Join us as we delve into the top 10 richest footballers in Africa, exploring their accomplishments, influence, and the substantial wealth they have amassed through their dedication to the beautiful game.
10. Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)
Former Ghanaian Black Stars superstar and captain, Asamoah Gyan, launched his football career with Liberty Professionals. In just 16 games for the Ghana Premier League team beginning in 2003, Gyan scored 10 goals. The striker has represented various prestigious international football clubs including Udinese, Rennes, Al Ain, and Shanghai SIPG, and is currently placed as a striker for Kayserispor. Gyan was transferred to Sunderland AFC for the second-highest sum paid, amounting to 13 million pounds – a fact that might come as a surprise to many. His estimated net worth is pegged at $31 million.
9. Michael Essien (Ghana)
The midfielder has played for an array of teams, including French teams Bastia and Lyon, Chelsea in the English Premier League, Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga, AC Milan of the Italian Serie A, among others. He currently represents Sabail FK, a football team based in Baku, Azerbaijan. Michael Essien’s personal life made headlines when rumors circulated about his wife, Akosua Puni Essien, allegedly leaving their marital home over a fling with Princess Shyngle. However, Essien’s financial standing remains solid with a net worth estimated by Celebrity Net Worth to be at $35 million.
8. Édouard Mendy (Senegal)
Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy is known for his performances both for the Senegal National Team and the esteemed Premier League club Chelsea. Mendy began his professional career in France, initially playing in the Le Havre Academy, then moving to Cherbourg in 2011. Born on March 1, 1992, in Montivilliers, France, Mendy has dual French and Senegalese nationality. Towering at six feet six inches, he has fast become one of the most reliable goalkeepers in football. Despite only being 31 years old, his net worth is already estimated at $40 million.
7. John Obi Mikel (Nigeria)
If the ranking was for the top Nigerian football players specifically, John Obi Mikel would be near the top. However, in this listing of richest African footballers, he occupies the seventh spot. Mikel’s football prowess became apparent at age 16 when he played for the Nigerian club Plateau United. This led to his representation of Nigeria’s under-17 team and set the stage for an illustrious career. He later joined Chelsea FC and played for clubs like Lyn Oslo and Tianjin TEDA. As the captain of the Super Eagles, Obi’s net worth of $45 million places him as the seventh richest football player in Africa.
6. Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)
Emmanuel Adebayor journeyed through several prestigious clubs in England, commanding considerable contracts, and thus became one of the wealthiest footballers in Africa. Born in Lomé in February 1984, Adebayor played for Metz, Monaco, Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Real Madrid, among others. He spent his earlier years at OC Agaza and Metz. He’s not only celebrated for his career achievements, including being named African Footballer of the Year in 2008, but also for his philanthropic efforts. Adebayor has instigated several projects back in Togo and across Africa and founded the SEA Foundation, which undertakes various welfare activities. His net worth is estimated at $45 million.
5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
The prolific striker from Gabon, Pierre-Emerick Emiliano François Aubameyang is known for impeccable off-the-ball movements, speed, and finishing strength. Born on June 18, 1989, in Laval, France, he is currently a key player for La Liga’s Barcelona and captains the Gabon national team. He is the son of former Gabonese international Pierre Aubameyang and Margarita Crespo Aubameyang. At 33 years old, standing six feet two inches tall, Aubameyang has a youthful charisma that echoes on the pitch. He is married to Alysha Behague Aubameyang, with whom he has a son named Curtis. Forbes lists his net worth at a formidable $50 million.
4. Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast)
The esteemed Ivorian player, Yaya Touré, began his football journey with the ASEK Mimosas youth academy back in Côte d’Ivoire. Touré’s contributions to football extend beyond his role as a player; he has also captained and led the Ivory Coast National Team and most recently played midfielder for Olympiacos in the Super League Greece. As of now, the 36-year-old is without a club but far from retiring. He expects to have at least two more years in his playing career. Touré is not only recognized for his time with Manchester City but also for his familial ties as the brother of Kolo Touré, an assistant manager at Leicester City. Yaya Touré’s notable net worth of $70 million positions him comfortably as the fourth richest football player in Africa, with reported annual earnings upwards of $50 million.
3. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
A forward for Premier League club Liverpool, Mohamed Salah Ahmed Mahrous Ghaly, also the captain of Egypt’s national team, is renowned for his finishing, dribbling, and speed, and is regarded as one of the best players in the world. Salah, born on June 15, 1992, in Nagrig, Egypt, wed his wife, Magi Sadek, in 2013, and they have two children, Kayan Mohamed Salah and Makka Mohamed Salah. Celebrity Net Worth estimates Mohamed Salah’s net worth to be around $90 million.
2. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
Ivorian veteran Didier Drogba, who became a star playing for Chelsea in the English Premier League, was once one of the highest-paid footballers in the world, with earnings that soared to $325,000 per week during his stint with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua. Known for his striking ability and his penchant for scoring in big matches, Drogba captained the Ivory Coast national team. Now retired, Drogba’s successful career and various endorsements have left him with a net worth estimated at $90 million.
1. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
Topping the list as the richest footballer in Africa, Samuel Eto’o, now retired, continues to make an impact as the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation. Eto’o, who played as a striker for clubs like Barcelona and Inter Milan, was considered one of the best in the world during his prime. Among Eto’o’s accolades are the FIFA World Player of the Year third place in 2005, African Player of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010, and the Golden Foot in 2015. His time with Russian club FC Anzhi Makhachkala brought in an annual salary of $26 million. His net worth, buoyed by endorsements worth $3 million, is estimated to be around $95 million.
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