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The top 10 richest Nigerian footballers in 2024 boast a combined net worth of nearly $200 million.
In the fiercely competitive world of football, Nigerian footballers have not only demonstrated their prowess on the field but have also built empires beyond the sport.
From securing multi-million dollar contracts to clinching major endorsements and diversifying their investments, these athletes exemplify success in both sports and business.
As of 2024, Pulse Sports estimates the top 10 richest Nigerian footballers boast a combined net worth of $190 million.
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14:57 - 15.03.2024
UPDATED: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's Net Worth rises in Top 10 Richest footballers in the world (2024)
In this article, we will review the top ten richest footballers in the world in 2024.
Among the most notable developments this year is Victor Osimhen’s rise, following his high-profile loan move from Napoli to Galatasaray.
His inclusion in this elite list marks a new era for Nigerian footballers, highlighting how the younger generation is making its mark financially.
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17:27 - 03.04.2024
EXPLAINED Why Messi and Ronaldo are missing from Forbes 2024 Billionaires list
Ronaldo and Messi are not yet Billionaires despite their status as two of the world’s richest footballers.
Revealed: The Top 10 Richest Nigerian Footballers in 2024
1. Mikel Obi (Net Worth) – $40 Million
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Age: 37
Current Team: Retired
Source of Wealth: Football, Media, Endorsements, Private Investments
Mikel Obi continues to reign as Nigeria’s wealthiest footballer in 2024, with an estimated net worth of $40 million.
A commanding presence in midfield during his playing days, the Super Eagles legend spent the majority of his career at Chelsea, where he won numerous titles, including two Premier League championships and the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy.
His salary during his prime years in Europe was among the highest for African players, ensuring financial security early on.
But what has truly set Mikel apart from his peers is his post-retirement business strategy.
He has astutely invested in various sectors, including real estate and media, ensuring a steady income even after hanging up his boots.
His investments in real estate, in particular, have seen exponential growth, with properties in Lagos and Abuja (Nigeria's economic and political capitals) significantly increasing in value.
During his playing days and even after his retirement, Mikel has been able to secure lucrative endorsement deals, notably with Betwinner as he continues to bolster his fortune.
His podcast has also gained prominence amongst football fans in Nigeria and beyond, with some high-profile names guesting on his platform including Eden Hazard, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, John Terry, as well as a few others.
2. Odion Ighalo (Net Worth) – $35 Million
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Age: 35
Current Team: Al-Wehda (Saudi Arabia)
Source of Wealth: Football, Private Investments, Real Estate
Not far off Mikel is Odion Ighalo, with a net worth of $35 million, has proven that a footballer’s career can continue to thrive outside of Europe’s top leagues.
After a successful stint at Watford in the English Premier League, Ighalo shocked many when he signed a lucrative deal with Chinese club Changchun Yatai.
His earnings during his time in China is till date, the highest for any Nigerian player, and his subsequent move to Manchester United and Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia has kept him among the top earners in global football.
Being one of the richest footballers in Nigeria, Ighalo's wealth is not just tied to his staggering salaries.
The former Super Eagles no.9 has strategically diversified his investments across multiple sectors, including real estate.
His story is one of perseverance and strategic decision-making, allowing him to remain one of Nigeria's richest footballers long after his prime in Europe.
3. Obafemi Martins (Net Worth) – $30 Million
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Age: 39
Current Team: Retired
Source of Wealth: Football, Private Investments, Real Estate, Entertainment, Hospitality
Despite his retirement, Obafemi Martins continues to command a significant net worth of $30 million.
Known for his lightning speed and powerful shots during his playing days, Obagoal built a global career playing for top clubs like Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and Seattle Sounders.
His ability to secure high-paying contracts across different continents — Europe, Asia, and North America — allowed him to accumulate substantial wealth during his playing career.
While he played for Seattle Sounders FC from 2013 to 2015, his base salaries were $1,600,000; $1,620,000; $2,400,000, consecutively for the three years.
His annual salary at the Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua was $6.6 million (₦2.4 billion).
Today, Martins remains financially active through his extensive business ventures, particularly in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
His investments in entertainment and hospitality have paid off handsomely, with Martins' business acumen keeping his fortune intact even after retiring from the game.
Martins is believed to own the most expensive garage amongst all Nigerian footballers.
He is said to be the only Nigerian footballer who owns a luxury yacht.
Martins has also invested in real estate, owning luxury properties in Lagos and abroad - including his N800 million property in Como, Italy.
His new multi-million Naira Italian night club, “Cosa Nostra Patron.” which was opened earlier this year in Lagos is expected to bolster his multi-million-dollar fortune, as the nightclub also launched with his new hotel.
4. Ahmed Musa (Net Worth) – $25 Million
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Age: 31
Current Team: Free Agent
Source of Wealth: Football, Private Investments, Real Estate, Agriculture
Ahmed Musa’s $25 million fortune highlights his success both on and off the field.
The Super Eagles skipper has played for prominent clubs such as Leicester City in the English Premier League and Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, earning millions in salaries and bonuses.
His versatility and consistency have made him a valuable asset, and his move to the Middle East further boosted his earning power.
Off the pitch, Musa has made several investments that have solidified his position among Nigeria’s richest athletes.
His real estate investments in Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja are noteworthy, and he owns one of the most luxurious hotels in northern Nigeria.
He owns Myca7cafe, in Kaduna as well as a sports centre named after him .
Musa is also passionate about agriculture as well as giving back to his community and has launched multiple philanthropic projects, including schools and health centers.
5. Victor Moses (Net Worth) – $20 Million
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Age: 33
Current Team: Luton Town (England)
Source of Wealth: Football, Private Investments, Real Estate
Victor Moses, with a net worth of $20 million, is another testament to how Nigerian footballers can succeed both domestically and internationally.
Moses built his wealth primarily through his career as a footballer having recorded massive success with Chelsea, where he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League titles.
Now signed to EFL championship club Luton Town, his versatility as a winger and wing-back earned him consistent playing time in top leagues and a series of lucrative contracts.
Beyond football, Moses has previously secured numerous sponsorship deals and has made smart investment decisions.
His real estate portfolio spans across London and Nigeria, positioning him well for long-term financial growth.
In addition, his contracts in Turkey and Russia towards the end of his prime were highly lucrative, contributing to his growing net worth.
6. Emmanuel Emenike (Net Worth) – $12 Million
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Age: 37
Current Team: Retired
Source of Wealth: Football, Private Investments, Real Estate, Hospitality, Healthcare
Emmanuel Emenike, with a net worth of $12 million, exemplifies how to turn a successful football career into a thriving business empire.
Known for his physical prowess and goal-scoring ability, the AFCON 2013 winner played for several top clubs in Europe, including Spartak Moscow and Fenerbahçe.
His consistent performances earned him handsome salaries throughout his career.
Since retiring from professional football, Emenike has channeled his energy into building a business empire, making him one of the richest Nigerian footballers in 2024.
He is excelling in the hotel business in Nigeria, catering to both domestic and international clients, which have become highly profitable.
He reportedly invested over ₦250 million in building a hospital named after him in his hometown.
Emenike Hospital is a 40-bed facility located in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, and was commissioned in May 2024.
It is owned by Emmanuel Emenike and AGCare, providing personalized, top-tier medical care across various specialties to meet the health needs of the community.
Emenike’s success in the hospitality industry has made him one of Nigeria’s most successful retired athletes.
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11:26 - 31.05.2024
SUPER EAGLES No Space for Lookman as Victor Osimhen headlines Top 10 Highest-paid players of 2024
Pulse Sports reveals the Top 10 highest-paid Super Eagles stars in 2024.
7. Victor Osimhen (Net Worth) – $10 Million
Age: 25
Current Team: Galatasaray (on loan from Napoli)
Source of Wealth: Football, Private Investments, Real Estate
Victor Osimhen has made a bold entry into Nigeria’s top 10 richest footballers with his net worth soaring to $10 million, months after signing a lucrative contract extension with Napoli in December 2023.
His loan move from Napoli to Galatasaray in 2024 was one of the most talked-about transfers of the year, further cementing his status as the most influential Nigerian footballer in this era.
Osimhen’s rise to fame has been meteoric, with his goal-scoring abilities making him a sought-after player in European football.
Osimhen’s wealth is primarily driven by his contracts and performance bonuses.
As of 2024, he is the highest-paid Nigerian footballer in the world.
Osimhen recently made a significant investment in real estate in Italy and Nigeria.
Although, the specific details cannot be disclosed due to legal reasons – this venture is estimated to fetch him more than double of his investments in the near future, positioning himself for long-term financial growth.
Osimhen’s entry into the top 10 is a clear sign of his future potential, both on and off the pitch.
8. Wilfred Ndidi (Net Worth) – $8 Million
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Age: 28
Current Team: Leicester City (England)
Source of Wealth: Football, Endorsements, Real Estate
Wilfred Ndidi’s steady rise in English football has earned him a place among Nigeria’s richest footballers, with a net worth of $8 million.
Known for his defensive skills and tireless work ethic, Ndidi has been a vital player for Leicester City since arriving the club in 2017.
His impressive earnings in England have allowed him to accumulate wealth and plan for his post-football career.
Off the pitch, Ndidi has taken a cautious yet effective approach to wealth management.
He has discreetly invested hundreds of millions in real estate, with plans to expand his business portfolio further in the coming years.
During his career, he also bagged several endorsement deals with brands like Multichoice and Fanbants.
9. Kelechi Iheanacho (Net Worth) – $8 Million
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Age: 28
Current Team: Sevilla F.C (Spain)
Source of Wealth: Football, Endorsements, Real Estate
Like Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho shares the same net worth of $8 million with his Leicester City teammate, making him one of the richest Nigerian footballers.
Known for his ability to score crucial goals, Iheanacho’s contributions to Leicester’s success, including their FA Cup win, have been well rewarded.
The 28-year-old left the King Power Stadium after seven years at the club to settle into his new life in Spain.
Off the field, Iheanacho is focusing on securing his financial future by making sound investments in Nigeria’s booming real estate market.
Despite missing out on a lucrative deal with sportswear giants Nike in 2017, the Super Eagles star’s sponsorship deals and growing brand endorsements have also contributed to his wealth, signing deals with brands like Bitnob and Multichoice.
10. Jay-Jay Okocha (Net Worth) – $7 Million
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Age: 51
Current Team: Retired
Source of Wealth: Football, Endorsements, Private Investments
Jay-Jay Okocha, with a net worth of $7 million, remains one of Nigeria’s most beloved footballers despite retiring more than a decade ago.
Okocha’s charisma, creativity, and flair on the pitch made him a global icon during his playing days.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time, he represented top clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers, where his performances earned him not only admiration but also significant financial rewards.
Since retiring, Okocha has stayed in the limelight through paid-media appearances, endorsements, and business ventures, earning him a place among the top 10 richest Nigerian footballers in the world, despite being the oldest on the list.
His investments in real estate have helped him maintain his wealth, while his role as a football pundit continues to keep him relevant in the sport.
He is currently the global brand ambassador for betting company BetKing - in what has proven to be the most lucrative deal of his post-playing career.
Okocha’s enduring legacy, both as a footballer and as a businessman, ensures his place in the Super Eagles all-time rich list.
METHODOLOGY
The Pulse Sports ranking of the richest Nigerian footballers reflects the combined total of estimated on-field earnings for 2024, including base salaries, bonuses, and off-field estimates that reflect annual cash from endorsements, sponsorships, social media revenue, and the players' own businesses.
Some of the athletes net worth and figures were obtained from publicly accessible databases, including Celebrity Net Worth.
All figures used in this article are converted to U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate.
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