Kenneth Omeruo is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a central defender for CFR Cluj in Romania and the Super Eagles national team.
While he may not be as famous as some of his Super Eagles teammates, Omeruo has quietly built a strong financial profile. Kenneth Omeruo net worth shows his steady and careful approach to his career and business ventures.
In this article by SportsBuddy, we will take a closer look at the Kenneth Omeruo net worth and his journey from Abia State to playing in some of Europe’s best clubs.
We’ll also explore how career choices and smart investments has helped Kenneth Omeruo to build great wealth even without being a superstar.
Early Life, Background and Education
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Kenneth Josiah Omeruo |
| Date of Birth | 17 October 1993 |
| Age | 32 |
| Place of Birth | Obuohia Okike, Nigeria |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Wife | Chioma Nnamani (Married in 2017) |
| Children | 2 Daughters (Chairein, born in November 2018, and Reina, born in September 2020). |
| Honors |
OON MON (Order of the Niger / Member of the Order of the Niger)
|
Kenneth Josiah Omeruo was born on October 17, 1993, in Obuohia Okike, Abia State into a Christian family.
He is the eldest of three children, which put a lot of responsibilities on him. This caused Omeruo’s mother to go against his idea of being a footballer as she was always on about him going to school, studying hard, getting a degree and well-paying job to take care of his siblings.
However, his father on the other hand supported his football dreams. To balance this, Kenneth Omeruo had to go to school and also attend training sessions in the evening after schooling hours. This helped him fulfill both his wish and that of his mother.
He completed both his primary and secondary education in Abia State. Later on, he joined Sunshine Stars in Akure where he completed his training and also did his trail.
At 17, his skill got him a trial with Belgian club Anderlecht. This led to a youth stint at Standard Liège’s academy. The move to Europe was a key moment. It gave him the professional training that shaped his future career.
Professional Career
| Years | Club | Apps (Goals) |
|---|---|---|
| 2012–2019 | Chelsea | 0 (0) |
| 2012–2013 | ADO Den Haag (loan) | 36 (2) |
| 2014 | Middlesbrough (loan) | 14 (0) |
| 2014–2015 | Middlesbrough (loan) | 19 (0) |
| 2015–2016 | Kasımpaşa (loan) | 25 (0) |
| 2016–2017 | Alanyaspor (loan) | 26 (1) |
| 2017–2018 | Kasımpaşa (loan) | 28 (1) |
| 2018–2019 | Leganés (loan) | 28 (0) |
| 2019–2023 | Leganés | 86 (5) |
| 2023–2025 | Kasımpaşa | 29 (1) |
| 2025– | CFR Cluj | 0 (0) |
Omeruo’s professional career started with Nigerian club Hard Foundation FC. He then moved to Standard Liège’s youth team in 2010.
His big break came in January 2012 when Chelsea signed him. However, he never played for the main Chelsea team. Instead, he went on several loan spells that built his early career.
His first loan was to ADO Den Haag in the Dutch Eredivisie where he played 25 games. Later loans took him to Middlesbrough in England and Turkish clubs like Kasımpaşa and Alanyaspor. It was here he became a solid central defender.
In 2019, Omeruo went on a permanent move to CD Leganés in Spain where played over 100 games in the top two leagues. His steady play earned him the captain’s role.
After returning to Kasımpaşa in 2023, he played for two years before joining Romanian champions CFR Cluj in 2025 where he continues to share his experience in European games.
International Career
| Team & Years | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Nigeria Senior Team (2012–Present) 69 Caps, 1 Goal (as of Mar 2024) | Africa Cup of Nations Winner (2013) Africa Cup of Nations Bronze Medal (2019) Africa Cup of Nations Runner-up (2023) |
| Nigeria U20 Team | Featured for the Flying Eagles |
| Nigeria U17 Team 7 Caps, 1 Goal | FIFA U-17 World Cup Winner (2009) |
Omeruo’s career with the Super Eagles has been very successful. He first played for the senior team in 2012 and quickly became a key defender. His big tournament was the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. He started all seven games as Nigeria won the title.
He has played for Nigeria in two World Cups (2014 and 2018). He also has three AFCON medals (gold in 2013, bronze in 2019, and silver in 2023).
With 89 games and three goals for Nigeria, Omeruo is one of the country’s most reliable defenders of his time. Even with new players competing for his spot, he could still play in the 2026 World Cup. This shows his amazing staying power at the top level.
Kenneth Omeruo Net Worth
As of 2025, Kenneth Omeruo net worth is estimated at €8 million, making him one of the richest footballers in Nigeria. Kenneth Omeruo built this over his 13-year professional career through several income sources.
Salary and Contracts
Kenneth Omeruo’s main income is his football salary. His current contract at CFR Cluj pays him €20,000-25,000 per week (about €1-1.3 million per year).
His past contracts at Leganés and Kasımpaşa paid him similar amounts with a total career earnings over $15 million. This has significantly improved Kenneth Omeruo net worth positively.
Endorsement
Another factor that has improved Kenneth Omeruo net worth is the numerous endorsement deals he has bagged. Kenneth Omeruo has been a Nike ambassador since 2014, earning a large amount each year from boot and clothing deals.
Kenneth Omeruo also uses his large social media following (over 1 million on Instagram) for ads, including promotions for Turkish tourism when he played there.
Business Ventures
Omeruo’s business projects show he thinks about the future. In 2018, he started the Kenneth Omeruo Football Academy in Abuja. He invested over $500,000 into it to help young Nigerian players improve their talents.
As a result, European scouts can pick from them and sign the off. This, in turn, earn money from the contract and signing bonus. No wonder why Kenneth Omeruo net worth is increasing almost every year.
Kenneth Omeruo also owns major shares in a Portuguese lower-league club. This also creates a path for African players to reach European football, and the transaction also boosting Kenneth Omeruo net worth.
He owns real estate properties in Lagos and Enugu. He also has a car collection with a Range Rover and a Mercedes.
Unlike many players who only focus on their playing salary, he has spread his investments to make sure Kenneth Omeruo net worth is enough to last him and generations to come.
Personal Life
Away from football, Omeruo has a quiet family life focused on his Christian faith.
He married Chioma Nnamani on December 30, 2017. The couple met before his big move to Standard Liège.
Chioma graduated from Enugu State University of Technology, runs her own lifestyle brand and also supports programs that help women.
The couple union is blessed with two beautiful daughters: Chairein, born in November 2018, and Reina, born in 2020.
Omeruo often shares family photos on social media, showing he is a dedicated father and husband.
He is close to his siblings – his brother Lucky is also a professional footballer, and his sister Chisom works in fashion.
Omeruo likes to play video games, watch Nollywood movies, and play golf. His social media is mostly about positive messages and family, not drama.
Kenneth Omeruo net worth is not your regular football rag to riches story. He never earned the huge salaries of superstar attackers. But, his steady career moves and smart investments have built solid wealth.
His €8 million net worth shows the value of a long career, good planning, and having different ways to earn money in sports.
What makes Kenneth Omeruo net worth special is his focus on building a legacy beyond his own money. His football academy, club investments, and charity work show he thinks about the future.
These projects will help Nigerian football long after he retires. Also, the projects will continue to earn him money, thereby increasing Kenneth Omeruo net worth as years go by.
