Ime Okon is one of South Africa’s brightest defensive talents and among the most promising young centre-backs to emerge from the country in recent years. Renowned for his composure on the ball, aerial dominance, physical strength, and mature reading of the game, the Johannesburg-born defender has rapidly established himself as one of the leading young prospects in African football.
Currently, Okon plays for German 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96 after joining the club from SuperSport United in the summer of 2025. The South African international signed a four-year contract running until June 30, 2029, marking his first move to European football and an important milestone in his rapidly developing career.
At international level, Okon has become a regular member of the South Africa national team. As of mid-2026, the 22-year-old has earned seven senior caps and featured for Bafana Bafana during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, underlining his growing importance to the national side despite his young age.
Salary
Following his move to Hannover 96, Okon signed his first professional contract in European football, keeping him at the German club until June 30, 2029. While Hannover do not publicly disclose player salaries, industry estimates suggest the South African defender earns approximately €220,000 per year, reflecting his status as a young player beginning his European career.
His salary is expected to increase significantly if he continues his impressive development in Germany and attracts interest from clubs in the Bundesliga or elsewhere across Europe’s top five leagues.
| Salary Period | Estimated Earnings* |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary | Approximately $250,000 |
| Monthly Salary | Approximately $20,800 |
| Weekly Salary | Approximately $4,800 |
| Daily Salary | Approximately $685 |
*Estimated figures based on industry reports. Hannover 96 have not officially disclosed Okon’s salary.
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Market value
According to Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old defender has a current market value of €2 million as of June 2026, making him one of Hannover 96’s highest-valued players and one of South Africa’s most valuable young defenders.
His valuation has risen steadily since breaking into the SuperSport United first team before earning his move to Germany. His impressive performances in the 2. Bundesliga and on the international stage have further strengthened his reputation as one of Africa’s top emerging centre-backs.
| Date | Market Value | Age | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06.13.2023 | €200,000 | 19 | SuperSport United |
| 12.18.2023 | €450,000 | 19 | SuperSport United |
| 06.03.2024 | €800,000 | 20 | SuperSport United |
| 12.16.2024 | €1,200,000 | 20 | SuperSport United |
| 06.01.2025 | €1,500,000 | 21 | SuperSport United |
| 01.06.2026 | €2,000,000 | 21 | Hannover 96 |
| 06.01.2026 | €2,000,000 | 22 | Hannover 96 |
Career
Ime Okon’s rise has been one of the fastest among South African defenders, taking him from youth football in Johannesburg to professional football in Germany before becoming a full international.
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Youth development & SuperSport United (2022–2025): Okon developed through South African football before joining SuperSport United, where his composure, strength and positional awareness quickly earned him opportunities in the senior squad. He established himself as one of the Premier Soccer League’s brightest young defenders and attracted attention from European scouts.
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Hannover 96 (2025–Present): In July 2025, Hannover 96 secured Okon’s signature on a long-term contract. The move represented a major step in his career as he adapted to German football and became an important member of Hannover’s defensive unit during the 2025/26 campaign. His consistent performances strengthened his reputation as one of South Africa’s most promising exports.
Accolades & Highlights
Okon enters the 2026/27 season as one of South Africa’s brightest defensive prospects and one of the most promising young centre-backs playing in Germany.
Standing at 1.87 metres, he combines physicality with excellent anticipation, composure in possession and strong aerial ability. These attributes have helped him establish himself in European football at a young age while earning regular opportunities with the South Africa national team.
One of the biggest milestones of his career came in 2026 when he represented Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup. The tournament provided invaluable experience against elite international opposition and further enhanced his growing reputation across Europe.
For South Africa, Okon is regarded as one of the cornerstones of the national team’s next generation. His rapid progression from the Premier Soccer League to German football, coupled with his early international experience, has positioned him as a player capable of becoming one of Africa’s leading defenders over the coming years.
