From the dusty pitches of township football to the manicured lawns of Premier League and MLS stadiums, South Africa’s top football exports are showing their worth both in performance and pay cheques. These stars have taken their talent global, securing serious salaries and international recognition.
Here’s a look at the top six South African footballers earning millions overseas and what they’re taking home annually.
1. Lyle Foster – Mzansi’s Millionaire Marksman
- Club: Burnley FC (England)
- Position: Forward
- Estimated Salary: R28 million per year (£1.2 million)
Lyle Foster, Johannesburg’s prodigal son, holds the title as South Africa’s highest-paid footballer. After making history with a record-breaking transfer from KVC Westerlo in Belgium to Premier League side Burnley, Foster now commands a monthly salary of about R2.3 million. While Burnley has had a tough time in the top tier, Foster’s reputation and earnings remain elite.
Salary Rank: 1st
2. Percy Tau – The Egyptian King
- Club: Al Ahly (Egypt)
- Position: Forward
- Estimated Salary: R22 million per year
Nicknamed the “Lion of Judah,” Percy Tau has gone from South Africa to England and now dominates North African football at Al Ahly, one of the continent’s most prestigious clubs. Despite limited success in the English Premier League, Tau is now thriving in Cairo, collecting about R1.8 million every month along with a collection of CAF titles.
Salary Rank: 2nd
3. Bongokuhle Hlongwane – The MLS Trailblazer
- Club: Minnesota United FC (USA)
- Position: Forward
- Estimated Salary: R13.5 million per year ($750,000)
Speedy and skillful, Bongokuhle “Bongi” Hlongwane has become a crowd favorite in the U.S. Major League Soccer scene. Representing Minnesota United, he’s proving that South Africans can thrive outside Europe too. Earning just over R1.1 million per month, Hlongwane is enjoying both fame and fortune in the Land of the Free.
Salary Rank: 3rd
4. Dean Furman – The Veteran’s Legacy
- Last Club: Altrincham FC (England)
- Position: Midfielder
- Estimated Past Salary: R6 million per year
Though now retired from top-flight football, Dean Furman once captained SuperSport United and held his own in England’s lower divisions. At his peak, Furman earned around R500,000 per month and led with distinction both on and off the field. He now focuses more on mentoring than matchday minutes.
Salary Rank: 4th (historic)
5. Olwethu Makhanya – America’s Rising Defender
- Club: Philadelphia Union II (USA)
- Position: Defender
- Estimated Salary: R3 million per year ($160,000)
At just 20 years old, former Stellenbosch FC talent Olwethu Makhanya is already making his mark in the U.S., playing for Philadelphia Union’s second team. Though still in the early stages of his career, his salary approximately R250,000 per month is impressive for a youngster with plenty of room to grow.
Salary Rank: 5th (with huge potential)
6. Shandre Campbell – The Next Big Export
- Club: Linked to Belgium & Netherlands
- Position: Winger
- Estimated Incoming Salary: R2–R3 million annually (TBC)
SuperSport United’s teenage talent, Shandre Campbell, is expected to finalize a move to Europe soon, with Belgian and Dutch clubs reportedly vying for his signature. While his future salary isn’t confirmed yet, estimates put his potential deal at around R200,000 to R250,000 per month a strong start for an 18-year-old prodigy.
Salary Rank: 6th (soon to rise)
South African Footballers Earning Millions Overseas
While South Africa hasn’t produced a global superstar in the vein of Messi or Mbappé (yet), our footballers are making their presence and pay felt across the globe. From Premier League matchdays to American stadium lights and Egyptian football fortresses, these six players are flying the South African flag high and proving that talent from home can earn big abroad.
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