African Stars Shine Bright in the World’s Highest-Earning Athletes List for 2024
In the latest ranking of the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes, released on February 12th by the American sports business website Sportico, five African athletes have secured spots among the elite. Leading the charge is Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, with a staggering $260 million in earnings for 2024, including $215 million in salary and bonuses and $45 million from endorsements.
Among the African elite, two hail from the world of basketball: Cameroonian stars Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam, both of whom compete in the NBA. The other three African athletes in the top 100 are the Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah, the Algerian Riyad Mahrez, and the Senegalese Sadio Mané.
Joel Embiid: Rising Star in the NBA
In 2024, the Philadelphia 76ers center surpassed Mohamed Salah in earnings, banking $58.4 million compared to Salah’s $46.8 million. Embiid’s income is primarily split between $48.4 million in salary and bonuses and $10 million from endorsements, including deals with HyperX, Hulu, Crypto.com, and Skechers. The 30-year-old Cameroonian, who also holds French and American citizenship, led his team to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Mohamed Salah: Liverpool’s Goalscoring Machine
The Liverpool striker earned $55 million in 2024, $35 million of which came from salary and bonuses and $20 million from endorsements. Salah’s partnerships include deals with Uber, Vodafone, Pepsi, and Adidas. Despite a slight decrease in earnings compared to 2023, when he ranked 23rd globally with $56 million, the 32-year-old Egyptian remains a highly sought-after player. As his contract with Liverpool expires on June 30th, Salah is attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), which has reportedly offered him an annual salary of $40 million.
Riyad Mahrez: Algerian Icon in Saudi Arabia
Following his summer 2023 transfer to Al-Ahli, the 34-year-old Algerian winger enjoyed a significant increase in earnings, boosting his income to $52 million in 2024. While his salary constitutes the bulk of his income at $50 million, Mahrez also has endorsement deals with Nike, Algerian telecom operator Djezzy, and the Thameen perfume brand, adding an additional $2 million to his wealth.
Sadio Mané: Bayern Munich to Al-Nassr
After leaving Bayern Munich in August 2023, Mané saw his salary double upon joining Al-Nassr. The 32-year-old Senegalese striker now earns $43 million per year, supplemented by $2.5 million from endorsement deals with New Balance and Western Union, bringing his total earnings to $45.5 million. Notably, Mané has also become a shareholder in the French club Bourges Foot 18.
Pascal Siakam: Cameroonian Force in the NBA
The 30-year-old Cameroonian forward earned $42 million in 2024, up from $38 million in 2023. A key player for the Indiana Pacers, Siakam’s income largely stems from his performances on the court, where he earns $40 million. His four-year contract with the Pacers, signed in July 2024, guarantees him $190 million. Siakam supplements his earnings with private partnerships, which account for the remaining $2 million.
Overall, the presence of these African stars on the list of the world’s highest-paid athletes is a testament to their exceptional talent and marketability. Their achievements inspire young athletes across the continent and beyond, showcasing the immense potential and global reach of African sports.
