Pape Thiaw, crowned African champion with Senegal, is set to receive a significant contract extension along with a substantial salary increase.
After leading the Lions to their second continental title at the 2025 AFCON, four years after their first triumph, Pape Thiaw will be rewarded for his outstanding performance.
Senegal plans to reward Pape Thiaw. Already granted a bonus of 50 million FCFA (about 76,224.5 euros) and a plot of land in an upscale area of Petite Côte, the 44-year-old coach will see his contract revised with a significant salary boost.
This was announced by the Minister of Sports, Khady Diene Gaye, during a press conference last Thursday. More than just a reward, this increase aims to motivate the coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Is there a possibility to increase the coach’s salary? Yes, I affirm it here. He has achieved his goals by qualifying the team for the World Cup and winning the AFCON. You don’t change a winning team, right? So, we will continue with him. (…) We will review his initial contract. There was a clause in his contract, not only to reach the AFCON final but to win it. As we aspire to become the first African country to win the World Cup, it’s important to place our coach in optimal conditions so he can work without worrying about money or other daily concerns (laughs).”
A salary on par with Aliou Cissé?
Pape Thiaw’s contract expires next February. According to wiwsport, the former striker could see his salary rise to 46,000 euros per month, matching that of his predecessor Aliou Cissé when he was dismissed in October 2024.
Currently, Pape Thiaw earns about 20,000 euros per month. If his salary increase goes through, he could rank among the top ten highest-paid coaches at the 2025 AFCON, surpassing figures like Gernot Rohr (Benin), Hossam Hassan (Egypt), or Sébastien Desabre (DR Congo), and equal his Nigerian counterpart, Éric Chelle.
