayor ($45 Million)
Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor has a remarkable football career after playing for the likes of AS Monaco, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Real Madrid.
The Togolese star, who played as a striker, began his career in his home country before moving to Europe in pursuit of greener pastures. He played for Ligue 1 side As Monaco between 2003 and 2006 and drew attention thanks to his scoring abilities.
In 2006, Adebayor joined Arsenal, where he became a threat in the English Premier League. After three years, he switched to fellow Premier League side, Manchester City, who were backed by powerful funding from Abu Dhabi.
In 2012, he joined Tottenham Hotspur. Despite switching multiple clubs, he continued to show his potential as an impressive forward.
Emmanuel Adebayor was an influential figure in the Togo national team, which he captained. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $45 million.
8. Michael Essien ($35 Million)
Michael Essien is a solid midfielder known for his physicality in the heart of the pitch. The ex-Chelsea star completed his education at St. Augustine’s College and thereafter joined a local football club.
In 2000, he left for Europe in pursuit of a new challenge. He joined French side Bastia and his achievements at the club attracted bigger clubs. In 2005, he was given the Player of the Year Award by the Ligue de Football Professionnel.
Eventually, he moved to Lyon, which marked the peak of his career. Most remarkably, he enjoyed a stint with Chelsea.
Michael Essien’s outstanding career record and impact have made him one of the richest footballers in Africa.
9. Asamoah Gyan ($30 Million)
Ghanaian legend Asamoah Gyan left an indelible mark in African football. He played for several clubs, including Sunderland, Udinese, SH SIPG, Al-Ain, Stade Rennais, Modena, and NorthEast United FC.
Gyan was a former captain of the Ghana football team, which he represented at three consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments in 2006, 2010, and 2014. Gyan created an impression on the global stage as he scored crucial goals at the tournament.
Asamoah Gyan played for several clubs in many countries, most especially in China, where he received a hefty paycheck. His net worth is estimated to be around $30 million.
10. Odion Ighalo ($28 million)
Odion Jude Ighalo is a Nigerian striker known for his goal contributions in key moments. He started his career in Nigeria with local sides Prime and Julius Berger and in 2007, he joined Norwegian side Lyn.
Odion Ighalo has played for several football clubs across Africa, Asia, and Europe, where he enjoyed significant success. He also played in the colors of Watford and Manchester United in the Premier League.
Odion Ighalo was influential in the Nigerian national team, where he represented the team at different levels. Also, he served as a mentor to several young and growing players in the team.
Odion Ighalo is one of the richest footballers in Africa. He commands several businesses and investments in and out of Africa. Ighalo’s net worth is estimated to be $28 million.
Conclusion
There you have it! This list features the richest African footballers of all time. Some of these players have tasted success by winning international laurels as well as individual honors, and are famous all over the world.
If you are aiming to become a footballer, perhaps, this article can motivate you not to lose hope in your dream. With the right mentality, support, and discipline, you can make a name for yourself in the world of sports.
Advertisements