Sportsmoney
CAF to make about $75m in estimated revenue for AFCON 2023
At the Stade Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan last Sunday, mixed emotions filled the air. Heartbreak for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and joy for the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, who clinched the AFCON 2023 trophy with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria.
Ivory Coast’s remarkable journey to lifting the trophy concluded a thrilling AFCON, making it the best experience so far.
During the Africa Cup of Nations opening ceremony on January 13th, CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed optimism that AFCON 2023 would be the best so far. The events and drama that unfolded in Abidjan undoubtedly support this claim.
Before the final of the competition, Dr Patrice Motsepe mentioned in a press conference that nearly 2 billion people had tuned in to watch AFCON 2023.
The notable rise in viewership was linked to broader broadcast rights, media coverage, commercial partnerships, and the influence of social media.
CAF had 17 commercial partners for the tournament, which included TotalEnergies as the title sponsor, official sponsors such as 1xBet, Visa, and Orange, along with regional sponsors like Ecobank, Unilever, and MTN.
Matches were shown in about 180 countries through deals with partner broadcasters like Sky, Canal+, beIN Sport, BBC, and MultiChoice, as well as 45 Free To Air broadcasters.
Media accreditation saw 6,000 journalists apply, which is double the number from the last AFCON in Cameroon in 2022.
How Many People Viewed AFCON 2021 and how it compares to AFCON 2023?
The CAF activity report for 2021-2022 indicates that around 500 million viewers from 160 nations tuned in to watch AFCON 2021 in Cameroon, marking an increase of 40 nations compared to AFCON 2019 in Egypt.
Additionally, CAF recorded 1.4 billion streaming impressions on its digital platforms, and there were 351.4 million online video views associated with AFCON Cameroon 2021.
By sticking to the earlier estimate of 2 billion people before the final, it suggests that AFCON viewership saw an increase of over 300%, and this could be more when the official report from CAF is released.
Estimated Sponsorship Revenue for AFCON 2023
According to GlobalData, a London-based market research firm, it is projected that CAF will generate approximately $75 million in sponsorship revenue from the current AFCON.
The tournament featured 17 commercial partners, including TotalEnergies as the title sponsor, along with 1xBet, Orange, and Unilever.
In the fiscal year 2021-2022, CAF’s overall revenue reached $103.6 million. The sponsorship funds derived from Competitions contributed significantly to this total, generating an impressive cumulative revenue of $79.8 million.
This marked a notable increase of $3.6 million compared to the previous year’s sponsorship funds.
The projected sponsorship revenue for the AFCON 2023 alone is estimated to be $75 million, underscoring the substantial and commendable contribution of CAF to this achievement.
PRIZE MONEY FOR AFCON 2023
In January, prior to the commencement of AFCON 2023, CAF disclosed a 40% increase in the prize money.
The champions, Ivory Coast, are set to receive USD 7,000,000. The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be awarded USD 4,000,000, while South Africa and DR Congo will each receive USD 2,500,000.
The other four quarter-finalists, Mali, Angola, Guinea, and Cape Verde, will individually get USD 1,300,000.
AFCON 2023 SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACT
AFCON made a big impact on social media, from lively fan chats to live updates. But it wasn’t just for fun; some people also made money from it.
Last year, Twitter started an initiative where users could earn a share of the ad revenue from sponsored posts under their tweets.
Some folks partnered with brands, joined subscription programs, or got tips from their followers.
For example, a video of the final moments of the Côte d’Ivoire vs. Nigeria match, posted on the official CAF account, got over 15 million views, 1.5 million likes, and 300,000 retweets.
According to Statista, the average cost per thousand impressions for social media ads globally was $4.33 in the second quarter of 2023, making the estimated ad revenue around $65,000.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was undoubtedly a success both on and off the field. The Confederation of African Football, CAF can take pride in organizing a splendid tournament.
Sportsmoney
Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers In 2025: Mahrez, Mane & Koulibaly Lead The Rich List
African footballers have never been more dominant—on and off the pitch. The year 2025 shows just how powerful the combination of Saudi Pro League riches and Europe’s financial giants has become, pushing African stars into the upper tier of world football’s earners.
According to official contract figures, Riyad Mahrez currently wears the crown as the highest-paid African footballer in the world, pocketing a staggering £827,448 per week at Al-Ahli.
Mahrez Leads With Record Salary
The 34-year-old Algerian winger joined Al-Ahli in July 2023, becoming one of the marquee faces of Saudi Arabia’s football revolution. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Mahrez remains hugely influential, contributing 29 goals and 35 assists in 78 appearances.
His paycheck—close to £1 million a week—places him far ahead of his peers and cements his status as Africa’s top financial earner in football history.
Sadio Mane & Kalidou Koulibaly Not Far Behind
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Sadio Mane sits second on the list, raking in £634,060 per week at Al-Nassr, where he lines up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. After a mixed stint at Bayern Munich, Mane has rediscovered his form and fortune in Saudi Arabia.
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Kalidou Koulibaly, also from Senegal, takes home £550,047 weekly at Al-Hilal after swapping Chelsea for Riyadh in 2023. The veteran defender’s leadership has been key in keeping Al-Hilal at the top of the Pro League.

Salah Still Europe’s Top Earner
Among African players still in Europe, Mohamed Salah reigns supreme. The Egyptian King earns £350,000 per week at Liverpool, having signed a fresh extension in April 2025. His loyalty was rewarded not just with financial security but also with another Premier League title in 2024/25, keeping him as one of the continent’s most influential athletes.

Osimhen, Hakimi & Kessie Break Into The Top Ten
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Victor Osimhen – Following a successful loan, the Nigerian forward sealed a permanent move to Galatasaray in July 2025, earning £250,000 per week.
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Achraf Hakimi – The Moroccan right-back continues to shine at PSG, with wages of £230,639 weekly.
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Franck Kessie – Since leaving Barcelona for Al-Ahli in 2023, the Ivorian midfielder has been collecting £221,921 per week.

The Veterans: Inaki Williams & Edouard Mendy
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Inaki Williams, loyal to Athletic Bilbao, earns £180,707 weekly, making him one of La Liga’s highest-paid African stars.
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Edouard Mendy, meanwhile, thrives at Al-Ahli with 32 clean sheets in 74 games and wages of £174,366 per week.

Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers Weekly Salaries (2025)
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Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) – £827,448
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Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr) – £634,060
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Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) – £550,047
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Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – £350,000
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Omar Marmoush (Man City) – £295,000
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Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) – £250,000
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Achraf Hakimi (PSG) – £230,639
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Franck Kessie (Al-Ahli) – £221,921
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Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) – £180,707
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Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) – £174,366
The Rise Of African Power Earners
The financial dominance of Saudi clubs on this list reflects a broader shift in world football. African stars are no longer just global icons on the pitch—they are among the highest-paid athletes in the world.
From Mahrez’s record-breaking wages in Riyadh to Salah’s enduring empire at Anfield, 2025 has cemented the fact that African footballers are thriving both in influence and financial power.
Sportsmoney
Inside David Beckham’s £111m Mansions And Manors As Victoria Opens Doors To Netflix Cameras
When it comes to football royalty, few names shine brighter than David Beckham. From Manchester United to Real Madrid and LA Galaxy, Beckham has conquered the football world. But off the pitch, he and his wife Victoria Beckham have built a lifestyle empire that’s now opening up to Netflix cameras once again.
Fans are being treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the Beckhams’ £111 million property portfolio, spread across the UK, Miami, and London. The three-part series starring Victoria Beckham takes viewers beyond the glamour of red carpets and fashion runways, right into the couple’s stunning homes.
A Rustic Retreat In The Cotswolds
The Beckhams’ Grade II-listed farmhouse in the Cotswolds is pure countryside luxury. Purchased in 2016 for £6.15m, the sprawling estate features chandeliers, fireplaces, and a giant orchard. It’s the perfect escape for family gatherings, and yes, cameras capture David casually cooking up family feasts in their giant kitchen.
Miami Mega-Mansion Worth £55m
Across the pond, the Beckhams own one of Florida’s most spectacular properties: a waterfront mansion in Miami, valued at £55m. With six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a private spa, a theatre, and a pool overlooking Biscayne Bay, it’s their most extravagant purchase yet.
Victoria speaks to viewers from this property’s floor-to-ceiling windowed living room, giving fans a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. No surprise, considering David’s heavy involvement with Inter Miami CF – the MLS club that famously brought Lionel Messi to the U.S.
London Luxury In Holland Park
Back in the English capital, the Beckhams’ Holland Park townhouse shines in Victoria’s documentary. The £31.5m property features a bay-windowed dining area with garden views, alongside luxury add-ons like a gym, spa, wine cellar, and even a nail salon. After investing a further £8m in renovations, this home epitomizes celebrity living in London.
More Than Just Mansions
The Netflix documentary doesn’t just highlight luxury; it shows the Beckhams’ balance of family, fame, and legacy. For David, who already has a football-focused Netflix feature under his belt, and Victoria, now stepping into the spotlight with her own series, it’s about more than just homes—it’s about letting fans into their world.
From football legend to lifestyle mogul, David Beckham’s story continues to evolve, and the mansions are simply part of the bigger picture.
Sportsmoney
Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire Player
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again broken records — this time not on the pitch, but in the world of wealth. According to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr forward has officially become football’s first billionaire player, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04bn).
A Journey Of Goals And Gold
Bloomberg’s valuation takes into account Ronaldo’s career earnings, endorsements, and investments. The numbers are mind-blowing:
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$550m (£410m) in salary between 2002 and 2023.
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A decade-long Nike deal worth nearly $18m (£13.4m) a year.
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His mega Saudi Pro League contract with Al-Nassr, reportedly paying him a record £177m annually.
And if that wasn’t enough, Ronaldo signed a new two-year deal worth over $400m (£298m), keeping him at Al-Nassr beyond his 42nd birthday.
Messi vs Ronaldo: The Financial Rivalry
As always, Lionel Messi isn’t far from the conversation. The Argentine and Inter Miami star has earned over $600m (£447m) in pre-tax salary during his illustrious career. He also secures $20m (£15m) annually since 2023, which, according to Bloomberg, is just about 10% of Ronaldo’s income in the same period.
Messi may not top Ronaldo’s financial status yet, but his retirement plan includes a stake in Inter Miami, setting him up for billionaire territory too.
More Than Just A Player
Ronaldo’s financial empire is built on more than football. With savvy investments, endorsement deals, and a global brand that stretches across fashion, fitness, and lifestyle, CR7 has transformed himself into a global sports business icon.
The billionaire milestone proves what fans already knew: Cristiano Ronaldo is not just a football legend — he’s an empire.
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