We all know that the big money to be made by the most elite African players is squarely in the Gulf leagues. Just talk to Sadio Mane's bank account, which supposedly welcomes well over €804k every week, or better yet, remind Andre Ayew how much he had to let go after leaving Al-Sadd SC for Nottingham Forest.
That said, a big chunk of Black Stars play for European leagues, where the likes of Thomas Partey bring in more than € 240,000-a-week. But who are the highest paid Ghanaian players in Europe after the January transfer?
We know, and you should know too…
1. Thomas Partey - €240,000 per week at Arsenal
Thomas Partey is hands down the highest paid Ghanaian player in Europe right now. The midfielder brings in a bank-bashing €240k-a-week in wages playing for Arsenal. He might be currently pushing the ball in an untraditional position as the right-back, but Partey knows how to defend his money sources. In fact, he is an all-time richest Ghanaian footballer with a net worth a little shy of €40 million.
The 31-year-old has reportedly raked in well over €50 million in his footballing career. His wealth and net worth come mostly from his wages as a Gunner, but a small chunk streams from his business investments and properties both at home and in Europe.
It helps that he has been an ambassador for Adidas for over seven (and counting) years. Unlike some of his fellow African footballers who cut endorsement deals back home with operators of online casinos and sports betting like Sportybet and Betway, Arsenal’s Mr Reliable seems to prefer mainstream companies. With the ranks of GOIL Ghana and Twellium Industries on his sponsorship list, his endorsements aren’t too shabby.
2. Iñaki Williams - €219,231 per week at Athletic Bilbao
Almost every football fan will not fail to point out Iñaki Williams in a group photo of 50+ footballers. But what not many know is that the forward ditched Spain to play for Ghana more than two years ago. Don’t worry - he still does his magic for Athletico Bilbao, where he banks a little shy of €220k every week.
What’s really heartwarming is the rags-to-riches story of Iñaki and his family, which emigrated to Spain in the early 90s. Another fun fact is that Nico, who is also a striker for Athletic, is Iñaki’s younger brother. Williams are worth millions of Euros right now.
At 29, Iñaki Williams has played over 300 games for Athletic Bilbao and made half a dozen appearances for the Black Stars. He has plenty to show for this spell, including $15 million in net worth, a clutch of properties, and trophies at Estadio de San Mamés.
3. Mohammed Kudus - €108,000 per week at West Ham
The Hammers playmaker is still a youngster pushing his way up in European football, and so as his paycheck. Mohammed Kudus is said to earn around €108,000 a week after a 45 million euro transfer from Eredivisie side Ajax. The attacking midfielder is versatile and his flair on the ball can only be matched by the likes of Jude Bellingham.
Off the big stage for the Hammers, Moha knows how to bring in and keep the bucks. With an endorsement from athletic brand Nike, his net worth pings around €9 - €10 million. He owns at least two properties, including a house in Accra and another in Amsterdam.
4. Jeffrey Schlupp - €72,000 per week at Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace’s Jeffrey Schlupp has been a consistent playmaker in the EPL for years. Earning €72,000 per week, he injects versatile play to Roy Hodgson’s squad, especially in the midfield and defense. His no-nonsense playing style and reliability make him a key figure in. Though it’s hard to pinpoint his net worth, Schlupp has multiple properties, including lavish houses in London and Accra.
5. Daniel Amartey - €60,000 per week at Leicester City
After years of big play, Daniel Amartey continues to command respect in European football. The Leicester City defender earns €60,000 per week. His net worth is estimated at €12 million, with sponsorships from Nike.
6. Jordan Ayew - €60,000 per week at Crystal Palace
Joining his teammate Jeffrey Schlupp, Jordan Ayew is another Ghanaian mainstay at Crystal Palace. He takes home €60,000, with a net worth upwards of €15 million. The well-known charitable footballer has also snapped up endorsement deals with Puma.
7. Ernest Nuamah - €52,308 per week at Oly. Lyon
One of Ghana’s brightest young prospects, Ernest Nuamah, is punching well above his weight at Olympique Lyon. At just 21 years old, he earns €52,308 per week. His blistering pace and eye for goal have drawn comparisons to some of Europe’s finest wingers.
Nuamah’s growing profile has attracted sponsorship offers, particularly from sportswear brands. While he’s still early in his career, his current net worth is estimated at €5 million.
8. Kamal Sowah - €40,000 per week at Club Brugge
Kamal Sowah has made a name for himself in European football, especially at Club Brugge. The nimble midfielder hits the turf for €40,000 a week, but there’s plenty of wiggle room for his wages given his age and talent. Sowah’s sponsorship deals are also still developing.
9. Joseph Aidoo - €35,000 per week at Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo’s defensive stalwart, Joseph Aidoo, earns €35,000 per week. Known for his composure and defensive awareness, Aidoo has been a consistent performer in La Liga. He has managed to secure modest endorsements, bringing his net to around €7 million.
10. Baba Rahman - €30,000 per week at PAOK
Wrapping up our list is Baba Rahman, who plays for PAOK. The experienced left-back earns €30,000 per week with $6m net worth. Although his career has had its ups and downs, he remains a valuable player for both his club and the Ghanaian national team.
