Sundowns’ squad value surges clear of Pirates, Chiefs and Al Ahly

Mamelodi Sundowns’ recruitment drive has taken their squad market value to €41.6 million (R778 million), putting the Betway Premiership champions well ahead of domestic rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, as well as continental heavyweights Al Ahly.

The Tshwane club added six high-profile players during the current transfer window: Antonio Van Wyk, Cassius Mailula, Siyanda Ndlovu, Deano Van Rooyen, Thabo Cele and Thabang Matuludi.

Those arrivals have strengthened a squad that was already among the most valuable in African football, with Sundowns continuing to invest heavily in established and emerging talent.

Their market value stood at €38.55 million (R721 million) last season after four players joined during the winter window. That group comprised Nuno Santos, Reisinho, Fawaaz Basadien and Tsiki Ntsabeleng, who initially arrived on loan.

The figure was lower during the 2024/25 campaign, when Sundowns’ squad was valued at €37.70 million (R705 million). The increase to €41.6 million (R778 million) for 2026/27 represents a substantial rise over the two seasons.

Pirates and Chiefs trail Sundowns

Orlando Pirates, who ended Sundowns’ eight-year reign as champions of the Betway Premiership, have a squad valued at €22 million (R411 million) almost half the worth of the Chloorkop-based side.

The Buccaneers’ valuation has fallen sharply since last season, when their squad was worth €32.6 million (R610 million) as they won the league title for the first time in 14 years.

That decline has been driven largely by the departures of players including Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Kaizer Chiefs are further behind, with their current squad valued at €16 million (R303 million). That is also a decrease from last season, when their overall market value was €18 million (R340 million).

Sundowns’ current figure is even higher than that of Al Ahly, traditionally one of the biggest spenders in African football. The Egyptian club’s squad is valued at €36.78 million (R688 million).

AS FAR Rabat, who were beaten by Sundowns in last season’s CAF Champions League final, are valued considerably lower. At the time, their squad was worth €15.4 million (R288 million), almost one-third of the value of Miguel Cardoso’s team.

All market values are based on figures published by Transfermarkt and do not represent actual demand and supply.