Bertrand Traoré stands head and shoulders above all other Burkinabè footballers in terms of earnings, with a monthly salary of 164 million FCFA at Sunderland AFC, according to an exclusive investigation by Sidwaya Sport. At 30 years old, the captain of the Stallions leads a new generation of ambitious players, proving that European football remains the ultimate land of opportunity for the nation’s talent.
Recently transferred from Ajax Amsterdam to the newly promoted Premier League side, the forward from Bobo-Dioulasso earns €3.92 million per year, or approximately 2.55 billion FCFA. This impressive figure, revealed by journalist Yves Ouédraogo in the weekly Sidwaya, once again crowns him as the “undisputed king of earnings” among his compatriots. Despite recurring injuries in recent years and a market value that has dropped to €8 million, Traoré maintains his financial dominance, succeeding Charles Kaboré following his retirement.
Rising challengers: Tapsoba and Ouattara target the throne
Behind the leader, Edmond Tapsoba, defensive cornerstone of Bayer Leverkusen, is close behind with a monthly salary of 145 million FCFA. At 26, the Burkinabè “rock” could see his earnings soar even higher with a contract extension or a move to a European giant, while already heavily investing in real estate in Ouagadougou. Completing the podium is Aboubacar Dango Ouattara, 24, who earns 115 million FCFA per month at Brentford FC, highlighting the rise of young Burkinabè talents in England.
Beyond Europe: new lucrative destinations
Europe is no longer the only promised land. Franck Lassina Traoré follows with 65 million FCFA at Shakhtar Donetsk, while Issoufou Dayo (34), now playing in Qatar for Umm Salal SC, earns 54 million FCFA. Ibrahim Blati Touré, recently transferred to Al Ahli Tripoli, makes 50 million FCFA, while Yacouba Nasser Djiga, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Rangers FC, rounds out the top 7 with 49 million FCFA. This annual ranking, traditionally published by Sidwaya, highlights the growing diversification of lucrative destinations—from the Gulf to North Africa—for the Stallions.
More than numbers: a broader impact
Beyond the figures, these massive salaries help fund real estate empires in Burkina Faso’s capital and contribute to the development of local football. With his career spanning clubs such as Aston Villa, Olympique Lyonnais, and Villarreal CF—where he once earned close to €4.7 million per year—Bertrand Traoré embodies the Burkinabè dream: turning talent into global success. The question now remains whether 2026 will see him maintain his dominance, or if rising challengers will finally claim the throne.