Thapelo Maseko’s World Cup heroics earn Sundowns winger major rise in transfer value

Thapelo Maseko’s decisive goal for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been followed by a significant jump in his market valuation, with the Mamelodi Sundowns winger now rated at €1m by Transfermarkt – despite uncertainty over his club future.

The 22-year-old etched his name into South African football history in the final group match in Mexico, United States and Canada, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory over South Korea that secured Bafana Bafana’s place in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

His performances at the tournament have led Transfermarkt to upgrade his valuation from around €750,000 (R14.2m) to €1m (R19m). Maseko was one of just three South African players – from a pool of 99 worldwide – to have their values increased following the World Cup review.

From Sundowns setback to World Cup stage

Maseko’s rise comes after a difficult spell earlier in the 2025-26 season, when he slipped down the pecking order at Mamelodi Sundowns and saw his value decline. The Sebokeng-born attacker was eventually sent on loan to Cypriot side AEL Limassol in January 2026 in search of game time.

That six-month stint in Cyprus proved pivotal to reviving his career. Regular minutes at AEL Limassol helped him regain form and fitness, and he was recalled to the Bafana Bafana set-up in the months leading up to the World Cup.

At the tournament itself, Maseko featured in three matches for South Africa, with his winning strike against South Korea emerging as one of the defining moments of Bafana Bafana’s campaign.

Valuation boost at club and national level

Transfermarkt’s updated figures place Maseko 14th among the highest-valued players at Mamelodi Sundowns. Iqraam Rayners and Teboho Mokoena jointly top that list, each valued at €2.8m (R53m), while Maseko’s increased price now moves him up to 38th among all South African footballers.

The valuation marks a notable turnaround for a player whose progress appeared to stall at the beginning of the season, when he fell out of favour at Sundowns following his move from SuperSport United.

Return to Bafana after Afcon absence

Before his recall earlier this year, Maseko’s previous appearance for the national team had come at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. He played in the quarter-finals as Bafana Bafana eliminated Cape Verde on penalties, but then drifted out of the squad as his club situation became more uncertain.

His World Cup displays have now re-established him as one of the country’s more highly regarded young wide players, reflected in his upgraded valuation and standing within the Sundowns squad list.

Future still unresolved

Despite his enhanced reputation and market value, Maseko’s immediate club future remains unclear. Following the expiry of his loan at AEL Limassol, he has not been included in the Mamelodi Sundowns group that travelled to Austria for a pre-season training camp.

The left-footed winger is therefore still effectively searching for suitors, with his performances for Bafana Bafana and his new €1m valuation likely to draw interest as the transfer window progresses.