The biggest payday came in May when Sundowns were crowned CAF Champions League winners for only the second time in their history. The Brazilians defeated AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-0 victory at Loftus Versfeld and a 1-1 draw in Rabat.
The victory came with a record $6 million prize from CAF, which translates to roughly R98 million. CAF had increased the Champions League winner’s prize by 50%, making it the biggest financial reward in the competition’s history.
NUNO SANTOS DELIVERS FOR CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOLDERS SUNDOWNS AGAINST AL AHLI
Sundowns added another major international prize to their growing earnings on Saturday after defeating Al Ahli 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Nuno Santos was the hero for Miguel Cardoso’s side, scoring twice to secure the African-Asian-Pacific Cup. The Portuguese attacker opened the scoring in the 17th minute before heading home the winner in the 80th minute.
The victory means Sundowns advance to the next stage of FIFA’s competition, where they will face either Mexican side Toluca or the eventual South American champions.
That means the club have now added a further reported R35 million FIFA prize to the roughly R98 million earned from winning the CAF Champions League.
SUNDOWNS CHASING MORE MONEY
The financial rewards could still grow significantly.
Sundowns are now one victory away from a potential FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against European champions Paris Saint-Germain. FIFA confirms that the winners of the next stage will advance to a final against the defending champions.
For Sundowns, the international success has therefore delivered much more than trophies. Their Champions League triumph secured a record CAF payday, while Saturday’s victory added another FIFA prize and kept them alive for an even bigger global opportunity.
The Brazilians have already collected roughly R133 million from their two international achievements, with the possibility of adding further prize money still on the table.