Kenya, renowned for its athletic excellence, has also produced a number of exceptional footballers who have achieved great success both on and off the field. These players have not only excelled in their sporting careers but have also built substantial wealth along the way. In this article,
we delve into the lives and net worth of some of the wealthiest Kenyan footballers, showcasing their accomplishments and the financial success they’ve earned.
Victor Wanyama, a household name in Kenyan football, has made an impressive mark both locally and internationally. Currently playing as a defensive midfielder for CF Montreal Impact in Canada, Wanyama is the highest-paid sportsman in Kenya. Despite accepting a significant pay cut of Sh14.7 million per month to extend his contract with the club, he still earns around Sh20 million monthly, making him the highest-paid footballer in the country. His net worth is estimated at $15 million (Sh2.064 billion).
McDonald Mariga is another iconic Kenyan footballer who has achieved remarkable success in the sport. Born in Nairobi, Mariga’s career began at Tusker F.C. and Kenya Pipeline before reaching the peak of Italian football with Inter Milan, where he became the first Kenyan to wear their jersey. After retiring in 2019, Mariga ventured into politics with aspirations to use his influence to bring about change, although his political efforts have yet to yield success. Nevertheless, Mariga’s net worth is estimated at $7 million (Sh847 million).
Michael Olunga stands as one of the wealthiest footballers in Kenya, with a net worth of $4 million (Sh484 million). His stellar performances on the field have solidified his reputation as a top striker. Notably, Olunga made history as the first Kenyan to score a hat-trick for Girona in a 6-0 victory over Las Palmas in 2018. He also made his mark at the Africa Cup of Nations, becoming the only Kenyan to score a brace at the tournament. In the 2019/2020 season, Olunga became the first African player to win the J1 League Most Valuable Player award and the Golden Boot after scoring 28 goals. Currently playing for Al-Duhail in Qatar, Olunga earns around Sh60 million monthly.
Patrick Osiako, a retired Kenyan midfielder, had an international career that took him to clubs in Kenya, Sweden, Romania, Israel, and Azerbaijan. Over the course of his career, Osiako accumulated a net worth of approximately $2 million (Sh242 million).
Jamal Mohamed, also known as Jamal Malo, is a former Kenyan footballer who began his career in 1998 with the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA). His journey later took him to Ghana and various clubs in Europe. Through his successful football career, Jamal amassed a net worth of $2 million (Sh242 million).
Arnold Origi, a retired Kenyan goalkeeper, made a name for himself in Europe, particularly with Hødd in the Norwegian 2. divisjon. Origi is the only Kenyan goalkeeper to have played in Europe for over 15 years. His career, which included stints at Mathare United, Tusker, Moss, Fredrikstad, Ull/Kisa, and Lillestrøm, saw him rise to prominence. With a net worth of $1.2 million (Sh145.2 million), Origi is one of Kenya’s wealthiest footballers.
Lawrence Olum, a retired Kenyan defender and midfielder, had an illustrious career with clubs such as Portland Timbers, Minnesota Thunder, Austin Aztex, Orlando City, Sporting Kansas City, Kedah FA (Malaysia), and Minnesota United FC. Olum’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million (Sh181.5 million).
These Kenyan footballers have not only brought pride to their country through their performances on the field but have also secured financial success, making them some of the wealthiest athletes in Kenya.
