Mbwana Samatta is one of Tanzania’s greatest footballers and among the most accomplished strikers ever to emerge from East Africa. Renowned for his intelligent movement, clinical finishing, leadership, and tireless work ethic, the veteran forward has enjoyed a distinguished career across Africa and Europe, becoming the first Tanzanian to play and score in the English Premier League.
Currently, Samatta plays for Greek Super League club PAOK, where he has re-established himself as one of the team’s experienced attacking leaders. Having returned to Greece following spells in England, Turkey and Belgium, the Tanzanian international continues to contribute with important goals and invaluable leadership both on and off the pitch. He remains under contract with PAOK until June 30, 2027.
At international level, Samatta is the undisputed face of Tanzanian football. As of mid-2026, he has earned more than 90 senior caps and scored over 25 international goals, making him the Taifa Stars’ all-time leading goalscorer. He also captained Tanzania during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping the nation make its historic debut on football’s biggest stage.
Salary
Following his contract extension with PAOK, Samatta remains one of Tanzania’s highest-paid footballers. While the Greek club does not officially disclose player salaries, reports estimate that the experienced striker earns approximately €1 million per year, reflecting both his leadership role and wealth of experience at the highest level of European football.
Although he no longer commands the salary he received during his Premier League spell with Aston Villa, Samatta continues to enjoy one of the most lucrative contracts of any Tanzanian footballer.
| Salary Period | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $1.14 million |
| Monthly Salary | $95,000 |
| Weekly Salary | $21,900 |
| Daily Salary | $3,130 |
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Market value
According to Transfermarkt, the 33-year-old striker has a current market value of €800,000 as of June 2026.
Although his valuation has naturally declined during the latter stages of his career, Samatta once ranked among Africa’s most valuable strikers. His peak market value reached €10 million during his outstanding spell with Belgian side Genk, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.
| Date | Market Value | Age | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07.01.2013 | €500,000 | 20 | TP Mazembe |
| 07.01.2015 | €2,000,000 | 22 | TP Mazembe |
| 12.19.2017 | €6,000,000 | 25 | Genk |
| 12.20.2018 | €10,000,000 | 26 | Genk |
| 03.16.2020 | €9,000,000 | 27 | Aston Villa |
| 12.28.2021 | €4,500,000 | 29 | Fenerbahçe |
| 12.20.2023 | €1,500,000 | 31 | PAOK |
| 06.01.2026 | €800,000 | 33 | PAOK |
Career
Mbwana Samatta’s remarkable journey has taken him from Tanzania to becoming one of African football’s most respected strikers, breaking numerous barriers along the way.
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Early Career & TP Mazembe (2011–2016): After beginning his professional career with African Lyon in Tanzania, Samatta joined DR Congo giants TP Mazembe in 2011. He quickly established himself as one of Africa’s leading goalscorers, winning multiple domestic titles, the CAF Champions League and the CAF Super Cup. In 2015, he became the first player based in Africa to win the CAF African Player of the Year award.
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European Success with Genk (2016–2020): Samatta moved to Belgian side Genk in January 2016 and enjoyed the most prolific spell of his European career. He helped Genk win the Belgian Pro League title in 2018/19, finished among the league’s leading scorers, and became the first Tanzanian to score in the UEFA Champions League.
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Aston Villa, Fenerbahçe & Antwerp (2020–2023): In January 2020, Samatta joined Aston Villa, becoming the first Tanzanian to play in the Premier League. He also made history by becoming the first Tanzanian to score in England’s top flight. After his time in England, he spent periods with Turkish giants Fenerbahçe and Belgian champions Royal Antwerp before seeking a fresh challenge.
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PAOK (2023–Present): Samatta joined Greek champions PAOK in 2023 and quickly became an important member of the squad. His experience, professionalism and ability to deliver in crucial matches have made him a valuable asset as the club competes domestically and in European competitions.
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Accolades & highlights
Samatta enters the 2026/27 season as the most decorated footballer in Tanzania’s history and one of East Africa’s greatest-ever players.
His trophy collection includes league titles in DR Congo, Belgium and Greece, while his individual honours include the 2015 CAF African-based Player of the Year award and numerous domestic Golden Boot accolades. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional finishing ability, intelligent movement and outstanding leadership qualities.
Samatta’s career has been filled with groundbreaking achievements. He became the first Tanzanian to play in the UEFA Champions League, the first to score in the competition, and later the first to play and score in the English Premier League. Those accomplishments have cemented his legacy as a trailblazer for East African footballers seeking careers in Europe’s elite leagues.
For Tanzania, Samatta remains far more than a prolific goalscorer. He is regarded as a national icon whose success has inspired an entire generation of footballers. As captain of the Taifa Stars and the country’s all-time leading scorer, his legacy extends well beyond his achievements on the pitch, ensuring his place among Africa’s most influential footballers of the modern era.
