Top 10 Highest Paid South African Football Players in 2024

South African football has consistently produced top-tier talent, with many players rising to prominence both domestically and internationally. These athletes not only bring pride to their country through their performances on the pitch but also command impressive salaries that reflect their skill and influence in the game. This article highlights the top 10 highest paid South African football players, showcasing the careers and financial success of these stars. From local leagues to international clubs, these players are paving the way for future generations in South African football. All information used here is freely available on salarysport.com.

We are going to talk about the following players going forward:

1. Percy Tau – $1.3 million annually (Al Ahly)
2. Keagan Dolly – $720,000 annually (Kaizer Chiefs)
3. Themba Zwane – $600,000 annually (Mamelodi Sundowns)
4. Thulani Hlatshwayo – $500,000 annually (SuperSport United)
5. Ronwen Williams – $400,000 annually (Mamelodi Sundowns)
6. Lyle Foster – $1 million annually (Burnley)
7. Khama Billiat – $750,000 annually (Kaizer Chiefs)
8. Innocent Maela – $350,000 annually (Orlando Pirates)
9. Rushine De Reuck – $300,000 annually (Mamelodi Sundowns)
10. Teboho Mokoena – $300,000 annually (Mamelodi Sundowns)

1. Percy Tau

Percy Tau, born on May 13, 1994, is one of South Africa’s brightest football talents. He began his career at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won multiple domestic and continental titles, including the CAF Champions League. His impressive performances earned him a move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League, though work permit issues led to loan spells in Belgium, where he won league titles with Club Brugge and individual awards. In 2021, Tau signed with Al Ahly in Egypt, where he has continued his success, becoming a key player and top scorer.

Salary and Earnings: Percy Tau earns approximately $1.3 million annually at Al Ahly, making him one of the highest-paid South African footballers.

2. Keagan Dolly

Keagan Dolly, born on January 22, 1993, in Johannesburg, is a South African attacking midfielder who plays for Kaizer Chiefs and the national team. Dolly began his career with Ajax Cape Town before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns, where he gained prominence by winning the PSL Young Player of the Season award. He also played for Montpellier in France’s Ligue 1 before returning to South Africa to join Kaizer Chiefs in 2021. Known for his pace and playmaking ability, Dolly is a key player for both club and country.

Salary and Earnings: Keagan Dolly earns approximately $720,000 per year, making him one of the highest-paid players in the South African Premier Soccer League.

3. Themba Zwane

Themba Zwane, born on August 3, 1989, is an attacking midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and a key player for the South African national team. Known for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and playmaking abilities, Zwane has been instrumental in helping Sundowns win numerous domestic titles, including several PSL championships and the CAF Champions League. Internationally, he has represented South Africa in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, consistently delivering important goals and assists for his team.

Salary and Earnings: Themba Zwane earns approximately $600,000 per year at Mamelodi Sundowns. Zwane has reportedly declined many advertising contracts with sportsbook operators including the most recent proposal made by Fansport.

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4. Thulani Hlatshwayo

Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo, born on December 18, 1989, in Soweto, is a veteran South African defender known for his strong leadership and defensive prowess. He began his professional career with Ajax Cape Town before moving to Bidvest Wits, where he won the Premier Soccer League title. Hlatshwayo captained the South African national team and was a key figure in their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. Currently playing for SuperSport United, Hlatshwayo is respected for his defensive contributions and experience.

Salary and Earnings: Thulani Hlatshwayo earns around $500,000 annually.

5. Ronwen Williams

Ronwen Williams, born on January 21, 1992, is one of South Africa’s top goalkeepers and currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns. Williams began his professional career with SuperSport United, where he spent over a decade, earning numerous accolades for his shot-stopping ability. In 2022, he moved to Mamelodi Sundowns, continuing his successful career in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Williams is also the captain of the South African national team, playing a pivotal role in their international campaigns.

Salary and Earnings: Ronwen Williams earns around $400,000 annually​.

6. Lyle Foster

Lyle Foster, born on September 3, 2000, is a South African forward currently playing for Burnley in the Premier League. Foster began his career with Orlando Pirates before moving to Europe to play for Monaco, Cercle Brugge, Vitória de Guimarães, and Westerlo. In 2023, he made a record-breaking move to Burnley, becoming the most expensive South African footballer in history. Foster has also represented South Africa at various international levels, including the senior national team, where he has been a key figure in attack.

Salary and Earnings: Foster earns approximately $1 million annually at Burnley.

7. Khama Billiat

Khama Billiat, born on August 19, 1990, is a Zimbabwean winger currently playing for Yadah Stars, having previously been a key figure for Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa. Billiat rose to prominence with Ajax Cape Town and later with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won several PSL titles and the 2016 CAF Champions League. He is known for his exceptional dribbling, speed, and creativity on the ball. Internationally, Billiat has been an influential player for Zimbabwe, earning numerous caps and scoring crucial goals.

Salary and Earnings: Khama Billiat earns around $750,000 annually, making him one of the highest-paid players in the PSL.

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8. Innocent Maela

Innocent Maela, born on August 14, 1992, is a South African defender currently playing for Orlando Pirates, where he serves as team captain. Maela started his career in the youth ranks of Orlando Pirates but gained prominence during his time with Witbank Spurs and Thanda Royal Zulu. Upon his return to Orlando Pirates, he became a key player, known for his defensive reliability and leadership qualities. Maela has also earned caps for the South African national team, contributing to their international campaigns.

Salary and Earnings: Innocent Maela earns approximately $350,000 per year.

9. Rushine De Reuck

Rushine De Reuck, born on February 1, 1996, is a versatile defender who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team. De Reuck began his career at Maritzburg United, where he quickly established himself as one of the top defenders in the PSL. His strong performances earned him a move to Sundowns, where he has become an integral part of the team’s defense. De Reuck is also a regular fixture in the South African national squad, contributing to their international campaigns.

Salary and Earnings: De Reuck earns around $300,000 annually​.

10. Teboho Mokoena

Teboho Mokoena, born on January 24, 1997, is a South African midfielder who currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team. Mokoena began his career at SuperSport United, where he became a key player before joining Sundowns in 2022. Known for his long-range shooting and vision, Mokoena has been an essential figure in both his club and national team’s midfield. He has won several domestic titles and is a consistent performer in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Salary and Earnings: Teboho Mokoena earns around $300,000 annually.

To Wrap Things Up

The financial success of these top 10 South African footballers underscores their remarkable talent and the growing influence of South African players on the global stage. As they continue to excel at home and abroad, they serve as role models for young aspiring athletes, proving that dedication and hard work can lead to both athletic and financial success.

These players not only represent the best of South African football but also contribute to the sport’s rising prominence in the international arena. Their success is a testament to the potential of African footballers worldwide.