Zaidu Sanusi is a Super Eagles player who also plays as a fullback for FC Porto in Portugal.
If you’re a fan of football and love keeping up with rising Nigerian stars, then Zaidu Sanusi is definitely a name you’ve come across.
From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most solid full-backs in European football, his story is one that inspires many young players back home.
But beyond the tackles, clean sheets, and electrifying runs down the flank, many people are curious about one thing; how much has Zaidu really earned from his fast-growing career?
This article by SportsBuddy will give a full look at his life, career and earnings with a special focus on Zaidu Sanusi net worth.
Early Life, Background and Education
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Zaidu Muhammed Sanusi |
| Date of Birth | 13 June 1997 |
| Age | 28 |
| Place of Birth | Jega, Kebbi State |
| Height | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Position | Left-back |
| Order/Title | Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) |
Zaidu Muhammed Sanusi was born on June 13, 1997, in Jega, a town in Kebbi State, Nigeria.
Growing up in the north, Sanusi’s childhood was far from the glamour of professional sports. His parents were farmers, and life as a child was like that of every other villagers. He would wake-up, go to school, then return and go to the farm to help his parents.
Zaidu Sanusi attended local schools in Jega and later the School of Health Technology in Kebbi State. Despite all these, his focus was always a career in sports, hence he didn’t allow school hinder him as he engaged in football activities very well.
His big break came when he was 19. At this time, he was playing for an amateur side, Mutunchi FC, in a tournament in Kaduna. His performance caught the eye of European scouts, starting a journey that would take him far in life.
Professional Career
| Club (Years) | Apps (Goals) | Main Achievements with Club |
|---|---|---|
| Gil Vicente (2016–2018) | 0 (0) | Started his professional career in Portugal. |
| Mirandela (2017–2019) | 74 (3) | Gained crucial first-team experience in the Campeonato de Portugal. |
| Santa Clara (2019–2020) | 27 (1) | Breakthrough into Portugal’s top-flight, Primeira Liga. |
| Porto (2020–present) | 139 (8) | Primeira Liga (2021–22)
Taça de Portugal (2021–22, 2022–23) Taça da Liga (2022–23) Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (2020, 2022) |
| Porto B (2024–present) | 2 (0) | Regaining match fitness in the Liga Portugal 2. |
Gil Vicente
Zaidu Sanusi’s professional journey began in 2016 when he signed with Portuguese club Gil Vicente on a free transfer. The first years were tough, with little playing time.
SC Mirandela
To get experience, he was loaned to third-division side SC Mirandela for the 2017-2018 season, where he made only a few appearances but built important strength in the hard lower levels of Portuguese football.
CD Santa Clara
The turning point came with his move to CD Santa Clara in 2019. It was here that Sanusi truly made a name for himself as a good Primeira Liga defender.
His breakout performance, including a great goal against Benfica, put him on the radar of bigger clubs. His steady displays at Santa Clara were a major stepping stone, directly changing his market value and the future calculations of the Zaidu Sanusi net worth.
FC Porto
In August 2020, FC Porto, one of Portugal’s most famous clubs, came calling. They signed Sanusi for a transfer fee of €4 million, giving him a five-year contract.
At Porto, he quickly became a fan favorite, filling the space left by Alex Telles who joined Manchester United at that time. He announced himself on the biggest stage by scoring a winning goal on his UEFA Champions League debut against Marseille.
Perhaps his most famous moment came in the 2021-22 season when he scored a 93rd-minute winner against rivals Benfica, a goal that basically won the league title for Porto.
Even with being troubled by injuries, including a major ACL tear in 2024, he has stayed a key part of the squad, with his contract extended to 2027.
International Career
Sanusi made his debut for the Nigerian Super Eagles in October 2020. He has since become a regular player in the squad, earning over 20 caps.
He was part of the team that finished as second place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, a big achievement in his international career.
His steady performances for the national team have not only helped his reputation but have also made him a key player, featuring in almost every game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers until their elimination by DR Congo.
Zaidu Sanusi Net Worth
As of 2025, Zaidu Sanusi net worth is estimated at £2 million (which is about $2.5 million). This build-up of wealth is the result of his football contracts, endorsement deals, and other money projects.
Salary and Contracts
The main source behind Zaidu Sanusi net worth is his football salary. His current contract with FC Porto, which was extended in 2022, earns him a gross yearly salary of around €780,000. This breaks down to about €15,000 per week.
His first move from Santa Clara to Porto for €4 million also meant a big money jump, with signing bonuses and performance rewards adding to his earnings. Over his career, his total earnings from club salaries alone are estimated to be more than €5-6 million.
Endorsement Deals
Beyond his club salary, endorsement deals give a big boost to Zaidu Sanusi net worth. As a well-known athlete, he has drawn partnerships with several major brands. He is a Nike athlete and has also made commercial deals with global companies like Pepsi and Betway, as well as a luxury partnership with watchmaker TAG Heuer.
These endorsements add about €500,000 to his Zaidu Sanusi net worth each year.
Personal Life
As of 2025, Zaidu Sanusi is not married and there is no public announcement or confirmation that he is married.
While a February 2025 Facebook post shared photos of Sanusi with his daughters, it did not mention a wife.
Hence, Zaidu Sanusi has two daughters. In a Facebook post, he shared a photo with his “lovely daughters”. However, he didn’t mention or reveal his children’s names and ages.
Zaidu Sanusi hobbies include spending time with his beautiful daughters and going on vacation to see his family in Nigeria. He also has interest in fashion and luxury cars, and he is represented by the powerful super-agent Jorge Mendes of Gestifute.
From Jega to the Estádio do Dragão, Zaidu Sanusi journey is a powerful inspiration to all aspiring Nigerian footabllers.
