

Akani Simbine is a living lesson in perseverance for any track and field enthusiast. And why shouldn’t he? He won a silver medal in the Olympic relay in Paris 2024, a gold in 2018, and a career spanning over a decade. All of which cemented his legacy as Africa’s sprint king. He has also been the man who ran sub-10 seconds in the 100m for 11 straight years, breaking Usain Bolt’s previous record of 10. But behind the glittering medals and national records like his 9.82 seconds in 100m as his personal best lies a story of near-misses, financial hustle, and a brand game sharper than his starting blocks.
Honestly, Simbine’s career has been a masterclass in almost everything. Fourth place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, missed a podium in Paris 2024, missed bronze by 0.01 seconds. Similarly, three World Championship finals, all without a medal. His historic 9.82s South African record in Paris? Still not enough for a podium. And let’s not forget the injuries, COVID-19 disruptions, i.e., 2020’s training bans and younger rivals like Letsile Tebogo snapping up headlines.
“I’ve been so close so many times,” he said. But there were silver linings, too. Those near-wins kept him hungry and his sponsors loyal.
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What Is Akani Simbine’s Net Worth in 2025?
In 2025, Simbine’s net worth is between $1 million and $5 million. That’s not too much money for an elite athlete, but it’s not bad for a guy who started at a community college. His wealth is a cocktail of many things, but it can be primarily attributed to his successful sprinting career, which led to many sponsorships and brand endorsements.
And let’s not forget the smart investments in the real estate in Johannesburg and branding deals that leverage his “sub-10s king” representation.

What’s your perspective on:
Is Akani Simbine the most underrated sprinter of our time despite his record-breaking feats?
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Akani Simbine’s Earnings by Event
Akani Simbine’s bank account got a serious speed boost in 2024 and 2025, thanks to his legs doing most of the talking. Take May 2025, the guy blazed through the Shanghai Diamond League 100m in 9.98 seconds, pocketing a cool 20 K for the win- and yeah, that 20K for the win—and yeah, that “Diamond+Discipline” bonus definitely sweetened the deal. Not bad for a day’s work, right? The year before, he’d already flexed his cash flow muscles, raking in 18K from Diamond League races alone. That put him in the top five earners for the men’s 100m, rubbing shoulders with names like Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simbine left fans clutching their hearts with a “9.82-second” national record in the 100m… only to finish fourth again by a hair’s breadth (okay, 0.01 seconds). Talk about a gut punch. Still, he salvaged pride (and some cash) by anchoring South Africa’s 4x100m relay squad to silver, snagging roughly 4,000 from Sascoc. If he’d snagged individual gold, World Athletics would’ve tossed him 50K, their first-ever Olympic prize money move, plus another R400K from Sascoc.
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Akani Simbine’s Sponsorships and Brand Endorsements
Akani Simbine’s sponsorships aren’t just about cash flow; they’re a vibe check on his global appeal. In 2023, Visa tapped him for Team Visa at the Paris 2024 Olympics, slotting him alongside legends like Simone Biles and Kylian Mbappé. But long before that, he’d already inked a three-year, seven-figure deal with Avanti Communications (2019–2022), a UK satellite giant hell-bent on boosting African youth through tech and education—proof that brands see him as more than just speed. Then there’s his gig with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, where he champions sport’s power to tackle social issues. From luxury watches to grassroots activism, Simbine’s portfolio screams legacy over likes. These deals aren’t just checks; they’re credibility boosters. When Simbine posts a Richard Mille wrist roll on Instagram to his 500k+ followers, it’s not just flexing—it’s branding.
At 31, Simbine isn’t slowing down. Fresh off a 9.99s win in Xiamen in April 2025, he’s eyeing the Shanghai Diamond League, which is to be held on May 3, against rivals like Letsile Tebogo and Christian Coleman. Then there’s the World Relays in Guangzhou on May 10-11, where he’ll captain South Africa’s squad. “I’m here to prove I’m still the guy,” he said recently. With sponsors in his corner and a chip on his shoulder, don’t bet against him. What is your opinion on his wealth? Comment and let us know.
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Is Akani Simbine the most underrated sprinter of our time despite his record-breaking feats?