Teenage Hadebe: How Much The Warriors Defender Earns In The US
Zimbabwe Warriors defender Teenage Hadebe is earning millions in the United States after his Major League Soccer (MLS) salary details were revealed in the league’s 2026 salary guide.
The figures released by the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) show that Hadebe, who plays for FC Cincinnati, earns a base salary of US$1,080,000 (approximately R17.8 million) per year. His guaranteed compensation package reportedly rises to US$1,230,000 (approximately R20.3 million).
The 2026 MLS Salary Guide contains salary details for all players under contract as of 16 April 2026. The figures are divided into base salary and guaranteed compensation, which includes signing bonuses, guaranteed bonuses, marketing bonuses and agent fees spread across the duration of a player’s contract.
According to the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA), performance bonuses are not included in the guaranteed compensation figures.
“The Annual Average Guaranteed Compensation figure also includes any marketing bonus and any agent’s fees, both annualised over the term of the contract,” the salary guide explained.
“The Average Annual Guaranteed Compensation figure does not include Performance Bonuses because there is no guarantee that the player will hit those bonuses.”
Hadebe’s Salary Broken Down
Hadebe’s annual salary places him among Zimbabwe’s top football earners abroad. When broken down into smaller figures, the earnings become even more striking for ordinary fans.
Based on his annual base salary of US$1,080,000 (approximately R17.8 million), the Warriors defender earns roughly:
- US$90,000 per month (approximately R1.49 million)
- US$20,769 per week (approximately R342,000)
- US$2,959 per day (approximately R48,800)
- Around US$123 per hour (approximately R2,030)
Using his guaranteed compensation package of US$1,230,000 (approximately R20.3 million), the figures increase further:
- Around US$102,500 per month (approximately R1.69 million)
- Around US$23,654 per week (approximately R390,000)
- About US$3,369 per day (approximately R55,600)
- Around US$140 per hour (approximately R2,310)
The figures underline the financial rewards available in MLS, which has increasingly attracted international football stars in recent years.
Messi Remains MLS’ Top Earner
While Hadebe’s earnings are massive by Zimbabwean football standards, global football icons continue to dominate the MLS rich list.
The salary guide revealed that Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi remains the league’s highest-paid player with a base salary of US$25 million (approximately R412.5 million). His guaranteed compensation reportedly climbs to US$28.3 million (approximately R466.9 million).
Former Tottenham Hotspur star Heung-min Son was listed among the league’s top earners with a base salary of US$10.3 million (approximately R169.9 million) and guaranteed compensation of US$11.1 million (approximately R183.1 million).
Southern African Stars Also Cashing In
Several Southern African footballers were also listed among players earning sizeable salaries in MLS.
Minnesota United attacker Bongokuhle Hlongwane reportedly earns a base salary of US$1 million (approximately R16.5 million), while Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi earns US$593,000 (approximately R9.7 million).
Toronto FC player Cassius Mailula, currently on loan at Belgian side KV Kortrijk, reportedly earns a base salary of US$350,000 (approximately R5.8 million).
Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya reportedly earns US$300,000 (approximately R4.95 million), while FC Dallas midfielder Tsiki Ntsabeleng earns US$230,000 (approximately R3.8 million).
Teenage Hadebe has built a strong reputation abroad following spells in Turkey and the United States. His latest MLS salary figures highlight how highly valued the Zimbabwe international has become in American football.
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