Key Points:
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- Sadio Mane ranks 40th globally with $52 million earned, boosted by his move to Saudi Arabia’s lucrative league.
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- Global sports earners saw a 13% increase, fueled by Middle East investments. Mane reflects this trend with high on-field earnings.
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- Beyond his wealth, Saido Mane is known for generosity. He funded a school, hospital and supports his hometown in Senegal.
Senegalese football star Sadio Mane isn’t just one of Africa’s most celebrated athletes and top earners; he’s cemented his place among the world’s elite. According to Forbes, Mane raked in a cool $52 million over the past year, ranking 40th among the world’s highest-paid athletes.
This hefty sum comes after his move to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the lucrative league. Prior to that, Mane spent the 2022-23 season with German powerhouse Bayern Munich.
Athlete earnings soar on Middle East investment
The picture for the world’s top earners in sports is similarly rosy. The 50 highest-paid athletes collectively hauled in an estimated $3.88 billion before taxes and fees, a 13-percent increase from the previous year’s record. This surge is partly fueled by investment from the Middle East.
On-field earnings (salaries, bonuses, and prize money) accounted for the lion’s share, reaching $2.94 billion, or roughly 76 percent of the total. Endorsements, appearances, licensing and memorabilia income, and other business ventures contributed the remaining $936 million, a 13-percent year-over-year decline from $1.08 billion.
Mane’s earnings mirrored this trend. His on-field earnings totaled a significant $48 million, while endorsements and other ventures brought in an additional $4 million. This solidifies his position as one of Africa’s most marketable athletes.
Sadio Mane: From field to philanthropy
Widely considered one of the greatest African players ever, Sadio Mane captains the Senegalese national team and holds the record for most goals scored. Beyond his on-field prowess and financial success, he’s also known for his remarkable generosity.
In 2019, while still with Liverpool and on their path to Champions League victory, Mane donated a significant £250,000 ($318,500) to fund a school in his hometown of Bambali, Senegal. His philanthropic efforts continued during the pandemic, with a £41,000 ($52,220) donation to the national committee fighting COVID-19 in March 2020.
Soccer star gives back to hometown
Mane’s commitment to his community extends further. In 2021, he funded a hospital in Bambali with a £500,000 ($637,000) donation. These remarkable acts of charity were recognized in October 2022 with the inaugural Socrates Award, named after the Brazilian footballer known for his social activism.
“Sometimes I’m a bit shy talking about it,” Mane said at the award ceremony, “but I’m really happy to do what I can for our people and to make, maybe, things better.” This perfectly captures the spirit of a player who shines both on and off the pitch.