Inside Steven Pienaar’s R209 Million Fortune: How the Everton Legend Built Wealth

• Steven Pienaar rose from the streets of Johannesburg to become a football icon in Europe. His journey included standout performances at Ajax Amsterdam and Everton
• Unlike many athletes, Pienaar made calculated financial moves, avoiding flashy businesses and instead investing in real estate
• After retiring in 2018, Pienaar transitioned into coaching and mentoring

Steven Pienaar’s net worth is estimated at $11 million (R209 million), a testament to his success on the pitch and prudent financial choices off it. The former Bafana Bafana captain, best known for his time at Everton, transformed his football earnings into long-term wealth through smart investments and modest living.

Football career earnings: From Ajax to Everton

Pienaar began his professional journey at Ajax Cape Town in 1999 before joining Ajax Amsterdam in 2001. His European rise included winning two Eredivisie titles and lining up alongside stars like Zlatan Ibrahimović. A €3.5 million move to Borussia Dortmund followed in 2006, but it was his spell at Everton that defined his career.

Signed initially on loan in 2007, he made the move permanent for £2 million. At his peak, Pienaar reportedly earned £70,000 to £75,000 per week, amounting to over $3 million annually. Later moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland added to his earnings, though injuries impacted his consistency.

Endorsements and smart investments

In 2010, Pienaar’s marketability surged during the FIFA World Cup. Adidas signed him for a major campaign, and while figures remain undisclosed, the deal significantly boosted his net worth. Unlike many athletes, he avoided risky ventures and instead focused on real estate. He owns luxury homes in Ruimsig, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Despite a burglary at his Cape Town property in 2018, his investments remained intact.

Cars and lifestyle: A taste for quality

Pienaar’s car collection includes an Aston Martin DB9, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, and Range Rover. These vehicles, valued in the millions, reflect his appreciation for high performance. However, he once made headlines in 2010 after a drunk-driving incident in the UK, which led to the loss of his licence. Since then, he has kept a lower profile.

Life after retirement: Coaching and legacy

After hanging up his boots in 2018, Pienaar earned his UEFA Pro Licence and now coaches at Ajax’s U18 Academy. He also serves as an international ambassador for Everton. While his post-retirement earnings are more modest, his foresight and planning have ensured continued relevance.

Lessons in wealth from Pienaar’s journey

Pienaar’s story offers valuable lessons: diversify income, invest in stable assets like property, plan early for career transitions, and live within your means. His journey from Johannesburg’s streets to Europe’s top leagues is more than a sports tale, it’s a blueprint for financial success and sustainability.

Thulani Serero’s R57m fortune

Briefly News previously reported that Thulani Serero’s net worth in 2025 is estimated between $1 million and $3 million (around R57 million), thanks largely to his high-paying, tax-free contracts in the UAE, where he earned up to $1.6 million annually.

From humble beginnings in Soweto, Serero rose through the Ajax Cape Town ranks before making his mark in Europe with Ajax Amsterdam.

Source: Briefly News