Discover the top five richest African footballers of all time, their net worth, earnings, endorsements, and business ventures in 2024.
For many years, African football has produced some of the most talented players to grace the global stage.
These players have not only won prestigious awards but have also accumulated significant wealth from salaries, endorsements and smart investments.
Pulse Sports takes a closer look at the top five richest African footballers of all time, their net worth and how they built their financial empires.
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1. Samuel Eto’o – Net Worth: $95 Million
Samuel Eto’o is the richest African footballer of all time with an estimated net worth of $95 million.
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Samuel Eto’o is one of Top 5 Richest African Footballers of All Time
The Cameroonian legend is one of the most decorated African footballers, having won the African Footballer of the Year award four times.
He was a key figure in Barcelona’s dominant era, helping the club secure two UEFA Champions League titles and numerous domestic trophies. Eto’o also had successful stints at Inter Milan, Chelsea, and other clubs worldwide.
A significant portion of Eto’o’s wealth came from his lucrative salaries and bonuses, particularly during his time at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, where he was one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.
In addition to his earnings from football, Eto’o has signed multi-million-dollar endorsement deals with top brands like Puma and Ford.
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Eto’o has also made strategic investments, particularly in real estate and business ventures across Africa.
2. Didier Drogba – Net Worth: $90 Million
Didier Drogba, the legendary Ivorian striker, is the second richest African footballer of all time, with a net worth of $90 million.
Best known for his time at Chelsea, Drogba played a crucial role in the club’s success, winning four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the 2012 UEFA Champions League. He is Chelsea’s all-time highest-scoring foreign player and one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
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Didier Drogba is one of Top 5 Richest African Footballers of All Time
Drogba was one of the highest-paid footballers during his career, earning $15 million annually in salaries alone. In addition to his club earnings, he signed lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Pepsi, and Samsung, which significantly boosted his net worth.
Aside from football, Drogba has ventured into business and philanthropy. He has invested heavily in real estate and owns multiple properties across Europe and Africa.
Additionally, his Didier Drogba Foundation has played a significant role in providing healthcare and education to underprivileged children in Ivory Coast, solidifying his legacy as a football icon and humanitarian.
3. Mohamed Salah – Net Worth: $90 Million
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian superstar, is one of the best players in the world today and ranks among the richest African footballers of all time, with an estimated net worth of $90 million.
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Moahamed Salah is one of Top 5 richest African footballers of all time
Currently playing for Liverpool, Salah has been instrumental in the club’s success, helping them win the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. His incredible pace, dribbling, and finishing ability have earned him multiple individual awards, including two Premier League Golden Boots and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
Salah’s financial success is largely attributed to his huge salary at Liverpool, where he earns over $20 million per year. He has also secured major endorsement deals with global brands such as Adidas, Vodafone, and Pepsi, adding millions to his fortune.
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Beyond football, Salah has shown an interest in charity and philanthropy, contributing significant amounts to projects in Egypt, including building hospitals and schools.
4. Yaya Touré – Net Worth: $70 Million
Yaya Touré, the Ivorian midfield maestro, is another name on the list of the top five richest African footballers of all time, with a net worth of $70 million.
Touré made his mark playing for top European clubs, including Barcelona, Manchester City,and AS Monaco. He was an integral part of Barcelona’s 2009 treble-winning squad and later became a legend at Manchester City, winning multiple Premier League titles.
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Yaya Toure is one of Top 5 richest African footballers of all time
Touré was one of the highest-paid African footballers, earning over $15 million per year at Manchester City. His success on the pitch was complemented by endorsement deals with brands like Puma and Nissan.
After retiring from professional football, Yaya Touré has pursued coaching and business ventures. He has also engaged in charitable projects, particularly in Africa, focusing on youth development and education.
5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Net Worth: $50 Million
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabonese forward, ranks among the richest African footballers of all time, with an estimated net worth of $50 million.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of Top 5 richest African footballers of all time
Aubameyang has played for top European clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, and Barcelona.
Aubameyang’s wealth comes primarily from his high salaries and performance bonuses. At Arsenal, he was one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League, earning over $13 million per year. His financial portfolio has also been boosted by endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and Electronic Arts (EA Sports).
