Looking for the top 10 richest footballers in South Africa in 2025? You’re not alone. Football remains one of the most lucrative careers in South Africa, with top players earning millions through salaries, endorsements, international contracts, and smart investments.
Whether you’re a football fan, aspiring player, or curious about the financial success of your favorite stars, this guide reveals everything you need to know. From career highlights to how much they earn and where their wealth comes from — this article breaks down the richest footballers in South Africa this year.
Why South African Footballers Are Among the Richest in Africa
South Africa has one of the most structured football leagues in Africa — the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Top players in the country earn massive salaries, attract international attention, and secure endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Puma, MTN, and Adidas.
Many South African players also play in top leagues across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, increasing their wealth and global value. Their earnings come from:
Monthly club salaries
National team bonuses
Sponsorships and endorsements
Investments and businesses
Prize money and international contracts
Let’s now look at the top 10 richest footballers in South Africa in 2025, based on verified data and current market value.
1. Percy Tau
Estimated Net Worth: $5 million (₦7.5 billion+)
Percy Tau remains the richest footballer in South Africa in 2025. Known as the “Lion of Judah,” Tau has played in the English Premier League, Belgian Pro League, and now shines at Al Ahly in Egypt.
Income Sources:
Club salary (Al Ahly SC)
National team bonuses
Endorsements with Puma
Investments in real estate
He earns over $600,000 annually and is a household name in African football.
2. Keagan Dolly
Estimated Net Worth: $3.5 million (₦5.2 billion+)
Keagan Dolly is one of the highest-paid players in the South African Premier Soccer League. He currently plays for Kaizer Chiefs and has previously played for Montpellier in France.
Wealth Sources:
Salary from Kaizer Chiefs
Adidas and sportswear deals
Personal businesses
Dolly earns over R1.4 million per month, placing him among the elite earners in South African football.
3. Themba Zwane
Estimated Net Worth: $3 million (₦4.5 billion+)
Themba Zwane, nicknamed “Mshishi,” is one of the longest-serving and highest-paid players at Mamelodi Sundowns. Known for his creativity and calmness on the ball, Zwane is a Bafana Bafana regular.
Main Earnings:
Club salary (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Match appearance bonuses
Endorsements with local brands
Zwane earns around R800,000 monthly, not including bonuses and image rights.
4. Bongani Zungu
Estimated Net Worth: $2.8 million (₦4.2 billion+)
Bongani Zungu has played in top leagues in France, Scotland, and Spain. He returned to South Africa in 2022 to rejoin Mamelodi Sundowns on a highly lucrative contract.
Income Breakdown:
Top-tier club salary
Sponsorship deals
International match earnings
His overseas earnings and experience place him high on the list of South Africa’s richest footballers in 2025.
5. Itumeleng Khune
Estimated Net Worth: $2.5 million (₦3.7 billion+)
Veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is a South African football legend. Though nearing retirement, his decades-long service at Kaizer Chiefs and national team appearances have made him wealthy.
Sources of Wealth:
Long-term club salary
TV and commercial appearances
Sponsorship deals with Nike
Khune has been a consistent top earner in the PSL for over a decade.
6. Lyle Foster
Estimated Net Worth: $2.3 million (₦3.4 billion+)
Lyle Foster is one of South Africa’s most promising talents playing in Europe. In 2023, he signed with Burnley FC in the English Premier League, making him the most expensive South African footballer in recent years.
Income Streams:
EPL contract
National team allowances
Image rights and sponsorships
His net worth is expected to rise rapidly over the next few years.
7. Thulani Serero
Estimated Net Worth: $2 million (₦3 billion+)
Thulani Serero made his name in Ajax Amsterdam and currently plays in the UAE Pro League. He has enjoyed a financially successful career in Europe and Asia.
Money Sources:
High club wages in UAE
Past earnings from Dutch league
Business investments in Johannesburg
Serero has been quiet off the field but is one of the wealthiest midfielders South Africa has produced.
8. Kermit Erasmus
Estimated Net Worth: $1.8 million (₦2.7 billion+)
Kermit Erasmus is known for his skill and aggressive play style. He has played for Rennes (France), Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Financial Assets:
PSL salary
Bonuses and image rights
Brand deals
He may not be the richest, but he consistently ranks among the highest-paid in local football.
9. Siphiwe Tshabalala
Estimated Net Worth: $1.7 million (₦2.5 billion+)
Though retired from international football, Tshabalala still earns from endorsements, public speaking, and TV appearances. His goal at the 2010 World Cup remains iconic.
Wealth Streams:
Retirement investments
Endorsements with sports brands
Public speaking and TV work
Shabba is a legend whose brand is still profitable even in retirement.
10. Teboho Mokoena
Estimated Net Worth: $1.5 million (₦2.2 billion+)
Teboho Mokoena is one of the rising stars at Mamelodi Sundowns and is already among the top-earning footballers in South Africa in 2025.
How He Earns:
High salary from Sundowns
Bonuses for performances
Potential European move
Mokoena’s future is bright, and his earnings are set to climb even further.
Summary Table: Richest Footballers in South Africa (2025)
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (USD) | Main Club | Monthly Salary (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Percy Tau | $5 million | Al Ahly (Egypt) | $50,000+ |
| 2 | Keagan Dolly | $3.5 million | Kaizer Chiefs | R1.4 million |
| 3 | Themba Zwane | $3 million | Mamelodi Sundowns | R800,000 |
| 4 | Bongani Zungu | $2.8 million | Mamelodi Sundowns | R700,000+ |
| 5 | Itumeleng Khune | $2.5 million | Kaizer Chiefs | R450,000 |
| 6 | Lyle Foster | $2.3 million | Burnley FC (England) | £30,000+ |
| 7 | Thulani Serero | $2 million | Al Jazira (UAE) | $25,000 |
| 8 | Kermit Erasmus | $1.8 million | Mamelodi Sundowns | R500,000 |
| 9 | Siphiwe Tshabalala | $1.7 million | Retired | Varies |
| 10 | Teboho Mokoena | $1.5 million | Mamelodi Sundowns | R600,000 |
FAQs – Richest Footballers in South Africa 2025
Who is the richest footballer in South Africa in 2025?
Percy Tau is currently the richest South African footballer with an estimated net worth of $5 million.
How much do top footballers earn in South Africa per month?
Top PSL players earn between R500,000 to R1.5 million per month, depending on the club and contract.
Do South African players make money outside of football?
Yes. Many have endorsement deals, own businesses, and invest in real estate and stocks.
Is Keagan Dolly still among the highest-paid in 2025?
Yes, Dolly remains one of the highest-paid footballers in the PSL with a top-tier salary from Kaizer Chiefs.
Which South African footballer plays in the Premier League?
Lyle Foster currently plays for Burnley FC in the English Premier League.
Final Thoughts: Top 10 Richest Footballers in South Africa (2025)
The list of the top 10 richest footballers in South Africa in 2025 shows how financially successful the country’s players have become. From Percy Tau’s international earnings to Keagan Dolly’s massive PSL salary, these stars are reaping the rewards of talent, hard work, and smart business choices.
Whether based in Europe, the Middle East, or South Africa, these footballers have built wealth that goes far beyond the pitch.