Kelechi Nwakali, one of the highest-paid African players in the Primeira Liga, finds himself at the center of the team’s struggle for survival in the elite division. While the midfielder dreams of helping the Super Eagles to win AFCON 2023, the Kick Off Nigeria dives into the player’s finances.
G.D. Chaves’ Struggle in Primeira Liga
Exiting the Segunda on a high note, G.D. Chaves secured the seventh position in the 2022/2023 season but is facing a challenging second year in the elite division, marked by 11 losses in 15 matches and a current last-place standing.
Kelechi Nwakali’s Salary Details
Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali, a key player for G.D. Chaves joined the Portuguese team in the summer of 2023. His contract, valid until June 30, 2025, comes with a total compensation of €960,000 over two years, excluding bonuses. For the ongoing season (2023/2024), Nwakali is set to earn €480,000, translating to a weekly wage of €9,231.
|
Annual Salary |
€ 480,000 |
464,405,272 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Monthly Salary |
€ 40,000 |
38,700,439 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Weekly Salary |
€ 9,231 |
8,931,094 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Daily Salary |
€ 1,319 |
1,274,652 Nigerian Nairas |
Team Salary Overview: Nwakali Tops the Chart
Nwakali emerges as the highest-paid African player in G.D. Chaves for the 2023/2024 season, sharing the top positions with Portuguese winger Ruben Lameiras. The team’s total salary expenditure amounts to €5,820,000 per year, with Ruben Ribeiro claiming the title of the highest-paid player, earning €580,000 annually.
|
Player |
Country |
Annual Salary (EUR) |
|
Ruben Ribeiro |
Portugal |
€ 580,000 |
|
Kelechi Nwakali |
Nigeria |
€ 480,000 |
|
Ruben Lameiras |
Portugal |
€ 480,000 |
|
Leandro Sanca |
Guinea-Bissau |
€ 420,000 |
|
Ygor Nogueira |
Brazil |
€ 340,000 |
Career Salary Comparison
The Nigerian midfielder’s career trajectory showcases significant jumps in earnings, starting from his time at Arsenal F.C. to his current status as G.D. Chaves’ top earner. Despite facing challenges in Spain and a brief stint with SD Ponferradina, Nwakali’s move to Portugal has proven to be financially rewarding, marking the peak of his career earnings.
|
Club |
Salary Euro per Year (EUR) |
Salary Nigerian Nairas per Year (NGN) |
|
G.D. Chaves (2023/2024) |
€ 480,000 |
464,405,272 Nigerian Nairas |
|
SD Ponferradina (2022/2023) |
€ 380,000 |
190,334,837 Nigerian Nairas |
|
SD Huesca (2021/2022) |
€ 100,000 |
96,428,167 Nigerian Nairas |
|
AD Alcorcon (2020/2021) |
€ 100,000 |
96,428,167 Nigerian Nairas |
|
SD Huesca (2020/2021) |
€ 160,000 |
154,285,066 Nigerian Nairas |
|
SD Huesca (2019/2020) |
€ 100,000 |
96,428,167 Nigerian Nairas |
|
VVV-Venlo (2017/2018) |
〜€ 9,006 |
8,684,744 Nigerian Nairas |
Market Value and Achievements
Nwakali’s market value has seen fluctuations throughout his career, with a notable increase during the 2017/2018 season and a peak value exceeding one million euros in 2021. Despite a decrease after joining SD Ponferradina, his current market value according to Transfermarkt stands at €800,000, securing his position among the top three most expensive players in G.D. Chaves.
|
Club |
Year |
Market Value |
|
G.D. Chaves |
2023 |
€ 800,000 |
|
SD Ponferradina |
2022 |
€ 700,000 |
|
SD Huesca |
2021 (December) |
€ 1,000,000 |
|
SD Huesca |
2021 (January) |
€ 700,000 |
|
SD Huesca |
2020 |
€ 300,000 |
|
FC Porto B |
2019 |
€ 250,000 |
|
VVV-Venlo |
2018 |
€ 300,000 |
|
MVV Maastricht |
2017 |
€ 100,000 |
|
MVV Maastricht |
2016 |
€ 50,000 |
International Success
The Nigerian midfielder’s journey includes captaining his national team to victory at the 2015 World Cup, earning accolades as the tournament’s best player. While his debut for the senior Nigeria national team came in 2022, Nwakali’s performance in the rescheduled African Cup of Nations showcased his potential on the international stage.
Football and Salary Prospects
As the 2023/2024 season progresses, Kelechi Nwakali’s consistent presence on the field for G.D. Chaves not only reflects his commitment to the struggling team but also raises the possibility of attracting attention from top Portuguese clubs. Amid the challenges, Nwakali’s salary remains a focal point, emphasizing the financial dynamics in the world of professional football.
