Now retired Nigerian footballer John Obi Mikel, formerly of Chelsea, secured a significant financial boost after leaving Europe. His post-Chelsea career saw him earning a €3.6 million annual salary during his time with Kuwait SC, though injuries ultimately hindered his return to peak form and lead to retirement. Kick Off Nigeria looks into one of the greatest Nigerian player’s finances.
After leaving Chelsea in the 2016/17 season, John Obi Mikel moved to Tianjin Jinmen Tiger F.C. in China, where he secured the highest salary of his career. However, health issues soon emerged, preventing the Nigerian midfielder from fully returning to his former level. Even stints in England and Turkey couldn’t halt the decline in his transfer value.
What Was Mikel’s Salary at Kuwait SC?
Mikel joined Kuwait SC in the summer of 2021, with a contract running until June 2024. In the 2021/22 season, he earned approximately €3.66 million, or €76,166 per week.
|
Annual Salary |
€ 3,655,944 |
6,495,881,117 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Monthly Salary |
€ 304,662 |
541,323,426 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Weekly Salary |
€ 76,166 |
135,331,745 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Daily Salary |
€ 10,881 |
19,333,360 Nigerian Nairas |
Career Salary Comparison
After leaving Chelsea, Mikel’s move to China nearly doubled his salary, marking the peak of his earnings. However, upon his return to England, his pay dropped more than fivefold. Later, stints with Trabzonspor and in the Championship increased his income again, and his final move to Kuwait SC almost doubled his salary.
|
Club |
Salary Euro per Year (EUR) |
Salary Nigerian Nairas per Year (NGN) |
|
Kuwait SC (2021/2022) |
〜€ 3,655,944 |
〜6,495,881,117 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Stoke City F.C. (2020/2021) |
€ 2,016,935 |
3,583,690,007 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Trabzonspor (2019/2020) |
€ 1,770,000 |
3,144,935,912 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Middlesbrough F.C. (2018/2019) |
€ 1,551,489 |
2,756,685,578 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Tianjin Jinmen Tiger F.C. (2017/2018) |
〜€ 8,014,675 |
〜14,240,474,140 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Chelsea F.C. (2013/2017) |
〜€ 4,293,576 |
7,628,825,623 Nigerian Nairas |
Market Value Decline
Mikel’s transfer value soared during his time at Chelsea but began to drop as injuries and bench time increased. By the time he left for China, his value had halved. After missing most of his first season in China due to health issues, his value continued to decline, dropping more than fivefold before his move to Kuwait.
|
Club |
Year |
Market Value |
|
No club |
2022 |
€ 300,000 |
|
Kuwait SC |
2021 |
€ 600,000 |
|
Stoke City F.C. |
2020 |
€ 1,200,000 |
|
Middlesbrough F.C. |
2019 |
€ 2,000,000 |
|
Tianjin Jinmen Tiger F.C. |
2018 |
€ 5,500,000 |
|
Tianjin Jinmen Tiger F.C. |
2017 |
€ 6,000,000 |
|
Chelsea F.C. |
2016 |
€ 11,000,000 |
|
Chelsea F.C. |
2015 |
€ 10,000,000 |
|
Chelsea F.C. |
2014 |
€ 15,000,000 |
|
Chelsea F.C. |
2013 (July) |
€ 22,000,000 |
|
Chelsea F.C. |
2013 (January) |
€ 23,000,000 |
|
Chelsea F.C. |
2012 |
€ 19,000,000 |
|
Chelsea F.C. |
2011 |
€ 20,000,000 |
|
Chelsea F.C. |
2010 |
€ 17,000,000 |
|
Chelsea F.C. |
2009 |
€ 17,500,000 |
|
Chelsea F.C. |
2008 |
€ 12,000,000 |
|
Chelsea F.C. |
2007 |
€ 11,500,000 |
International Career Highlights
Mikel debuted for Nigeria’s senior team in 2005 and participated in eight major tournaments, including five Africa Cup of Nations, two World Cups, and the 2016 Olympics, where Nigeria won bronze. His greatest success came in 2013, when Nigeria won AFCON. Mikel retired from international football in 2019 with 89 appearances, seven goals, and 16 assists.
Present Day
Despite his financial success, frequent injuries plagued his later years, particularly during stints in China and Turkey, which diminished his playing time and contributed to a steep decline in his market value. In addition to his achievements on the field, Mikel has since transitioned into media, launching a podcast and building a sizable YouTube following with over 123,000 subscribers and more than 140 videos, further showcasing his post-football ventures.
