Benni McCarthy (born November 12, 1977) is a well-known name in the world of football. He started his footballing career at a local side called Young Pirates, which his uncles then managed. He later joined the youth structures of a local amateur club called Crusaders. McCarthy’s talent and dedication to the sport quickly landed him a spot in the national team, and he went on to have a successful career both as a player and a coach.
McCarthy’s playing career is impressive, having played for several top clubs across the world, including Ajax Amsterdam, FC Porto, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham United. He is one of the top goal scorers in the South African national team’s history, with 31 goals in 80 appearances. His achievements on the field have earned him numerous awards, including the UEFA Champions League, the English Football League Cup, and the South African Footballer of the Year award.
After retiring from playing, McCarthy transitioned into coaching and is currently working as a first-team coach at Manchester United. He previously worked as head coach of South African Premier Division team AmaZulu. McCarthy’s net worth is estimated to be around $16 million, making him one of the wealthiest footballers in South Africa. Overall, Benni McCarthy’s journey from a talented striker in South Africa to achieving success on the European stage and later transitioning into coaching has made him a respected name in both playing and managerial circles.
Benni McCarthy Age
Benni McCarthy was born on November 12, 1977, in Cape Town, South Africa. He is the son of Dudley and Dora McCarthy and has two brothers and a sister. His father was a footballer who played for Cape Town City and his mother was a nurse. Benni’s family lived in Hanover Park, an area known for its high unemployment rate and gang violence.
Benni McCarthy Education
Benni McCarthy attended Highlands Primary School and Tafelsig High School in Cape Town. He was an average student but was passionate about football from a young age. He started playing football on the streets of Hanover Park and later joined a local club called Young Pirates.
Benni’s talent on the field was quickly recognized, and he was scouted by Ajax Cape Town. He joined the club’s youth academy and began his formal football training. Benni continued to excel on the field and was eventually promoted to the first team at the age of 18.
Despite his success in football, Benni McCarthy did not neglect his education. He completed his matriculation at Tafelsig High School and went on to study sports management at the University of South Africa (UNISA). His dedication to both football and education set him apart from his peers and laid the foundation for his successful career.
Benni McCarthy Career
Benni McCarthy began his playing career for Seven Stars, where he scored a total of 13 goals, earning him a transfer to Cape Town Spurs. In 1997, he moved to Ajax Amsterdam, where he won the Eredivisie title and the Dutch Cup. McCarthy then moved to Spain, where he played for Celta Vigo, Porto, and Blackburn Rovers. While at Porto, he won the UEFA Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup.
In 2011, McCarthy returned to South Africa, where he played for Orlando Pirates. He helped the team win the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) title and reach the final of the CAF Champions League.
McCarthy made his debut for the South African national team in 1997. He went on to score 31 goals in 80 appearances for Bafana Bafana. He represented South Africa at two FIFA World Cup tournaments, in 1998 and 2002.
After retiring from playing, McCarthy began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Belgian club Sint-Truiden. In 2017, he was appointed head coach of Cape Town City FC, where he won the Telkom Knockout Cup in his first season in charge. In 2020, he was appointed head coach of AmaZulu FC, a South African football club that plays in the PSL.
Throughout his career, McCarthy has been known for his goal-scoring ability and his technical skills on the ball. He has won numerous individual awards, including the PSL Footballer of the Year and the African Footballer of the Year.
Benni McCarthy has had a successful career as a professional footballer and has been recognized for his achievements with several awards and honors. In 1998, he was named the South African Footballer of the Year, an award he won again in 2001 and 2002. McCarthy was also named the Portuguese League’s top scorer in the 2003/04 season, as well as the UEFA Cup’s top scorer in the 2004/05 season.
In addition to these individual awards, McCarthy has also been a part of several successful teams. He won the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto in 2004 and the English Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1995. McCarthy was also a part of the South African national team that won the 1998 African Cup of Nations.
McCarthy’s career has been marked by several notable records. He is the all-time leading scorer for the South African national team, with 31 goals in 80 appearances. McCarthy is also the all-time leading scorer for FC Porto in European competitions, with 17 goals.
In addition, McCarthy is the first South African player to have won the UEFA Champions League, as well as the first South African to score in a World Cup tournament.
Throughout his career, McCarthy has demonstrated his skill and dedication to the sport of football. His numerous awards and records are a testament to his talent and hard work.
Benni McCarthy Net Worth
Benni McCarthy’s net worth is estimated to be around $16 million, according to Sources. His success in football as both a player and a coach has contributed to his impressive net worth.
Apart from football, McCarthy has also ventured into business. In 2016, he launched his own energy drink called “BM Energize”. The drink is marketed as a healthy alternative to other energy drinks on the market, with natural ingredients and no added sugar. McCarthy has also been involved in several other business ventures, including a clothing line and a property development company.
McCarthy’s success in business can be attributed to his strong work ethic and determination. He has often spoken about the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving success, both on and off the field.
Overall, Benni McCarthy’s net worth and business ventures are a testament to his success in both football and entrepreneurship. With his drive and determination, he is sure to continue achieving great things in the future.