Top 20 richest soccer players in South Africa 2026 and their net worth

Top 20 richest soccer players in South Africa 2026 and their net worth

The richest soccer players in South Africa in 2026 include Keagan Dolly, Thembinkosi Lorch and Anthony Laffor. These players have earned millions through their careers, thanks to their excellent skills. Their legacies on the field have inspired many generations. Most of the highest-paid soccer players in South Africa have played or are playing in the PSL.

richest soccer players in South Africa
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Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Most of the richest soccer players in South Africa in 2026 have had successful careers in both international and local football.
  • Some are still active players, while others have transitioned into coaching.
  • Most of SA's highest-paid soccer players are from the country's wealthiest clubs.

Richest soccer players in South Africa in 2026

The most affluent footballers in Mzansi are men because the sport is generally male-dominated. These stars' net worth is calculated based on numerous social factors. Hence, the quoted figures can only be used for guidance for anyone who would love to estimate their wealth. Note that the list may exclude affluent players whose net worth is not publicly known.

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Rank

Name

Net worth

Current team

1

Keagan Dolly

$5 million

TS Galaxy

2

Thembinkosi Lorch

$5 million

Al Ittihad Tripoli

3

Anthony Laffor

$5 million

Last team Chippa United

4

Siphiwe Tshabalala

$5 million

Last team AmaZulu

5

Khama Billiat

$5 million

Scottland FC

6

Sibusiso Vilakazi

$5 million

Last team Sekhukhune United

7

Bongani Zungu

$4 million

Amazulu

8

Itumeleng Khune

$4 million

Last team Kaizer Chiefs

9

Dean Furman

$3 million

Warrington Rylands 1906

10

Innocent Maela

$3 million

Orlando Pirates

11

Kermit Erasmus

$3 million

Casric Stars

12

Themba Zwane

$2 million

Mamelodi Sundowns

13

Bernard Parker

$1.08 million

TS Galaxy

14

Oupa Manyisa

$500,000

Last team Platinum City Rovers

15

Thapelo Morena

$380,000

Mamelodi Sundowns

16

Lehlohonolo Majoro

$300,000

Last team AmaZulu

17

Mosa Lebusa

$280,000

Stellenbosch FC

18

Ronwen Williams

$200,000

Mamelodi Sundowns

19

Sipho Mbule

$100,000

Orlando Pirates

20

Yusuf Maart

$100,000

Kaizer Chiefs

20. Yusuf Maart (Kaizer Chiefs) - $100,000

  • Full name: Moegamat Yusuf Maart
  • Born: 17 July 1995
  • Age: 30 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Western Cape, South Africa

Yusuf Maart's monthly salary at Kaizer Chiefs is reportedly R300,000. He was scouted by Orlando Pirates in 2016, but made his first-team debut on 12 March 2017. Yusuf Maart also played for Cape Umoya United and Sekhukhune United before signing with Kaizer Chiefs in 2022. There are unconfirmed reports that his net worth is about $100,000.

19. Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates) - $100,000

  • Full name: Sipho Percevale Mbule
  • Born: 22 March 1998
  • Age: 28 years (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Bethlehem, South Africa

Sipho Percevale Mbule plays as a central midfielder for Orlando Pirates. He made his senior debut for SuperSport United in August 2017. Sipho Mbule has trained with the SA's under-17 national team and played for the country in the under-20, under-23, and senior international teams. His net worth is estimated at $100,000, making him one of the top 20 richest soccer players in South Africa in 2026.

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18. Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - $200,000

Ronwen Williams, goalkeeper of South Africa, in action during the International friendly match between France and South Africa
Ronwen Williams, goalkeeper of South Africa, in action during the International friendly match between France and South Africa in Lille, France. Photo: Sylvain Lefevre
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ronwen Hayden Williams
  • Born: 21 January 1992
  • Age: 34 years (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Ronwen Williams plays as a goalkeeper for the Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns and captains the South Africa national team. He played his first match for South Africa in 2014 in a friendly game against Brazil and is among the top 20 highest-paid African footballers in 2026. Ronwen Williams' net worth is estimated to be approximately $200,000.

17. Mosa Lebusa ( Stellenbosch FC) - $280,000

Mosa Lebusa fights for the ball with Wydad's Zakaria Draoui during the African Football League's second-leg final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca
Mosa Lebusa (L) fights for the ball with Wydad's Zakaria Draoui (R) during the African Football League's second-leg final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca. Photo: Phill Magakoe
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mosa Lebusa
  • Born: 10 October 1992
  • Age: 33 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Welkom, South Africa

Lebusa is among the top 20 richest soccer players in South Africa in 2026. He trained at Ajax Cape Town. The multi-talented footballer joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018 and now plays for Stellenbosch FC. Mosa Lebusa comfortably plays centre-back or left-back. He has been capped six times by Bafana Bafana. Lebusa is reported to be earning R300,000 per month. His estimated net worth is $280,000.

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16. Lehlohonolo Majoro (last team AmaZulu) - $300,000

Lehlohonolo Majoro of South Africa during the African Cup of Nations Quarter-Final match between South Africa and Mali
Lehlohonolo Majoro of South Africa during the African Cup of Nations Quarter-Final match between South Africa and Mali at Moses Mahbida Stadium in Durban, South Africa. Photo: Steve Haag
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lehlohonolo Majoro
  • Born: 19 August 1986
  • Age: 39 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Ladybrand, South Africa

Lehlohonolo Majoro was a forward for the South African national team and several Premier Soccer League clubs. He left AmaZulu Football Club after the 2022-23 season at the age of 36. Majoro is among the richest soccer players in South Africa today. Lehlohonolo Majoro's net worth is estimated to be approximately $300,000.

15. Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns) - $380,000

Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates a goal during the CAF Champions League match between Al Hilal Omdurman v Mamelodi Sundowns
Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates a goal during the CAF Champions League match between Al Hilal Omdurman vs Mamelodi Sundowns in Khartoum. Photo: Mahmoud Hjaj/Anadolu Agency
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Thapelo James Morena
  • Born: 6 August 1993
  • Age: 32 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Randfontein, South Africa

Thapelo Morena is a South African defender and midfielder at Mamelodi Sundowns. He joined the club in 2016 from Bloemfontein Celtic, where he launched his pro career in 2013. Thapelo Morena's net worth is estimated to be $300,000. He is one of the highest-paid players at Sundowns.

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14. Oupa Manyisa (last team- Platinum City Rovers) - $500,000

  • Full name: Oupa Manyisa
  • Born: 30 July 1988
  • Age: 37 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Mohlakeng, Randfontein, South Africa

The former Mamelodi Sundowns FC central midfielder is currently not signed with any club. The last time Manyisa played was for Platinum City Rovers from 2021 to 2023. His monthly salary was R250,000 at Mamelodi, and he drives a Volkswagen and a BMW. Oupa Manyisa's net worth is estimated to be $500,000.

13. Bernard Parker (TS Galaxy) - $1.08 million

Bernard Parker of Kaizer Chiefs in action during the Absa Premiership match between Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs
Bernard Parker of Kaizer Chiefs in action during the Absa Premiership match between Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa. Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Bernard Parker
  • Born: 16 March 1986
  • Age: 40 years (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Boksburg, South Africa

Bernard Parker's salary is around R300,000 per month. He signed a three-year, R10.8-million contract, exclusive of bonuses, with Kaizer Chiefs in 2015. He bought a house for his mum before purchasing one for his family. Bernard Parker drives a Range Rover Evoque, and his net worth is estimated to be $1.08 million.

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12. Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns) - $2 million

Sundowns' midfielder Themba Zwane celebrates after scoring a goal during the CAF Champions League group B match between South Africas Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt's al-Ahly
Sundowns' midfielder Themba Zwane celebrates after scoring a goal during the CAF Champions League group B match between South Africas Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt's al-Ahly. Photo: Phil Magakoe
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Themba Zwane
  • Born: 3 August 1989
  • Age: 36 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Tembisa, South Africa

Themba Zwane is a midfielder for South Africa and Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns. He is among the best players of all time in the PSL era. Themba Zwane's net worth is estimated to be approximately $2 million.

11. Kermit Erasmus (Casric Stars) - $3 million

Kermit Erasmus of the Pirates celebrates his goal during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs
Kermit Erasmus of the Pirates celebrates his goal during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in Soweto, South Africa. Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Kermit Romeo Erasmus
  • Born: 8 July 1990
  • Age: 35 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Kermit Erasmus is a professional footballer who plays for the South African National team and for the Motsepe Foundation League club Casric Stars. He made his debut in 2007 with Supersport United. Kermit Erasmus' net worth is estimated to be approximately $3 million.

10. Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates) - $3 million

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  • Full name: Innocent Maela
  • Born: 14 August 1992
  • Age: 33 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Witbank, South Africa

Innocent Maela plays as a defender for Orlando Pirates and the South Africa national team. He is among the top 10 richest soccer players in South Africa in 2026. During his football career, he has managed to play for teams such as Witbank Spurs, T. Royal Zulu, and Richards Bay. Innocent Maela's net worth is estimated at $3 million.

9. Dean Furman (Warrington Rylands 1906) - $3 million

who is the highest-paid player in african league
Dean Furman in action during the Sky Bet League Two match. Photo: Stu Forster
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Dean Furman
  • Born: 22 June 1988
  • Age: 37 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Cape Town, South Africa

Dean Furman is among the richest footballers in Africa. He plays as a midfielder for the English side Warrington Rylands 1906. Previously, he has played for football clubs such as Rangers, Bradford City, Oldham Athletic, and SuperSport United. Dean Furman's net worth is estimated to be approximately $3 million.

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8. Itumeleng Khune (Last team Kaizer Chiefs) - $4 million

Itumeleng Khune, goalkeeper of South Africa in action
Itumeleng Khune, goalkeeper of South Africa in action during the match between South Africa and Iraq men's football in the Olympic Games Rio at Arena Corinthians. Photo: Alexandre Schneider
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Itumeleng Isaac Khune
  • Born: 20 June 1987
  • Age: 38 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Ventersdorp, South Africa

Goalkeeper Itumeleng joined Kaizer Chiefs on 1 July 2004. Itumeleng Khune's salary at Kaizer Chiefs was R450,000-R480,000 (about $29,200) per month. He is among the richest soccer players in South Africa. The player owns a house in Johannesburg and drives several luxury cars, from Mercedes-Benz to Toyota. Itumeleng Khune's net worth is estimated to be approximately $4 m.

7. Bongani Zungu (Amazulu) - $4 million

Bongani Zungu during the French League 1 match between Amiens SC v Paris Saint Germain at the Stade de la Licorne
Bongani Zungu during the French League 1 match between Amiens SC v Paris Saint Germain at the Stade de la Licorne in Amiens France. Photo:Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Bongani Zungu
  • Born: 9 October 1992
  • Age: 33 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Duduza, South Africa

Bongani Zungu is one of the top ten richest soccer players in South Africa in 2026. He is signed with Amazulu and formerly with Mamelodi Sundowns. He also plays for the South African national team as a midfielder. Bongani made his career debut as a student at the University of Pretoria in 2012. Bongani Zungu's net worth is estimated at $4 million.

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6. Sibusiso Vilakazi (Last team Sekhukhune United) - $5 million

Sibusiso Vilakazi of South Africa during the African Cup of Nations match between South Africa and Namibia at the Al Salam Stadium
Sibusiso Vilakazi of South Africa during the African Cup of Nations match between South Africa and Namibia at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Sibusiso Vilakazi
  • Born: 29 December 1989
  • Age: 36 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Soweto, South Africa

Sibusiso is among the top 10 richest soccer players in South Africa in 2026. He currently plays for TS Galaxy as an attacking midfielder. He has won the Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season awards. Sibusiso Vilakazi's net worth is estimated at $5 million.

5. Khama Billiat (Scottland FC) - $5 million

Khama Billiat in action during the FIFA Club World Cup second-round match
Khama Billiat in action during the FIFA Club World Cup second-round match. Photo: Shaun Botterill
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Khama Billiat
  • Born: 19 August 1990
  • Age: 35 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Harare, Zimbabwe

Khama is among the top 5 richest soccer players in South Africa in 2026 and the richest football player in South Africa to hail from Zimbabwe. The star has a permanent residence permit in South Africa.

He currently plays for Scotland FC after joining from Kaizer Chiefs, where he was a forward-second striker. Khama Billiat's net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million.

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4. Siphiwe Tshabalala (last team AmaZulu) - $5 million

Siphiwe Tshabalala during the World Cup match between South Africa vs Mexico
South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabalala during the World Cup match between South Africa vs Mexico. Photo: Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lawrence Siphiwe Tshabalala
  • Born: 25 September 1984
  • Age: 41 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Soweto, South Africa

Siphiwe does not have a club at the moment but plays for the South African National team as a winger and attacking midfielder. Tshabalala and Cesc Fàbregas were among the first athletes to wear the brand-new Nike CTR360 Maestri sneakers. Siphiwe Tshabalala's net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million. His last team was with AmaZulu in 2021.

3. Anthony Laffor (Last team Chippa United) - $5 million

  • Full name: Anthony Snoti Laffor
  • Born: 17 February 1985
  • Age: 41 years (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Monrovia, Liberia

Anthony Laffor played as a forward-right winger for Mamelodi Sundowns FC until December 2020. He joined Chippa United in March 2021. Laffor reportedly earned R380,000 per month at Mamelodi. He is one of the top 10 highest-paid PSL soccer players in 2026 and among the best players Mzansi clubs have hired from Liberia. Anthony Laffor's net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million.

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2. Thembinkosi Lorch (Al Ittihad Tripoli) - $5 million

  • Full name: Thembinkosi Nyoso Lorch
  • Born: 22 July 1993
  • Age: 32 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa

Thembinkosi Lorch is a football player who plays for the South Africa national team and Al Ittihad Tripoli. In 2019, he was named the South African Player of the Season. Thembinkosi Lorch's net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million, making him one of the top ten richest soccer players in South Africa in 2026.

1. Keagan Dolly (TS Galaxy) - $5 million

Keagan Dolly controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup Quarter Final match
Keagan Dolly controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup Quarter Final match. Photo: Atsushi Tomura
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Keagan Larenzo Dolly
  • Born: 22 January 1993
  • Age: 33 years (as of March 2026)
  • Place of birth: Johannesburg, South Africa

Keagan Dolly's senior career started in 2012 at Ajax, and he is currently signed with the TS Galaxy. He later joined Mamelodi Sundowns and then went to Montpellier HSC in France. Lorenzo joined the Kaizer Chiefs in July 2021. His monthly salary is alleged to be R1.45 million, making him one of the top 10 richest footballers in Africa of all time. Keagan Dolly's net worth is alleged to be $5 million.

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Who is the richest footballer in Africa in 2026?

As of 2026, Samuel Eto’o, the retired Cameroonian legend, is widely regarded as the richest African footballer with an estimated net worth ranging between $90 million and $110 million, thanks to his successful career and smart investments off the pitch.

Who is the highest-paid player in the Premier League in South Africa?

Serbian player Samir Nurković is arguably the highest-paid PSL player in 2026. He reportedly earned R930,000 monthly at TS Galaxy.

Who is the richest player in soccer in South Africa?

Keagan Dolly is reportedly the highest-paid and richest soccer player in 2026. He is alleged to earn a monthly salary of R1.45 million. He currently plays for TS Galaxy.

Who are the richest footballers in the world in 2026?

The richest footballer in the world is Faiq Bolkiah. He is followed by players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who are among the wealthiest footballers in the world in 2026.

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Which player is the highest-paid in the world?

According to Forbes listing, Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the highest-paid player, earning $275 million

What is Kaizer Motaung's net worth?

The business mogul is among the wealthiest club owners in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Kaizer Motaung is worth $60 million.

Who are the richest soccer club owners in South Africa?

The richest soccer club owners in South Africa are Johann Rupert (Stellenbosch FC), Patrice Motsepe (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Irvin Khoza (Orlando Pirates).

Which are the top 5 richest clubs in South Africa?

The richest football clubs are Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Supersport United, and AmaZulu.

Who is the highest-paid player at Sundowns in 2026?

The highest-paid Mamelodi Sundowns player is Lucas Ribeiro with an estimated salary of R700,000 to R1,000,000.

Who are the top 10 richest footballers in Nigeria?

Nigeria has produced some of Africa’s most talented footballers, many of whom have earned substantial wealth through their successful careers both locally and abroad. Here’s a look at the top 10 richest Nigerian footballers and their estimated net worths:

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Rank

Name

Estimated net worth

1

John Obi Mikel

$45 million

2

Odion Ighalo

$38.5 million

3

Obafemi Martins

$35 million

4

Victor Moses

$23 million

5

Ahmed Musa

$18 million

6

Emmanuel Emenike

$15.8 million

7

Yakubu Aiyegbeni

$14.5 million

8

Kelechi Iheanacho

$12 million

9

Alex Iwobi

$8 million

10

Victor Osimhen

$2 million

Most of the richest soccer players in South Africa in 2026 are from the Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs clubs. Since the two are among the wealthiest clubs in the Premier Soccer League, their players earn generous salaries.

Briefly.co.za recently published a list of the highest-paid players in Orlando Pirates. Orlando Pirates, which has been around since 1937, is arguably one of the most successful clubs in the South African Premier League.

Orlando Pirates is also one of two South African clubs to have won the CAF Champions League. The team plays its home matches at the Orlando Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 40,000.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
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Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo has vast experience in search engine optimization through digital content generation, research, editing, and proofreading. She joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019 and completed the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.

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Alice Wabwile (Lifestyle writer) Alice Wabwile is a multifaceted content creator and Project Assistant at AfDAN, boasting over four years of experience. Holding a BCom degree from the University of Nairobi School of Business, she has cultivated a dynamic skill set through roles such as her tenure at Strathmore University's Data Science Department, where she contributed significantly to research. Recognized for her exceptional talent, she clinched the Writer of the Year Award. Beyond her professional endeavours, Alice is an engaged member of the Rotaract Club of Kabete. For inquiries, reach out to her at alicenjoro01@gmail.com