Football in South Africa has produced not only incredible talent but also remarkable wealth. While the Premier Soccer League (PSL) offers substantial salaries, the richest South African footballers often built their fortunes through European moves, smart investments, and strategic financial planning. Here are the top 10 wealthiest figures in South African football.
Top 10 Richest Soccer Players In South Africa
1. Percy Tau (Estimated Net Worth: ~$2 Million – R2 Million/month)
Current Club: Free agent (formerly Al Ahly, Brighton & Hove Albion)
Percy Tau remains South Africa’s top earner, reportedly making around R2 million per month during his peak. Tau’s journey from the streets of Witbank to the Premier League is one of South Africa’s greatest success stories.
Tau generates income through massive signing-on fees, high base salaries, and performance bonuses. While his current net worth is estimated at around $2 million (approximately R36 million), his monthly earnings have consistently placed him at the top of South African football’s earning charts. After leaving Al Ahly, he revealed he expects a salary of R450,000 per month for a potential return to the PSL, showcasing the premium placed on his experience.
2. Benni McCarthy (Estimated Net Worth: $16 Million / R305 Million)
Current Role: Former Manchester United First Team Coach / AmaZulu FC Head Coach (Career Transition)
Benni McCarthy is arguably the wealthiest South African footballer of all time. Estimates place his net worth as high as $16 million (approximately R305 million).
His financial success stems from a stellar European career playing for top clubs like Ajax, FC Porto (where he won the Champions League), and Blackburn Rovers. At Porto, he earned substantial wages and collected significant win bonuses.
More recently, as a coach, McCarthy earned a staggering reported salary of R3.8 million per month during his tenure as a first-team coach at Manchester United. While those figures fluctuate based on contracts, McCarthy’s combination of elite European playing contracts and high-profile coaching roles makes him the wealthiest figure on this list.
3. Itumeleng Khune (Estimated Net Worth: R70 Million)
Former Club: Kaizer Chiefs
Itumeleng Khune is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest players to have stayed in the PSL for his entire career. Khune has an estimated net worth of R70 million.
At his peak with Kaizer Chiefs, he reportedly earned around R480,000 per month. However, Khune’s true wealth comes from his investments. He famously owns a portfolio of eight fully paid-off properties, including a R4 million mansion in Johannesburg.
His income streams include SABC Sport punditry fees, endorsement deals (such as with TopBets), and various business interests in construction. His advice to young players prioritises long-term asset ownership over short-term luxury spending, and he serves as a role model for financial planning in the sport.
4. Samir Nurković (Estimated Earnings: R930,000/month)
Current Club: Siwelele FC
Serbian striker Samir Nurković is one of the highest-paid foreigners in the league, commanding an impressive R930,000 per month. His time at Kaizer Chiefs between recent years established him as a fan favourite, and his current salary reflects the premium that clubs place on prolific goal-scorers.
5. Khama Billiat (Estimated Earnings: R850,000/month at Peak)
Former Clubs: Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs (Now with Scottland FC in Zimbabwe)
Khama Billiat was one of the most lucrative signings in PSL history. At his peak, he earned an estimated R850,000 per month. His move from Sundowns to Chiefs involved a massive signing fee.
Billiat is also a property owner, possessing a double-storey mansion in an upscale suburb near Harare, Zimbabwe.
6. Bongani Zungu (Estimated Net Worth: R7.6 Million / R700,000/month)
Current Club: AmaZulu FC
Bongani Zungu has had a career spanning France, Portugal, Scotland (Rangers), and the PSL. He currently earns an estimated R700,000 per month.
His estimated net worth sits at around R7.6 million. He supplements his football income with a clothing brand and other endorsements. He has also been known to invest in luxury vehicles, with his car collection valued at over R7 million.
7. Andile Jali (Estimated Earnings: R600,000/month)
Current Club: Chippa United
At his peak with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, Andile Jali earned approximately R600,000 per month. He is still considered one of the most experienced midfielders in the league.
He owns a luxurious double-storey home in the Eastern Cape valued at R17 million.
8. Lucas Radebe (Estimated Net Worth: Major Wealth from Premier League Era)
Former Club: Leeds United (Retired)
Though retired, Lucas Radebe’s net worth remains significant due to his time as captain of Leeds United during the Premier League era. As a legend of the game, his earnings placed him among the richest South African footballers of all time when adjusted for inflation. He also owns a successful media business.
9. Steven Pienaar (Extensive Wealth from Premier League Career)
Former Clubs: Ajax, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur (Retired)
Like Radebe, Steven Pienaar accumulated significant wealth during his long stint in the English Premier League. Pienaar was known for his marketing appeal and secured several endorsement deals that supplemented his multi-million pound contracts.
10. Doctor Khumalo (All-Time Wealth through Endorsements)
Former Club: Kaizer Chiefs (Retired)
“16V” is a marketing icon. While he played in an era where football salaries were lower, Doctor Khumalo is considered one of the wealthiest former players due to his legendary status and long-standing endorsement deals.
Important Note on Player Earnings in the Current Season
The landscape of South African football earnings is changing. Mamelodi Sundowns, the wealthiest club on the continent, does not necessarily have players among the top earners, and Kaizer Chiefs, the country’s most supported team, are also notably absent from the upper tiers of this list. In fact, the highest-paid South African footballers are currently those playing abroad, highlighting how talent often leaves the local league for significantly larger paychecks.
How Players Make Their Wealth
South African footballers build their wealth through several distinct income streams, each contributing to their overall net worth.
Base Salaries and Signing-On Fees
The most obvious source of income is the monthly salary paid by clubs. In the PSL, top earners take home between R400,000 and R2 million per month . Players who move on free transfers (Bosman rulings) often command massive signing-on fees, sometimes exceeding R10 million, as clubs compete for their signature without paying a transfer fee.
European and International Moves
The biggest financial leaps happen when players move to Europe. Percy Tau’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion and Bongani Zungu’s stint at Rangers FC involved salaries denominated in pounds or euros, which, when converted to rands, far exceed anything available locally. Even squad players in the English Championship or Scottish Premiership often earn more than PSL stars.
Performance Bonuses and Win Incentives
Contracts typically include bonuses for winning trophies (league titles, domestic cups), qualifying for continental competitions (CAF Champions League), and individual achievements (top scorer, player of the season). A player on a title-winning team like Mamelodi Sundowns can add tens of thousands of rands to their annual income through these incentives alone.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Marketable players secure endorsement deals with brands. Itumeleng Khune has had long-term partnerships with companies like TopBets, and his image has been used in advertising campaigns across South Africa . Similarly, Benni McCarthy’s marketability during his playing days attracted sponsors that supplemented his European wages. These deals can range from R50,000 to R500,000 per year depending on the player’s profile.
Punditry and Media Work
Retired players often transition into television or radio. Itumeleng Khune has earned substantial fees as a pundit for SABC Sport, providing analysis during major tournaments . Former players like Doctor Khumalo have maintained media profiles that generate income long after their playing careers ended.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship
Several players own businesses outside football. Itumeleng Khune has interests in construction. Bongani Zungu launched his own clothing brand. Others have invested in restaurants, car washes, or real estate development. These ventures provide income diversification and reduce reliance on football earnings.
How Players Spend Their Wealth
With high incomes come high expenditures. South Africa’s richest footballers are known for spending on luxury assets that reflect their status.
Luxury Homes and Mansions
Real estate is the most common major purchase. Itumeleng Khune owns a R4 million mansion in Johannesburg . Andile Jali owns a double-storey home in the Eastern Cape valued at R17 million . Khama Billiat possesses a double-storey mansion in an upscale suburb near Harare, Zimbabwe . These homes often feature swimming pools, home theatres, and security compounds.
High-End Vehicles
Luxury car collections are a hallmark of football wealth. Bongani Zungu’s car collection has been valued at over R7 million, including high-performance German vehicles . Other players have been spotted driving Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons, BMW M-Series, Audi RS models, and Porsche SUVs. Some players own fleets of five or more vehicles.
Luxury Fashion and Watches
Footballers are frequent customers of luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Rolex. Custom suits, designer sneakers, and limited-edition watches are common purchases. A single luxury watch can cost between R100,000 and R500,000.
Travel and Holidays
During off-seasons, players travel to destinations like Dubai, Mauritius, the Maldives, and Europe. Business-class flights, five-star hotels, and private villas are standard. A two-week family holiday can easily exceed R200,000.
Family Support and Obligations
Many players support extended families, including parents, siblings, and even cousins. This “black tax” is a significant cultural obligation in South Africa. Some players also fund educational expenses for relatives or help family members start small businesses.
Charitable Giving
Several players have established foundations or make regular donations. Itumeleng Khune is known for his charitable work through the Itumeleng Khune Foundation, which focuses on education and youth development . Others make anonymous donations to churches, schools, or community organisations.
How Players Invest Their Wealth
The wealthiest players understand that football careers are short, typically ending in the mid-to-late 30s. Smart investing ensures financial security after retirement.
Property Portfolios
Itumeleng Khune is the benchmark for property investment among South African footballers. He famously owns a portfolio of eight fully paid-off properties . By buying real estate and renting it out, he generates passive income that continues long after his playing days. Other players have followed his example, investing in residential and commercial property.
Business Ownership
Bongani Zungu launched a clothing brand, turning his personal style into a revenue-generating business . Others have opened car washes, restaurants, or invested in construction companies. These businesses provide income diversification and can be scaled over time.
Stock Market and Unit Trusts
Some players work with financial advisors to invest in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) through unit trusts, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or direct share holdings. These investments offer long-term growth and are more liquid than property, though they carry market risk.
Retirement Annuities and Pension Funds
Responsible players contribute to retirement annuities (RAs) and pension funds, which offer tax benefits and ensure a steady income after retirement. The PSL has a provident fund, but many players supplement it with private RAs.
Coaching and Management Qualifications
Players like Benni McCarthy invested in coaching education, earning UEFA badges that allowed him to transition into high-level coaching roles, including a position at Manchester United . This career transition has significantly boosted his post-playing earnings. Others have pursued sports management or broadcasting qualifications.
Endorsement Equity
Some players negotiate equity stakes in the brands they endorse rather than taking cash fees. If the brand grows, the player’s stake appreciates. This is a sophisticated form of investment that few players pursue, but those who do can earn exponentially more than a flat fee.
Financial Literacy Programs
Itumeleng Khune has become a vocal advocate for financial literacy among footballers, advising young players to prioritise long-term asset ownership over short-term luxury spending. His own portfolio serves as a case study for the value of financial planning in sport.
Related:
- Top 10 Highest Paid Coaches In PSL
- Top 10 Richest Teams In South Africa
- Top 10 Richest Musicians In South Africa
- Top 10 Richest Provinces In South Africa
- Top 10 Richest Actors in South Africa
Wealth Beyond Salaries
The richest South African footballers are not just high earners; they are strategic investors. Itumeleng Khune’s property portfolio is a benchmark for financial literacy among footballers, and Benni McCarthy’s transition into high-level European coaching has boosted his earnings significantly.
Disclaimer: Financial figures are estimates based on contract leaks, property valuations, and public statements. The exact net worth of active players fluctuates based on transfer fees, bonuses, and personal investments. For the most accurate, real-time financial data, official club or player disclosures are required.