Sadio Mane, a Senegalese footballer, is not just one of Africa’s most recognized sportsmen and highest-paid players; he has also established himself as a member of the global elite. Forbes reports Mane earned $52 million in the past year, placing him 40th among the world’s highest-paid athletes.
This huge salary follows his move to Saudi Pro division team Al Nassr, where he will join Cristiano Ronaldo in the lucrative division. Mane previously spent the 2022-23 season with German powerhouse Bayern Munich.
The prognosis for the world’s highest-paid athletes is similarly favorable. The top 50 athletes earned over $3.88 billion before taxes and fees, a 13% rise from the previous year’s record. This boom has been spurred in part by Middle Eastern investment.
On-field earnings (salaries, incentives, and prize money) accounted for the vast majority, totaling $2.94 billion, or nearly 76% of the total. The remaining $936 million came from endorsements, appearances, licensing and memorabilia income, and other business activities, representing a 13% decrease from $1.08 billion the previous year.
Mane’s earnings reflected this trend. His on-field earnings were considerable, totaling $48 million, with an extra $4 million coming from endorsements and other endeavors. This cemented his status as one of Africa’s most marketable athletes.
Sadio Mane, the Senegalese national team captain, is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time. He also owns the record for most goals scored. In addition to his on-field prowess and financial success, he is well-known for his amazing charity.
While still with Liverpool and on his way to Champions League success in 2019, Mane contributed a hefty £250,000 ($318,500) to fund a school in his village of Bambali, Senegal. During the epidemic, he continued his humanitarian efforts, donating £41,000 ($52,220) to the national COVID-19 committee in March 2020.
Mane’s dedication to his community stretches farther. In 2021, he donated £500,000 ($637,000) to help build a hospital in Bambali. In October 2022, the inaugural Socrates Award, named after the Brazilian footballer noted for his social activism, was given to celebrate these outstanding charitable efforts.
“Sometimes I’m a bit shy talking about it,” Mane stated during the ceremony, “but I’m really happy to do what I can for our people and to make, maybe, things better.” This accurately reflects the essence of a player who excels both on and off the field.