In Africa, there is a culture called "black tax." This refers to money that black workers, especially professional workers and high-income earners, give to their parents, siblings, and relatives because of their deep-rooted sense of responsibility and obligation to their families. Al Jazeera, a leading Southwestern Asian media outlet, reported the seriousness of black taxes, saying, "More money, more problems. The debate over black taxes has started again in the African soccer community."
According to Al Jazeera reports on the 2nd, "black taxes" have become a chronic problem for high-paid soccer players. The issue was generally discussed quietly and privately, but it was publicized by John Obi Mikel (37, Nigeria), who retired after playing for Chelsea in the Premier League.
"African players send money not only to their parents and brothers, but also to their relatives and cousins," Mikel said in November 2023. "African culture is that people who earn a lot of money have to do this." Al Jazeera said, "Not a few soccer players go bankrupt or have only a few assets at the end of their careers. Lerato Chabanggu, Philemon Masinga (South Africa), Eric Zemba Zemba (Cameroon), Celestine Babayaro (Nigeria), and Emmanuel Ebowe (Côte d'Ivoire) lived a similar life." In some cases, it may be because of the player's inability to manage his assets financially, but many players attribute their misfortune to fierce demands from family relatives, often called "black taxes." Al Jazeera said, "Players who openly discuss the issue or cut ties with their families are perceived as "black sheep" and ridiculed."
Soccer is a business that is notorious for its booms and busts. The highest-paid period typically ranges from 10 to 15 years. During this time, African players have to carry the burden of others as well as prepare for the rest of their lives. "According to 2019 data, about half of the world's soccer players earn less than $1,000 a month," said Nkoville Ndlov, founder of Cash N Sport, a professional sports research firm. "Black taxes are a major problem," Ndlov said, adding, "According to 2022 South African government statistics, only 60 percent of households earned wage and salary income, and 51 percent live on social subsidies as their main source of income."
Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), a leading African superstar, has publicly complained that black taxes are "manipulated" by his family and relatives. Adebayor, who played for clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid, said in an interview with French media in 2017 that he had considered suicide because of excessive demands from his relatives. Currently, Adebayor is living with dignity as one of the very wealthy former soccer players in Africa. "I'm not interested in banking, but I was lucky enough to buy real estate and invest a lot," he told Al Jazeera. "As a soccer player, you want to take care of other people's problems, but you must not forget that if you fall, no one will take care of you." "The big problem in Africa as a whole is the lack of a savings culture," said Ndlov, stressing that "players should also have a habit of pension, saving, and investing."
BY: 사설토토