Football in Africa is more than just a sport; it’s a unifying force that transcends borders and has become embedded in our culture. The sport is enjoyed daily, from children and adults playing in a park to trained players at international level in national stadiums.
The passion for this beautiful game runs deep across the continent, and this fervor is reflected not only in the stadiums packed with enthusiastic fans but also in the financial prowess of Africa’s largest football clubs.
Football is now a multi-billion-dollar industry with clubs boasting impressive squads that command significant market value. In recent years, the market values of these clubs have soared, showcasing the growing influence and commercial potential of African football on the global stage.
These are the biggest African football clubs by market value.
10. RS. Berkane (Morocco) – Market Value $12.2M
Renaissance Sportive de Berkane commonly referred to as Nahdat Berkane or RS Berkane for short, is a professional football club based in Berkane, Morocco, that plays in Botola, the top league of the Moroccan football. The club, founded in 1938 and wears an orange home kit since inception, occupies 10th position with asset value of $12.26 million.
9. Raja Club Athletic (Morocco) – Market Value $ 13.1M
Raja Club Athletic commonly known as Raja Casablanca, is a professional sports club based in Casablanca, Morocco. This club is one of the two founding members of Botola that have never been relegated from top division since its debut in 1956. Raja secures 9th spot with a market value of approximately $ 13.1 million. Founded in 1949, Raja Casablanca has enjoyed both domestic and continental success, with a passionate fan base rallying behind the team.
8. Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) – Market Value $17.4M
Fondly known as “Amakhosi” which means “Lords” or “Chiefs” in Zulu, Kaizer Chiefs have won the Premier Soccer League thrice, the National Soccer League thrice and were once the African Cup Winners. Despite their recent challenges, Kaizer Chiefs still possesses a squad with valuable talent. The club’s strong fan base and rich history have contributed to maintaining their squad’s market value.
7. Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) – Market Value $17.9M
Simply known as ES Tunis, it is by far the most successful team in Tunisia and one of the richest clubs in Africa. Esperance have won the Tunisian League 26 times, the Tunisian Cup 14 times and two CAF Champions Leagues. ES Tunis’s success in both domestic and continental competitions has led to increased interest from commercial partners, contributing to their squad’s value.
6. Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) – Market Value $19M
Commonly referred to as Wydad Athletic Club (Wydad AC) is also a moroccan sports club based in Casablanca and competes in Botola. Founded in 1937, this club has grown to become one of the biggest clubs in Morocco having won 22 Moroccan League Titles, 9 Moroccan Cups, 1 CAF Super Cup, 1 African Cup Winners Cup and 3 CAF Champions League titles. Their success on the field, combined with a well-structured youth development program, has contributed to their high market value.
5. Zamalek SC (Egypt) – Market Value 19.2M
Zamalek SC (sporting club) is an Egyptian football based in Giza, Egypt founded in 1911, four years after Al Ahly which is another top Egyptian club. The club has won the Egyptian Premier League 14 times and the CAF Champions League five times. Zamalek is also known for its fierce rivalry with Al Ahly. The club has invested in scouting and player development which has led to the emergence of top talents, elevating its overall squad value.
4. Orlando Pirates (South Africa) – Market Value $19.5M
Founded in 1937, the club was named “amapirate” which means ‘Pirates’ in Zulu after the band of teenagers that originally formed an amateur football club at Orlando Boys Club broke away and started congregating at the home of one of the people that worked at Orlando Boys Club. Orlando Pirates Football club has won the South African Premier Division nine times and the CAF Champions League once.
3. Pyramids FC (Egypt) – Market Value $19.5M
Pyramids Fc is another Egyptian football club giant based in Cairo that competes in the Egyptian Premier League, the highest league in the Egyptian Football league system. The club was established relatively recently in 2008 and it has quickly established itself among the top outfits in Africa. Pyramids FC is yet to win any significant titles but it has enjoyed sponsorship from some of the biggest brands like Adidas and Kappa and has an ongoing partnership with Puma.
2. Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) – Market Value $29.1M
With a net worth of $29.11 million, Sundowns are the richest club in South Africa and second richest club in Africa. They are serial winners of the domestic competition, the Premier Soccer League and continuously challenge for top titles across the continent, having won numerous domestic and international titles.
- Al Ahly SC (Egypt) – Market Value $30.5M
Al Ahly SC founded in 1907, tops our list with a market value of $30.5 million, which makes it the richest football club in Africa. Al Ahly has won a record of 42 Egyptian Premier League titles, 48 Egyptian Cup titles and 11 CAF Champions League titles. Al Ahly has several sponsors including Shell Helix, Adidas and FABMISR, one of the biggest banks in Egypt.
Africa’s largest football clubs by market value showcase the continent’s growing influence and economic potential in the global football arena. From Egypt to South Africa and Morocco, these clubs have not only achieved success on the pitch but have also leveraged their brand power and commercial strategies to become economic powerhouses. As African football continues to evolve and expand its reach, these clubs will play a crucial role in shaping the continent’s footballing landscape for years to come.
