Sunday Haruna Net Worth

Sunday Haruna: The Rising Star of Nigerian Football

Sunday Haruna is a Nigerian association football player who has captured the attention of scouts and fans alike with his electrifying performances on the pitch. Born in 2005 in Nigeria, Haruna is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents to emerge from the country’s rich footballing tradition. As an attacking midfielder known for his vision, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing, he represents the new generation of Nigerian footballers poised to make a global impact. His rapid rise from local academies to professional football has drawn comparisons to some of Nigeria’s greatest exports, and he is already being tipped for a bright future in Europe’s top leagues. This in-depth biography covers his early beginnings, career milestones, personal life, and the legacy he is building both on and off the field.

Early Life & Education

Sunday Haruna was born in 2005 in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria. Growing up in a football-loving family, he was introduced to the sport at a very young age. His father, a former local league player, and his mother, a schoolteacher, encouraged his passion while emphasising the importance of education. Haruna attended Government Secondary School, Surulere, where he balanced his academic studies with intensive football training. It was during his school years that his exceptional talent became evident; he captained his school team to victory in the Lagos State Junior Football Championship in 2019, scoring 12 goals in the tournament.

Despite the allure of turning professional early, Haruna’s parents insisted he complete his secondary education. He graduated in 2022 with strong marks, a decision that has helped him mature as a person and player. During his formative years, he also enrolled in the Pepsi Football Academy, one of Nigeria’s most reputable youth development programs. There, he honed his technical skills under the guidance of experienced coaches who recognised his natural ability to read the game. His early exposure to structured training laid the foundation for his transition into professional football, and by age 16, he was already being scouted by clubs both in Nigeria and abroad.

Career & Major Achievements

Youth Career and Breakthrough

Haruna’s professional journey began at the Remo Stars Football Club youth academy, where he joined in 2020. His performances for the U-17 and U-19 teams quickly made him a standout prospect. In 2021, he was called up to the Nigeria U-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets, for the African U-17 Cup of Nations qualifiers. He played a pivotal role in helping the team secure a spot in the tournament, contributing three assists and two goals.

In 2022, Haruna made his senior debut for Remo Stars in the Nigerian Premier League at just 17 years old. His first season was modest but promising, with 18 appearances and 4 goals. However, it was the 2023–2024 season that truly announced his arrival. Under the guidance of coach Daniel Ogunmodede, Haruna was deployed as an attacking midfielder and finished the campaign with 9 goals and 11 assists in 30 league matches. He was named the club’s Young Player of the Season and earned a spot in the league’s Team of the Season.

National Team Recognition

His domestic success did not go unnoticed by the Nigerian Football Federation. In early 2024, Sunday Haruna received his first senior call-up to the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, for a friendly match against Mexico. He made his international debut as a second-half substitute and impressed with his composure on the ball. Later that year, he was part of the squad that won the 2024 West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations, where he scored the winning goal in the semi-final against Ghana. This achievement cemented his reputation as a future star for Nigeria.

Move to Europe and Continued Growth

In the summer of 2024, Haruna completed a high-profile transfer to Belgian Pro League side KAA Gent, joining for a reported fee of €1.2 million. The move was seen as a strategic step to develop his game in a competitive European league. In his first season with Gent, he adapted quickly, making 22 appearances across all competitions and scoring 5 goals. His performances in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers drew praise from European media, and he was named Jupiler Pro League Young Player of the Month in September 2024. By the end of the season, he had attracted interest from clubs in the English Premier League and Ligue 1, though he chose to remain at Gent for further development.

Style of Play and Impact

Haruna is best described as a creative playmaker with a sharp footballing IQ. Standing at 1.75m, he uses his low centre of gravity to glide past defenders and has an excellent range of passing. His ability to score from long range and deliver precise set-pieces makes him a dual threat. Coaches have compared his playing style to that of Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha, though Haruna is more direct and goal-oriented. Off the pitch, he is known for his disciplined training regime and commitment to community development, often participating in football clinics for underprivileged children in Lagos.

Personal Life & Legacy

Sunday Haruna remains deeply connected to his Nigerian roots. He is fluent in Yoruba and English and often credits his family for his grounded personality. Despite his rising fame, he maintains a low-profile personal life, avoiding controversy. He is an active user of social media, where he shares training updates and inspirational messages for young footballers. Haruna is also a devout Christian and frequently speaks about the role of faith in his career.

Philanthropy is a growing part of his legacy. In 2023, he launched the Sunday Haruna Foundation, which provides football equipment and scholarships to children in rural Nigerian communities. The foundation has already reached over 500 children in Ogun State. He has also partnered with UNICEF Nigeria to promote education through sports. His commitment to giving back has earned him recognition as a role model among Nigerian youth. In 2024, he received the Nigeria Youth Advocacy Award for his off-field contributions.

Looking ahead, Haruna aspires to play in the English Premier League and represent Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup. Many pundits believe he has the potential to become one of Nigeria’s all-time greats if he continues on his current trajectory. His story—from the streets of Surulere to the stadiums of Europe—serves as an inspiration for countless young footballers across Africa.

Net Worth & Business

As of 2025, Sunday Haruna’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million, driven primarily by his club salary, signing bonuses, and endorsement deals. His transfer to KAA Gent significantly boosted his earnings, with a contract worth approximately €300,000 per year. Additionally, he has endorsement agreements with Puma and Rite Foods Limited, a major Nigerian beverage brand. These partnerships contribute an estimated $200,000 annually to his income.

Haruna has also begun exploring business ventures. He invested a portion of his early earnings into a real estate development project in Lagos, partnering with a local firm to build affordable housing units. He is also a co-owner of a football academy in Abeokuta, which aims to discover and train the next generation of Nigerian talent. Financial advisors have commended his disciplined approach to wealth management, especially at such a young age. With his career still in its early stages and potential future moves to bigger leagues, his net worth is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

In summary, Sunday Haruna is not just a talented association football player from Nigeria; he is a symbol of hope and ambition. His journey from a Lagos schoolboy to a professional footballer in Europe exemplifies the power of talent, hard work, and a supportive environment. As he continues to develop on the pitch and expand his influence off it, Sunday Haruna is undoubtedly a name to watch in world football.