Arnold Origi, the only goalkeeper to make the list, was once valued at Sh68 million–when he was younger
By Idris ‘Shoes’ Lule
Contributing editor/sports
There are less than 40 Kenyan professional soccer players plying their trade outside the country. From Albania to Algeria, England to Egypt, Georgia to Greece, Sweden to Spain. It is one of the highest numbers of pro players if you include the six playing for Zesco United and Nkana Red Devils in the Zambian league. Most have swapped clubs and so have their fortunes changed. Their current market value according to the 2020 Transfer Market, which measures soccer players from the time their club movement became public, also changes with age. Arnold Origi, the only goalkeeper to make the list of players worth millions, was once valued at Sh68 million, but at 36 years, his value plummeted to the current Sh25 million.
Masoud Juma, Eric Ouma and Amos Nondi Obiero are all valued at Sh17 million each and did not make it on the list of the top most valued players.
- Victor Wanyama
Current market value: Sh830 million
Age 29 (?)
Current club: Montreal Impact, Canada
Position: Defensive midfielder
Years active: 2006-2020
Highest market value: Sh3.8 billion
2. Michael Olunga
Current market value: Sh128 million
Age 26
Current club: Kashiwa Reysol, Japan
Position: Left-footed centre forward
Years active: 2014 -2019
Highest market value: Sh153 million
3. Ayub Timbe
Current market value: Sh66 million
Age 27
Current club: Beijing Renhe, China
Position: Winger
Years active: 2004 -2020
Highest market value: Sh127 million
4. Abud Omar
Current market value: Sh55 million
Age 27
Current club: Clubless
Position: Left back
Years active: 2013 -2019
Highest market value: Sh64 million
5. Johanna Omolo
Current market value: Sh52 million
Age 31
Current club: Cercle Brugge, Belgium
Position: Defensive midfielder
Years active: 2007 -2020
Highest market value: Sh83 million
6. Handwalla Bwana
Current market value: Sh45 million
Age 23
Current club: Tacoma Defiance, USA
Position: Left winger
Years active: 2015 -2020
Highest market value: Sh57 million
7. Patrick Osiako
Current market value: Sh45 million
Age 33
Current club: FC Linkoping, Sweden
Position: Central midfielder
Years active: 2007 -2020
Highest market value: Sh100 million
8. Eric Johanna
Current market value: Sh26 million
Age 26
Current club: Jonkopings, Sweden
Position: Right winger
Years active: 2014 -2020
Highest market value: Sh26 million
9. Lawrence Olum
Current market value: Sh25 million
Age 36
Current club: Minnesota United, USA
Position: Centre back
Years active: 2007 -2020
Highest market value: Sh44 million
10. Arnold Origi
Current market value: Sh23 million
Age 36
Current club: Helsinki IFK, Norway (free transfer)
Position: Goalkeeper
Years active: 2006 -2020
Highest market value: Sh76 million
Source: Transfermarkt.com
Handwalla Bwana is a Somali born in Kenya.