Football is a multi-billion dollar industry filled with incredibly talented players who command high salaries and endorsement deals. South Africa is no exception.
Following the footsteps of legends like Lucas Radebe and Steven Pienaar, the country has continued to produce talented footballers who command huge pay In their respective teams.
This guide provides the top 10 South Africa’s highest-paid football players, drawing on expertise in South African football and using data from trusted financial sources.
Who Are The Highest Paid South Africa Football Player?
Rank | Name | Current Team | Net Worth | Nationality | Position | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Keagan Dolly | Kaizer Chiefs | $5 million | South African | Midfielder | League Titles, Cup Wins |
2 | Thembinkosi Lorch | Orlando Pirates | $5 million | South African | Forward | Player of the Year Awards |
3 | Kermit Erasmus | Orlando Pirates | $3 million | South African | Forward | League Titles, Cup Wins |
4 | Siphiwe Tshabalala | Last team: AmaZulu | $5 million | South African | Midfielder | World Cup Appearances |
5 | Themba Zwane | Mamelodi Sundowns | $2 million | South African | Midfielder | League Titles, Cup Wins |
6 | Sibusiso Vilakazi | TS Galaxy | $5 million | South African | Forward | Cup Wins, International Caps |
7 | Bongani Zungu | Mamelodi Sundowns | $4 million | South African | Midfielder | League Titles, International Caps |
8 | Itumeleng Khune | Kaizer Chiefs | $4 million | South African | Goalkeeper | Player of the Year Awards |
9 | Dean Furman | Warrington Rylands 1906 | $3 million | South African | Midfielder | Cup Wins, International Caps |
10 | Innocent Maela | Orlando Pirates | $3 million | South African | Defender | Cup Wins, International Caps |
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1. Keagan Dolly
Keagan Dolly is the richest South Africa football player playing as an attacking midfielder for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League and the South Africa national team.
Back in 2013–14, when he was with Mamelodi Sundowns, he won the Premier Soccer League Young Player award. Before Sundowns, he played for Ajax Cape Town.
Sundowns brought him back for the 2014–15 season after his successful spell at Ajax. During his time with Sundowns, they won the league in 2015–16 and also the CAF Champions League.
In 2017, Dolly moved to Montpellier HSC in Europe, where he played until 2021. Then, he returned to South Africa and joined Kaizer Chiefs.
Despite a contract dispute with Sundowns in 2016 over his buyout clause, Dolly’s career has been impressive. His skills have attracted attention from clubs in Europe, showing his talent on a bigger stage.
2. Thembinkosi Lorch
Thembinkosi Lorch, also known as “Nyoso,” is the second highest-paid South African player, trailing behind Dolly. He currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team.
In 2019, he won the best player in South Africa. Lorch started playing soccer when he was young. He played for teams like Katlehong Young Stars, Maluti FET College FC, and Orlando Pirates.
We saw how Incredible he was against Jomo Cosmos. Also, he played for Chippa United and Cape Town All Stars In the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
3. Kermit Erasmus
Erasmus is one of the best football players in South Africa, playing for plays for Orlando Pirates in South Africa and also for the national team
He started playing professionally with SuperSport United in 2007. Later, he went to play for Feyenoord in the Netherlands and Rennes in France.
In 2013, Erasmus came back to South Africa and joined the Orlando Pirates. He did well, helping the team win the Nedbank Cup in 2014. After that, he played in Sweden and Portugal, but in 2022, he returned to Orlando Pirates.
4. Siphiwe Tshabalala
Siphiwe Tshabalala is considered one of the highest-paid in South Africa. Tshabalala grew up dreaming of becoming a chartered accountant.
However, his passion for football led him on a different path. Tshabalala began his professional career with Kaizer Chiefs after playing at their academy.
Despite facing challenges, including a serious knee injury, he persevered and became a key player for the team. Known for his impressive goals, he won several awards during his time with Kaizer Chiefs.
In 2019, Tshabalala moved to Büyükşehir Belediye Erzurumspor in Turkey before returning to South Africa to join AmaZulu F.C. in 2020. However, his time at AmaZulu was short-lived as he was released in 2021.
Throughout his career, Tshabalala represented the South African national team, earning 90 caps and participating in major tournaments such as the African Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
Notably, he scored the first goal of the 2010 World Cup, which gained international recognition. With a total of 372 appearances and 58 goals, Tshabalala has made a significant impact on South African football.
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5. Themba Zwane
Themba “Mshishi” Zwane is a professional soccer player from South Africa. He’s an attacking midfielder for the Mamelodi Sundowns club in the Premier Soccer League and also represents South Africa on the international stage.
Zwane is widely recognized as one of the top PSL players and among the highest-paid South African football players. Throughout his career, Zwane has amassed an impressive list of achievements and honors.
With Mamelodi Sundowns, he has secured eight South African Premier titles, two Telkom Knockout victories, three Nedbank Cup wins, and several other notable victories including the CAF Champions League and the CAF Super Cup.
On the international stage, Zwane played a significant role in South Africa’s success at the Africa Cup of Nations, helping the team secure a third-place finish in 2023.
Individually, Zwane has been recognized for his outstanding performance multiple times. He was named the PSL Footballer of the Season, PSL Player’s Player of the Season, and PSL Midfielder of the Season, all in the 2019-2020 season.
Additionally, he won honors from his club, including being named Sundowns Player of the Season and Sundowns’ Players’ Player of the Season.
6. Sibusiso Vilakazi
Sibusiso Vilakazi is currently wowing fans with his amazing skills for Sekhukhune United in the Premier Soccer League.
In the 2013–14 Premier Soccer League season, Vilakazi won both the Player of the Season and players’ Player of the Season awards.
Plus, he was named the Nedbank Cup player of the tournament. When it comes to international play, Vilakazi proudly represents South Africa.
He made his debut on October 12, 2013, in a match against Morocco which ended in a 1–1 draw. With Mamelodi Sundowns, Vilakazi has been part of some big wins.
He’s helped his team clinch the Premier Soccer League title for five seasons: 2017–18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22.
7. Bongani Zungu
Bongani Zungu is one of South Africa’s richest footballers. He currently plays as a midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South Africa national team.
Starting his club career with the University of Pretoria in the 2012–2013 season, Zungu helped the team achieve a top-eight finish. Later, he moved to Mamelodi Sundowns in a swap deal.
Zungu faced a setback due to a shin injury during a match against Maritzburg United, causing him to miss a significant part of the 2015–2016 season.
However, he ended his time with Sundowns on a high note as the team won the PSL title in May 2016. In January 2016, Zungu’s agent confirmed his move to Portuguese side Vitória de Guimarães.
After a season there, he joined French club Amiens. In October 2020, Zungu signed for Scottish club Rangers on loan from Amiens, with an option for a permanent transfer.
Internationally, Zungu made his debut for South Africa in a match against Burkina Faso in August 2013. And, he scored his first international goal against Swaziland in November 2013.
While Zungu’s exact salary details are not publicly disclosed, he is regarded as one of the highest-paid football players in South Africa, given his successful career both domestically and internationally.
8. Itumeleng Khune
Itumeleng Khune is a goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League and represents the South African national team. Khune is acclaimed as one of the greatest goalkeepers in South African history and is highly regarded globally.
His career took off spectacularly when he made a name for himself by saving three penalties in a crucial match against Mamelodi Sundowns in 2007.
His remarkable talent was also highlighted when he saved a penalty from David Villa during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Khune has remained a key figure for Kaizer Chiefs despite facing challenges, including injuries and disciplinary issues,
He has led the team to numerous victories and has been honored with individual awards for his exceptional performances. Notably, he captained the team during the 2012-2013 season, guiding them to a league and cup double.
9. Dean Furman
Dean Furman is a professional soccer player from South Africa and he’s Warrington Rylands 1906 midfielder in England.
Furman has played for different teams including Rangers in Scotland, Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers in England, and SuperSport United in South Africa.
In addition to his club career, Furman has represented South Africa in international matches since 2012. He has participated in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and has won 56 caps for his national team, scoring four goals.
Starting his career at the age of nine with Chelsea’s youth team, Furman later moved on to Rangers where he gained experience in the Scottish Premiership. Furman was also part of the South African squad that won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.