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Turkish volleyball stars Ebrar Karakurt, Zehra Gunes among world’s richest players

Turkish volleyball stars Ebrar Karakurt and Zehra Gunes Turkish volleyball stars Ebrar Karakurt and Zehra Gunes were part of the national team during the Tokto 2020 Olympics as well, July 22, 2021. (Photo via Instagram / @ebrarkarakurt)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Dec 13, 2024 1:19 PM

Two Turkish volleyball stars have made headlines in the international volleyball community.

Ebrar Karakurt and Zehra Gunes have been named among the world’s richest female volleyball players, according to a recent list published by Rich Verse.

Their significant earnings show their sporting achievements and growing influence both on and off the court.

Ebrar Karakurt (99) of Türkiye celebrates after scoring during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Ebrar Karakurt (99) of Türkiye celebrates after scoring during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Paris, France, July 29, 2024. (AA Photo)

Turkish volleyball star Ebrar Karakurt ranks 13th with $4.2M

Ebrar Karakurt, a prominent member of the Turkish women’s national volleyball team, secured the 13th spot on the list with an estimated net worth of $4.2 million.

Karakurt’s earnings come from her professional volleyball career, endorsements, and a strong social media presence. Currently playing for Lokomotiv Kaliningrad in Russia, Turkish volleyball star Karakurt continues to impress fans with her skills as an outside hitter and opposite spiker.

Turkish volleyball star
Ebrar Karakurt celebrates Lokomotiv Kaliningrad’s 3-1 victory over Dinamo Moskova with fans, rallying the crowd, Kaliningrad, Russia, Nov. 28, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @ebrarkarakurt18)

The Turkish volleyball star has also garnered attention for her vibrant personality and bold style, which have made her a favorite among fans worldwide. Beyond the volleyball court, she has secured sponsorship deals and participated in advertising campaigns, further boosting her wealth.

Her international transfers and consistent performance in high-stakes matches, including representing Türkiye in the Paris 2024 Olympics, underline her standing as a global star.

Turkish volleyball star
Turkish volleyball star Zehra Gunes flashes a serious expression while making a playful “sorry” gesture during VakifBank’s 3:0 win against Havran Bld, Jan. 31, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @zehragunes)

Turkish volleyball player Zehra Gunes ranks 14th with a $4 million

Zehra Gunes, another standout from Türkiye’s national team, follows closely behind Karakurt, ranking 14th with a net worth of $4 million. Gunes plays as a middle blocker for VakifBank, one of Türkiye’s most successful volleyball clubs.

The Turkish volleyball star’s dominance on the court, combined with a commanding presence in international tournaments, has solidified her reputation as one of the sport’s top talents.

Turkish volleyball star
Zehra Gunes (C) of the VakifBank Women’s Volleyball Team attends the signing ceremony of the collaboration agreement in Istanbul, Türkiye, Nov. 18, 2024. (AA Photo)

Gunes’ popularity extends beyond sports. She has collaborated with various brands and participated in modeling projects, making her a recognizable face in both sports and fashion.

With millions of followers on social media, she leverages her platform to engage with fans and secure lucrative sponsorships.

Turkish volleyball star Gunes’ exceptional performances in both domestic and international competitions have been crucial in elevating Turkish volleyball on the global stage.

Turkish volleyball stars Ebrar Karakurt, Zehra Gunes among world’s richest players
Paola Egonu (18) of Italy competes during the women’s preliminary round Pool C volleyball match between Italy and Türkiye during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on Aug. 4, 2024 (AA Photo)

Brazilian players dominate female volleyball rankings

The Rich Verse list documents the financial success of female volleyball players globally, with Brazilian stars leading the rankings.

Sheilla Castro, with a net worth of $12 million, tops the list, followed by Jaqueline Carvalho ($9.1 million) and Gabriela Guimaraes ($8.8 million).

Other notable names include Italy’s Paola Egonu, South Korea’s Kim Yeon Koung, and Ukraine’s Yuliya Gerasymova, showcasing the international reach of the sport.

List of world’s richest female volleyball players

  1. Sheilla Castro (Brazil) – $12 million
  2. Jaqueline Carvalho (Brazil) – $9.1 million
  3. Gabriela Guimaraes (Brazil) – $8.8 million
  4. Thaisa Daher (Brazil) – $7.7 million
  5. Paola Egonu (Italy) – $7.3 million
  6. Yuliya Gerasymova (Ukraine) – $7 million
  7. Fabi Claudino (Brazil) – $6.9 million
  8. Kim Yeon Koung (South Korea) – $6.7 million
  9. Brenda Castillo (Dominican Republic) – $6 million
  10. Samantha Bricio (Mexico) – $4.7 million
  11. Sabina Altynbekova (Kazakhstan) – $4.7 million
  12. Nataliya Goncharova (Russia) – $4.4 million
  13. Ebrar Karakurt (Türkiye) – $4.2 million
  14. Zehra Gunes (Türkiye) – $4 million
  15. Jordan Larson (USA) – $3.7 million

Both Karakurt and Gunes exemplify how volleyball players can diversify their income streams. The Turkish volleyball stars’ social media platforms, where they have millions of followers, play a significant role in attracting sponsorships and building personal brands.

These partnerships both enhance their earnings and broaden their influence beyond the volleyball community.

Last Updated:  Dec 13, 2024 2:16 PM