Africa, a continent known for its rich cultures and diverse landscapes, is also home to some of the world’s most talented and prosperous athletes.
From football to boxing, athletics to golf, Africa boasts a number of sports icons who have not only achieved greatness on the field but have also amassed substantial wealth through their endeavors.
Here, we take a closer look at some of the richest sportsmen shaping Africa’s sporting landscape.
- Samuel Eto’o – Football (Cameroon)
One of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, Samuel Eto’o’s illustrious career saw him excel on the pitch for esteemed clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, among others.
Known for his clinical finishing and leadership qualities, Eto’o’s prowess earned him numerous accolades including four African Player of the Year awards.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Eto’o’s shrewd business acumen has propelled him to the upper echelons of wealth, with investments in real estate, hospitality, and fashion, making him one of Africa’s richest sportsmen.
- Didier Drogba – Football (Ivory Coast)
A towering figure in African football, Didier Drogba’s impact both on and off the field is undeniable.
The Ivorian striker enjoyed a stellar career with clubs like Chelsea, where he became a club legend, leading them to numerous domestic and international titles.
Drogba’s influence extends beyond football, with his philanthropic efforts through the Didier Drogba Foundation focusing on healthcare and education initiatives across Africa.
Combined with endorsements and business ventures, Drogba has solidified his status as one of the continent’s wealthiest athletes.
- Asamoah Gyan – Football (Ghana)
Hailing from Ghana, Asamoah Gyan has carved out a reputation as one of Africa’s most prolific strikers, earning plaudits for his goal-scoring prowess and versatility on the field.
Gyan’s career has seen him play for clubs across Europe and Asia, amassing a considerable fortune through lucrative contracts and endorsements.
Gyan’s investments in businesses ranging from entertainment to mining have further bolstered his financial portfolio, cementing his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest sportsmen.
- Anthony Joshua – Boxing (Nigeria/United Kingdom)
Born to Nigerian parents and raised in the United Kingdom, Anthony Joshua has emerged as one of the most dominant heavyweight boxers of his generation.
With an Olympic gold medal and multiple world titles to his name, Joshua’s meteoric rise in the boxing world has propelled him to global superstardom.
Endorsement deals with major brands and lucrative pay-per-view bouts have contributed to Joshua’s immense wealth, while his investments in real estate and entrepreneurship showcase his business savvy beyond the ring.
- Caster Semenya – Athletics (South Africa)
South Africa’s Caster Semenya is not only a trailblazer in athletics but also a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Despite facing challenges regarding gender testing and regulations in her sport, Semenya’s dominance on the track, particularly in middle-distance events, has garnered her widespread acclaim.
Endorsement deals with leading brands and appearances on the global stage have elevated Semenya’s profile and financial standing, solidifying her status as one of Africa’s wealthiest sportswomen.
- Yaya Touré – Football (Ivory Coast)
Yaya Touré, a midfield maestro from Ivory Coast, enjoyed a glittering career with clubs like Barcelona and Manchester City, where he won numerous league titles and Champions League trophies.
Renowned for his vision, passing range, and ability to dominate midfield battles, Touré’s success on the pitch translated into lucrative endorsement deals and investments in real estate and hospitality, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest footballers.
- Mo Salah – Football (Egypt)
Egyptian sensation Mo Salah has taken the football world by storm with his electrifying pace and clinical finishing.
A key player for Liverpool FC, Salah’s goalscoring exploits have propelled him to global stardom, earning him accolades such as the Premier League Golden Boot.
Endorsement deals with major brands and his philanthropic efforts in Egypt have contributed to Salah’s burgeoning wealth, making him one of Africa’s richest athletes.
- El Hadji Diouf – Football (Senegal)
Senegalese striker El Hadji Diouf made waves in European football with stints at clubs like Liverpool and Bolton Wanderers.
Known for his flair on the field and controversial antics off it, Diouf’s charismatic persona helped him secure lucrative endorsement deals and investments in businesses ranging from fashion to hospitality, establishing him as one of Africa’s wealthiest sportsmen.
- Stephen Keshi – Football (Nigeria)
The late Stephen Keshi was a legendary figure in Nigerian football, both as a player and a coach.
Keshi’s leadership on the field earned him accolades such as the Africa Cup of Nations title as a player and coach.
Beyond football, Keshi ventured into business, including real estate and sports management, augmenting his earnings and leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of Africa’s most revered sports figures.
- Hicham El Guerrouj – Athletics (Morocco)
Moroccan middle-distance runner Hicham El Guerrouj is widely regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time.
With multiple Olympic and World Championship titles to his name, El Guerrouj’s dominance on the track propelled him to international acclaim.
Endorsement deals with leading sportswear brands and his involvement in philanthropic endeavors have contributed to El Guerrouj’s wealth, cementing his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest athletes.
- Blessing Okagbare – Athletics (Nigeria)
Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare has made a name for herself on the global athletics stage with her blistering speed and versatility in sprinting and long jump events.
A multiple African champion and Olympic medalist, Okagbare’s success has led to endorsement deals with major brands and investments in businesses back home in Nigeria, establishing her as one of Africa’s wealthiest sportswomen.
- Lucas Radebe – Football (South Africa)
South African football icon Lucas Radebe enjoyed a distinguished career as a central defender for Leeds United in the English Premier League.
Revered for his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch, Radebe’s popularity transcended borders, leading to endorsement deals and investments in various business ventures, including sports management and community development projects, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s richest sportsmen.
Ethiopian long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and multiple world record holder in distances ranging from the 5,000 meters to the marathon.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Gebrselassie’s entrepreneurial ventures in real estate, hospitality, and philanthropy have contributed to his considerable wealth, establishing him as one of Africa’s wealthiest athletes and a respected figure both on and off the track.
- Daniel Teklehaimanot – Cycling (Eritrea)
Eritrean cyclist Daniel Teklehaimanot made history as the first African to wear the polka dot jersey for best climber in the Tour de France.
Teklehaimanot’s success in professional cycling has led to endorsement deals with cycling brands and opportunities to promote the sport in Africa.
His efforts to inspire young cyclists in Eritrea and beyond have earned him admiration and contributed to his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest sportsmen.
- Victor Moses – Football (Nigeria)
Nigerian winger Victor Moses gained prominence for his electrifying pace and dribbling skills, playing for clubs like Chelsea and Inter Milan.
Moses’ success on the field translated into endorsement deals and investments in real estate and fashion, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s richest footballers.
His philanthropic efforts, including initiatives to support education and healthcare in Nigeria, have further endeared him to fans and communities across Africa.
