Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy set for Champions League financial windfall

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy could receive a significant financial boost after Sabah FK secured a place in the UEFA Champions League league phase, where the Azerbaijani champions will face European heavyweights including Barcelona and Manchester United.

Sabah booked their place in the 36-team competition by beating Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the play-offs. Thursday’s draw then handed them a difficult but high-profile fixture list featuring Barcelona, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Villarreal, Napoli, Slavia Praha and Viking.

McCarthy, 22, is the only South African involved in Europe’s leading club competition during the 2026/27 season. His involvement could bring substantial financial benefits because player contracts at European clubs commonly include performance-related incentives linked to qualification for continental tournaments.

Those clauses can be activated when a club reaches a competition such as the Champions League, potentially increasing a player’s earnings alongside the money generated by the club’s progress.

The revamped league phase, which has replaced the traditional group-stage format, includes more matches and has significantly increased the value of the tournament. UEFA’s total annual distribution is estimated at about €2.5bn (R46.6bn).

Every club involved in the league phase is guaranteed €18.6m (R347m) simply for taking part. Teams also receive €2.1m (R39m) for every victory and €700,000 (R13m) for each draw.

Additional payments are made through the league-ranking system. Each share is worth €275,000 (R5.1m), with the team finishing 36th receiving one share, the side in 35th receiving two, and the number increasing progressively for higher-ranked teams.

Sabah’s possible earnings would rise further if they advance beyond the league phase. Teams finishing from ninth to 24th qualify for the knockout play-offs, with each receiving €1m (R18.6m). Clubs that finish high enough to go directly into the round of 16 are guaranteed €11m (R205m).

The financial rewards continue to increase at each subsequent stage of the competition. As a result, McCarthy and Sabah FK stand to benefit further if they overcome some of the most demanding opposition in world football.

The draw means the former Kaizer Chiefs defender will have the opportunity to play against clubs with a long history of success in Europe, including Barcelona, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Napoli. Sabah’s place in the league phase also represents a major step for the Azerbaijani champions, while giving McCarthy a prominent role on one of the biggest stages in club football.

With eight varied opponents awaiting them, Sabah’s campaign will combine the challenge of competing against elite European sides with the prospect of sizeable prize-money payments. For McCarthy, the qualification could therefore prove important both on the pitch and financially as his club begins its Champions League journey.