Nigerian TikTok sensation Gheghe is trending again, this time for his bold statement claiming that “football money is overrated.” His take has sparked online debates about whether top footballers truly earn more than musicians. When you compare the net worth of global stars in both industries, his point starts to make sense.
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Why Did Gheghe Say Footballers Don’t Earn as Much as We Think?
In a viral video, Gheghe pointed out that the two biggest football stars of this generation, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, are both reportedly worth around $1 billion each. While that’s an incredible figure, some music icons have managed to surpass them in wealth through business ventures, tours, streaming, and branding.
How Do Musicians Compare to Footballers in Net Worth?
Let’s look at the numbers:
Jay-Z: $2.8 Billion Rihanna: $1.3 Billion Cristiano Ronaldo: ~$1 Billion Lionel Messi: ~$1 Billion
This comparison shows that musicians like Jay-Z and Rihanna are out-earning even the world’s most celebrated footballers. Much of this comes from music, endorsements, fashion brands, and other business ventures that keep their money growing long after their prime.
Nigerian Musicians vs. Nigerian Footballers: Who’s Richer?
The discussion gets even more interesting in Nigeria. Former Chelsea star Mikel Obi is widely regarded as Nigeria’s richest footballer, but his estimated net worth is about $40 million. Meanwhile, Afrobeat superstars are raking in much more:
Wizkid: $50–60 Million Davido: $100+ Million Burna Boy: $100+ Million
This shows that top Nigerian musicians are not just global cultural icons but also some of Africa’s wealthiest entertainers.
Why Musicians Are Building Bigger Fortunes
Footballers often rely on contracts, match bonuses, and endorsements. Their peak earning years are limited to their playing careers. Musicians, on the other hand, can earn for decades through streaming, royalties, live shows, tours, and investments. Artists like Jay-Z and Rihanna have become billionaires by expanding into business ventures like liquor brands, cosmetics, and fashion.
Gheghe’s bold statement might sound controversial, but the numbers back him up: music can create generational wealth that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, professional sports.
