Top five highest-paid South African footballers

Over the years, South African footballers have been making headlines abroad thanks to their unmatched flair. In the backdrop of their fair share of fame, South Africans have been trying to connect the dots on their salaries.

No doubt they have been winning big, and their salaries serve as a motivation to many. Despite their wages being kept under wraps, several media outlets have revealed players’ contracts, exposing their alleged salaries.

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TOP FIVE HIGHEST-PAID SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALLERS

Here are rumoured highest-paid South African footballers playing abroad, according to reports.

Lyle Foster – Burnley

Lyle Foster is the highest-paid South African footballer playing abroad. The former Orlando Pirates striker earned a gross of £20 000 with English Premier League side Burnley FC before his improved contract.

With a weekly salary of around R500 000, Foster earns a fortune at Burnley. His annual salary is reportedly around R24 million, but many are more than convinced that it ballooned after he signed a contract extension with the EPL outfit.

He has scored three goals this season and provided three assists from eight appearances in all competitions.

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Percy Tau – Al Ahly

With a rumoured monthly salary of R1.5 million, Percy Tau is said to be the second-highest-paid South African footballer playing abroad. Annually, Tau pockets around R18 million from the Egyptian giants.

The Al Ahly talisman has been influential for the Red Devils this season, and his moments of brilliance have seen him making headlines. He has netted four goals in five appearances.

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Lebo Mothiba – RC Strasbourg

Lebo Mothiba is arguably the third highest-paid South African footballer. The 27-year-old plays for Ligue 1 outfit RC Strasbourg. His annual earnings are estimated to be around R15 million, plus bonuses and incentives.

Despite a big salary, he has been struggling at goal, and this season, he has netted three goals from ten appearances.

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OTHER STARS

Bongokuhle Hlongwane – Minnesota United FC

In-form Bongokuhle Hlongwane made headlines in the 2023 season after being directly involved in 22 goals from 38 appearances for Minnesota United FC. He netted 17 goals and managed five assists across all competitions.

According to the MLS Players Association, the 23-year-old earns R10.3 million in base salary but accumulates to R11.8 million in guaranteed yearly compensation, including a marketing bonus and any agent’s fees.

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Njabulo Blom – St Louis SC

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Njabulo Blom is the fifth highest-paid South African star abroad. He earns an annual salary of R4.73 million, accumulating to R6.51 million in guaranteed compensation annually.

Bloom has had over 30 appearances MLS side St Louis SC for the club across all competitions. However, he has managed one goal and an assist.