Mamelodi Sundowns are reaping the financial rewards of their remarkable run on the international stage, with the club reportedly earning around R133 million in prize money across two major triumphs in just four months.
The Brazilians’ success has delivered both silverware and a significant boost to the club’s finances, with more prize money potentially still within reach.
Champions League triumph delivers record payday
Sundowns secured their second CAF Champions League title in May after overcoming AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate.
A 1-0 victory at Loftus Versfeld was followed by a 1-1 draw in Rabat, enough to crown the South African side continental champions.
The victory came with a reported $6 million prize, equivalent to approximately R98 million.
CAF had increased the Champions League winner’s prize by 50%, making it the largest payout for a winner in the competition’s history.
For Sundowns, the historic triumph therefore represented a major financial windfall in addition to the continental title.
Another R35 million from FIFA competition
Sundowns then added another significant amount to their international earnings after defeating Al Ahli 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Nuno Santos proved to be the difference-maker, scoring both goals as Sundowns secured the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
His first came in the 17th minute before he headed in the decisive goal in the 80th minute.
The victory reportedly earned Sundowns another R35 million, taking their combined prize money from the two achievements to approximately R133 million.
Sundowns could earn even more
The financial rewards may not end there.
Sundowns have progressed further in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and remain in contention for another lucrative opportunity on the global stage.
A victory in their next stage could potentially set up a meeting with European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
That means Sundowns’ recent international campaign has become a financial success story as well as a sporting one.
The Champions League title delivered a record CAF prize, while their FIFA Intercontinental Cup success has added another substantial payday.
With another potential stage still ahead, the Brazilians could yet increase their international earnings even further.
R133 million already secured — and Sundowns may not be finished counting the cash.
