Entertainment

Mohamed Salah: Africa’s Wealthiest Footballer

Published

1 year ago

November 6, 2023

Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian football superstar who many consider the greatest African footballer of all time, currently plays as a right-winger or forward for the Premier League club Liverpool and captains the Egypt national team. Known for his clinical finishing, dribbling, and speed, Salah, at the age of 31, has risen to become one of the world’s highest-paid athletes and is now the wealthiest footballer in Africa. Here’s a glimpse into how the 13-year career of this football icon has propelled him to financial success.

**Biography**
Mohamed Salah was born on June 15, 1992, and began playing football at a young age, participating in several local youth teams. In 2010, he commenced his professional career with the Egyptian sports team Al Mokawloon, based in Cairo. In 2012, he joined Basel and made his debut in the UEFA Champions League preliminary stage, marking the start of his European journey. He achieved considerable success with Basel, including the 2012 and 2013 Swiss Super League championships.

After a brief spell with Chelsea in 2014, he was loaned to Fiorentina and Roma before finally signing a permanent deal with Roma for €15 million. Despite multiple opportunities, Salah couldn’t secure any honors during his time in Italy. However, his fortune took a significant turn in 2017 when he signed a record-breaking £36.9 million contract to play for Liverpool. In his debut season, Salah helped lead Liverpool to the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final and set a record for the most Premier League goals (32) scored in a 38-game season.

**Career Highlights**
– El Mokawloon: Salah began his career in the Egyptian Premier League with El Mokawloon, displaying outstanding performances in his rookie season.
– Basel: After the Port Said Stadium violence in 2012 led to a suspension of the Egyptian league, Basel signed Salah, where he shone and even played a crucial role in their victory over Tottenham in the Europa League.
– Chelsea: Salah transferred to Chelsea in January 2014 for £11 million, kicking off his English Premier League journey. He contributed with a few goals in his debut season, but questions arose about his future when he was required to serve his military service in Egypt. An exception was eventually made, allowing him to continue his career in England.
– Fiorentina: In 2015, Salah moved to Fiorentina on loan, making an instant impact and helping his team achieve victory over Tottenham in the Europa League. Salah’s exceptional performances continued, including scoring against Inter Milan in Serie A.
– Roma: Salah was loaned to Roma in 2015, and he had an even more remarkable impact. Scoring 15 goals that season, he was a crucial part of the team, earning him the title of Seasonal Player. He was then signed permanently by Roma for €15 million.
– Liverpool: In 2017, Salah transferred to Liverpool for a then-record-breaking £36.9 million. His debut season with Liverpool was nothing short of spectacular, with over 40 goals in all competitions and numerous honors and awards.

**Earnings**
Salah’s career earnings have continued to rise. He started at Liverpool with a weekly salary of £90,000, which increased to £200,000 per week in 2018. After securing several accolades and setting records, he signed another contract with Liverpool in 2021, making him the highest-paid player in the club’s history with a weekly salary of £350,000.

**Endorsements**
As the richest footballer in Africa, Mohamed Salah has attracted sponsorship deals from various companies. He has signed endorsement agreements with notable brands, including Adidas, ExxonMobil, Pepsi, Vodafone, Uber, Oppo, and DHL.

**Records and Achievements**
– Golden Foot Award in 2021
– Premier League winner with Liverpool in 2019-20
– FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Award in 2019
– Fastest hat-trick in a UEFA Champions League match (6 minutes and 12 seconds)
– PFA Player of the Year in 2018 and 2021
– FIFA Club World Cup winner with Liverpool in 2019
– PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2017-18 and 2021-22
– EFL Cup winner with Liverpool in 2021-22

**Salary & Income**
With a base salary of $24 million annually and an additional $10–13 million from sponsorships, Mohamed Salah is among the world’s highest-paid football players. His annual earnings, even after accounting for sponsorship income, range comfortably from $30 to $35 million.

**Assets**
– Cars: Salah’s car collection includes Audi Q7, Bentley Continental GT, Lamborghini Aventador, Mercedes-Benz SUV, Mercedes AMG GLE Coupe, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Bentley Bentayga, and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.
– Real Estate Companies: Salah has invested in real estate ventures through companies like MOS Real Estate and Trinity Kensington, amassing £9 million in assets through a different business named Salah UK Commercial.

**Net Worth**
With an estimated net worth of $90 million, Mohamed Salah stands as the wealthiest footballer in Africa. His earnings from football contracts, sponsorship agreements, and investments have propelled him to the ranks of the highest-paid football players in the world. Salah is a testament to the potential for financial success in the world of professional football.

Entertainment

Why I won’t sign up-and-coming artistes – Tiwa Savage

Published

1 week ago

March 7, 2025

Online Editor

Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress Tiwa Savage has revealed that she has no plans to sign upcoming artists, citing the stress and responsibility involved in managing musicians. Instead, she aims to create an ecosystem where African artists can thrive independently.

Speaking in an interview with Forbes Africa on Thursday, Savage explained that handling artists can be overwhelming. “Everyone always asks me, ‘When will you sign an artiste?’ I don’t think I have the gift to sign another artiste, because artistes are stressful. I could just be sleeping, and then I will wake up and my artist is trending for something else,” she said.

Rather than signing musicians, Savage is focused on launching a music school that will equip artists with the skills they need before signing with record labels that can properly support them.

She also emphasized the importance of African artists building their own industry instead of seeking validation abroad. “Why are we trying to break into another market? We should build our own to be the one others try to break into,” she said, highlighting the need for infrastructure, affordable data, and investment in Africa’s entertainment industry.

Beyond music, the ‘Somebody’s Son’ hitmaker is expanding her portfolio, having made her executive producer debut in 2024 with Water and Garri. Looking ahead, she is setting her sights on greater ambitions. “I want to go into my mogul era – billionaire Tiwa Savage,” she declared.

Entertainment

Ayra Starr Makes History at 2025 MOBO Awards, Wins Best African and Best International Music Act

Published

4 weeks ago

February 19, 2025

Abigail David

By Abigail Philip David

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has emerged victorious at the 2025 MOBO Awards, winning the Best African Music Act category ahead of fellow Nigerian artists Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s Tyla.

Her win makes her the first female artist in 16 years to claim the award, marking a significant milestone in her career.

In addition to this achievement, Ayra Starr also took home the prestigious Best International Music Act award, triumphing over global stars like Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto.

The ceremony, held in Newcastle, was hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi and celebrated the best of Black music and culture.

During her acceptance speech, a visibly emotional and overwhelmed Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude:

“Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award—make some noise! I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous.”

She went on to thank her supporters, her team, and her label, MAVIN Records, alongside her producers and family:

“Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS. My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio—my studio partners in crime; my label—MAVINS Records, Embryo, my mummy… Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”

Ayra Starr’s double victory further cements her status as one of Africa’s leading musical talents on the global stage.

Entertainment

Portable Apologizes to Ogun State Government, Seeks Divine Intervention

Published

4 weeks ago

February 19, 2025

Abigail David

By Abigail Philip David

Controversial street singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has publicly apologized to the Ogun State government following recent legal troubles.

For weeks, the singer has been entangled in a dispute with the Ogun State Police Command, which declared him wanted on charges of conspiracy, serious assault, armed violence, public disturbance, and attempted murder. The allegations stemmed from claims that he recruited armed thugs to carry out attacks.

In response, Portable initially denied the accusations, claiming they were an attempt to bring him down. He challenged the police to present evidence and labeled them as unjust.

However, in a recent Instagram post, the singer shifted his tone, praying for divine intervention. He pleaded with God to turn his struggles into blessings, protect his family, and send him a helper. Expressing remorse, Portable admitted that fear drove him to flee.

“Ogun State Government, I’m sorry. It was fear that made me run. Thank God the police are our friends and family. God is everywhere—please forgive me. I believe in You. Any disappointment is a blessing,” he wrote.

Earlier this month, Portable had a heated clash with authorities after the government sealed his unfinished building and hotel over illegal development without proper approval. The incident led to the detention of some of his workers and customers.

Following the ordeal, he canceled his London show, citing the need to protect his family and properties. Over the weekend, he expressed frustration, lamenting that despite his contributions to Ogun State, he felt unappreciated.

In a desperate appeal, Portable even called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene on his behalf, urging him to plead with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. He claimed that his troubles were politically motivated, stemming from his support for a political figure, Yayi.

Despite the controversy, the singer remains hopeful, relying on faith to navigate his challenges.