Beyond Borders: Top Five African Athletes Ruling the 2024 Global Payroll
CC BY 2.0 / Flickr / Aaron Volkening / The newly completed mural of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, in downtown Milwaukee.
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Africa is a continent rich in talent, particularly in the realm of sports. The incredible athleticism and determination of African athletes, who often excel despite limited resources and support systems, are exceptional. Their skills are recognized all over the world and are rewarded accordingly.
Reaching the pinnacle of athletic success typically involves a lengthy journey, but the rewards can be substantial.
Many athletes of African origin serve as role models for aspiring young athletes worldwide, providing an inspiration to perseverance and success for many Africans.
Here are the five highest-earning athletes from Africa, according to Forbes' recent ranking of the world’s highest-paid global athletes of African descent:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nigeria
CC BY 2.0 / Flickr/Erik Drost / Giannis Antetokounmpo, professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association
Giannis Antetokounmpo, professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association
His impressive physical attributes—strength, height, and speed—positioned him as a power forward in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks. He generated $111 million in revenue during the 2024 fiscal year, with $46 million derived from basketball and $65 million from off-court earnings, largely from major endorsement deals.
Anthony Joshua, Nigeria
© AP Photo / Ian WaltonAnthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua
© AP Photo / Ian Walton
Joshua is a British professional boxer with Nigerian roots, and his net worth of $83 million is making him one of the highest-paid athletes worldwide. He has held the WBA (Super version), IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles twice between 2016 and 2021, solidifying his status as a two-time former unified world heavyweight champion.
Joel Embiid, Cameroon
© AP Photo / Matt SlocumJoel Embiid
Joel Embiid
© AP Photo / Matt Slocum
Another professional basketball player in the list, and who dominated the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers in points scored during the 2021-22 and 2022–23 seasons, becoming the first center to achieve this since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.
The total amount of revenue generated by the athlete in question is $57.7 million, with $47.7 million of this figure representing on-court earnings and the remaining $10 million representing off-court earnings.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt
© AP Photo / Jon SuperLiverpool's Mohamed Salah
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah
© AP Photo / Jon Super
The “Egyptian King” or "The Pharaoh" of the Liverpool football club, Salah considers to be a national hero in his country, as he captains the Egypt national team. The total budget for this fiscal year of this athlete is $53 million, with $35 million allocated for football-related activities and $18 million for non-football operations.
Sadio Mane, Senegal
© AP Photo / Sunday AlambaSadio Mane
Sadio Mane
© AP Photo / Sunday Alamba
Mane, a winger for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and the Senegal national team, is considered one of the most talented African players. His 2024 earnings are at $52 million, with $48 million coming from football and $4 million from other endeavors.