Mamelodi Sundowns pockets whooping $6 million after Champions League triumph

Mamelodi Sundowns have secured a massive financial windfall after clinching the 2025/26 CAF Champions League title, defeating AS FAR to lift the trophy and walk away with a staggering $6 million prize.

The South African champions capped off a memorable continental campaign on Sunday, drawing 1-1 with their Moroccan opponent in Rabat, to win the final 2-1 on aggregate.

CAF’s funding for interclub football has surged from $19 million in 2021 to $48 million in 2026, marking an impressive 153% increase since Patrice Motsepe assumed leadership of the organisation. The rise reflects a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the commercial appeal, competitiveness, and global visibility of African club football.

This financial transformation has also led to increased participation across the continent, with a record number of clubs entering both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup this season. The improved prize structure and solidarity payments have made participation more sustainable for clubs across Africa.

As part of CAF’s revamped system, Champions League winners now receive $6 million, while Confederation Cup winners earn $4 million. Prize money has also been increased across all stages of both competitions since the overhaul began in 2021.

In addition, CAF has introduced solidarity payments to support clubs in the preliminary rounds, helping cover travel and operational costs. Initially set at $50,000 per club in the 2024/25 season, this amount has now doubled to $100,000 in the current campaign.

The reforms have already had a major impact, with a record 62 teams participating in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and 58 clubs competing in the Confederation Cup—both historic highs for the tournaments.

Overall, the total prize pool for teams reaching the Champions League group stage and beyond now stands at $19.6 million, while the Confederation Cup pool has risen to $11.9 million, further underlining CAF’s push to elevate African club football.

This increased investment has boosted competitiveness, improved club professionalism, attracted stronger commercial partnerships, and enhanced the global broadcast reach of African football. CAF’s long-term strategy continues to position the continent’s club competitions as more financially sustainable and globally attractive for clubs, players, and sponsors alike.

For Mamelodi Sundowns, the $6 million prize money is a huge financial boost, but what the South Africans will celebrate most is the fact that they are now two-time CAF Champions League winners.