Michael Olunga has risen from humble beginnings to become Kenya’s highest-earning footballer, securing lucrative contracts across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Harambee Stars captain and Al-Duhail striker Michael Olunga has experienced a remarkable rise in his football career, significantly increasing his earnings over the years.
Olunga’s career has seen him travel across multiple continents, playing in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Each move not only improved his technical skills but also had a direct impact on his salary. His financial growth has been as impressive as his footballing ability, transitioning from modest wages in Sweden to multi-million-dollar contracts in Qatar.
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Despite challenges such as adapting to new playing styles and proving himself in different leagues, he has consistently delivered outstanding performances.
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His rise in earnings is closely linked to his on-field success. Whether it was his record-breaking hat-trick in La Liga, his dominance in the J-League, or his current status as a key player for Al-Duhail, Olunga has continually raised his value.
Today, he stands as Kenya’s highest-earning footballer, with an annual salary of nearly $2 million, a far cry from his early earnings in Sweden.
Pulse Sports looks at how Olunga’s wages have evolved throughout his career.
Djurgårdens IF: Estimated Annual Salary of $150,000 – $300,000
In February 2016, Olunga signed a four-year contract with Swedish side Djurgårdens IF after a successful trial period. Transitioning from Gor Mahia in Kenya to the Allsvenskan league marked a significant step in his career.
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While specific salary details are undisclosed, top players in Sweden’s Allsvenskan during that period earned between $300,000 and $500,000 annually. Given Olunga’s rising status, it’s reasonable to estimate his annual salary at Djurgårdens IF to be around $150,000 to $300,000.
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Michael Olunga celebrates a crucial goal for Djurgårdens IF, marking his breakthrough season in European football.
During his tenure, Olunga quickly adapted to European football, scoring his first goals for Djurgården in August 2016 against IFK Göteborg, leading to a 3–1 victory.
His impressive performance, including a brace, earned him the Man of the Match accolade and praise from coach Mark Dempsey. Olunga’s ability to find the net consistently, with 12 goals in the last 12 games of the season, showcased his potential and attracted attention from larger European clubs.
His success in Sweden not only boosted his market value but also set the stage for more lucrative opportunities, reflecting his growing reputation in international football circles.
Guizhou Zhicheng: Estimated annual salary of $1.8 million
In 2017, Olunga made a significant move to Chinese club Guizhou Zhicheng. Although exact figures are not publicly available, reports suggest that his monthly salary was around KSh 12 million, translating to approximately $1.8 million annually.
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Olunga in action for Guizhou Zhicheng, where he secured a lucrative move to the Chinese Super League in 2017.© CGTN
This move to the Chinese Super League represented a substantial financial upgrade, aligning with the league’s reputation for offering lucrative contracts to attract international talent. However, despite the financial benefits, Olunga faced challenges in securing regular playing time, which impacted his on-field contributions.
Seeking more competitive play and visibility, Olunga was loaned to La Liga side Girona FC in September 2017. This strategic move aimed to enhance his experience in one of Europe’s top leagues, providing a platform to showcase his skills on a larger stage.
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Girona FC (Loan): Estimated annual salary of $1.5 Million
During his loan spell at Girona FC in the 2017–2018 season, Olunga continued to command a substantial salary, with estimates suggesting he earned around $1.5 million per year.
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History maker! Michael Olunga scores a hat-trick for Girona FC, becoming the first Kenyan to achieve the feat in La Liga.
Olunga made history by becoming the first Kenyan player to score a hat-trick in La Liga during Girona’s 6–0 victory over Las Palmas in January 2018. This remarkable achievement not only highlighted his goal-scoring prowess but also increased his visibility in European football.
Despite this historic performance, Olunga’s time in La Liga was marked by limited appearances, prompting him to seek opportunities where he could secure more consistent playing time and further develop his career.
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Kashiwa Reysol: Estimated annual salary of $1.8 million
In August 2018, Olunga joined Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol, where his annual salary was estimated to be around $1.8 million.
Olunga’s tenure in Japan was prolific; he scored 27 league goals in the 2019 season, leading Kashiwa Reysol to win the J2 League and secure promotion to the top tier. His exceptional performance included an eight-goal haul in a single match against Kyoto Sanga in November 2019.
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Olunga dominates the J-League, winning the Golden Boot and MVP award after an outstanding goal-scoring season for Kashiwa Reysol.
In the 2020 season, Olunga continued his impressive form, finishing as the top scorer in the J1 League with 28 goals. His contributions earned him the Golden Boot and the J-League MVP award, making him the first African player to receive this honor.
Al-Duhail SC: Estimated annual salary of $1.95 million
In January 2021, Olunga transferred to Qatari club Al-Duhail SC on a three-season contract, with his annual salary estimated at approximately $1.95 million.
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Olunga lifted the Qatar Stars League trophy with Al-Duhail, cementing his status as one of Africa’s highest-paid footballers
At Al-Duhail, Olunga continued to demonstrate his goal-scoring abilities, finishing as the top scorer in the 2021 AFC Champions League. His contributions were instrumental in Al-Duhail securing the 2022–2023 Qatar Stars League title, where he scored four goals in the decisive match against Al-Shamal.
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Olunga’s consistent performance at Al-Duhail has solidified his status as one of the top strikers in the league, reflecting his professional growth and the financial rewards that have accompanied his successful career trajectory.
From his early days in Sweden to his current success in Qatar, Michael Olunga’s career progression underscores his dedication, adaptability and relentless pursuit of excellence on the football field.
N.B Figures were drawn from Capology and the rates applied were valid as of January 16, 2025
