Bradley Cross is one of South Africa’s most exciting defensive talents heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
From Kempton Park academies to the Premier League and back home, this left-back has built a steady career — and a growing bank balance.
Bradley Cross’ Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bradley Paul Cross |
| Date of Birth | 30 January 2001 |
| Age | 25 |
| Place of Birth | Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 1.83 m |
| Position | Left-Back / Centre-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Current Club | Kaizer Chiefs (Betway Premiership) |
| Jersey Number | 48 |
| Turned Professional | 2020 |
| Contract Expires | 30 June 2028 |
| Net Worth | ~$250,000 |
| Annual Salary | £39,000 (~R900,000) |
Early Life and Career
Bradley Paul Cross grew up in Kempton Park, a township on the East Rand of Gauteng, South Africa.
He developed his football at grassroots level before catching the eye of scouts at Mpumalanga Black Aces, where his youth career officially began.
In 2018, Bidvest Wits picked him up, seeing the promise in the left-footed defender. Shortly after joining Wits, Cross secured a loan move to German giants FC Schalke 04, where he spent two years developing in the U19 setup.
That spell in Germany — under the same environment that Wits coach Gavin Hunt had helped shape — sharpened his technical understanding and tactical composure.
Playing at Schalke’s youth level exposed Cross to a standard of football most South African teenagers never see.
By the time his loan ended in 2020, Cross was attracting attention from multiple clubs. Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Bradley Cross after he completed a successful trial with the Magpies, joining their academy on a two-year deal.
He was just 19 at the time and full of ambition. Despite never breaking into the Newcastle senior side, those years in England gave him an education that would later set him apart in the PSL.
Professional Career
Cross joined Newcastle United as a free agent and was sent to the Magpies’ Under-23 side after completing a successful trial.
He described it as a dream come true to play in the UK. During his time at St. James’ Park, he represented the U21 and U23 sides — even captaining the team at points — but an injury disrupted his momentum.
An injury setback at Newcastle led to a period of inactivity, prompting his return home to reignite his career.
He was released at the end of his contract and, after a brief training spell with SuperSport United in late 2022, signed for Maritzburg United in January 2023.
At Maritzburg, Cross made 12 senior PSL appearances in a difficult relegation season. He then moved to Golden Arrows in July 2023, where he thrived — making 21 league appearances and earning the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for World Cup qualifying squads.
Kaizer Chiefs triggered Bradley Cross’s R3 million release clause from Golden Arrows, with the club’s head coach Nasreddine Nabi valuing Cross’s versatility as both a left centre-back and fullback. He signed a four-year deal with the Soweto giants on 3 September 2024.
The defining moment of his career came in 2026. Cross was included in the final 26-member Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with his inclusion catching some by surprise given he had been out of the international set-up for some time.
He described it as a long-term goal finally realised. Cross made his senior international debut for South Africa on 29 May 2026 against Nicaragua.
Bradley Cross’ Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Bradley Cross’ has an estimated net worth of $250,000 (approximately R4.5 million).
He built this wealth through professional contracts spanning South Africa, Germany, and England — most notably his current four-year deal with Kaizer Chiefs.
Contract
Bradley Cross joined Kaizer Chiefs on 3 September 2024, with his contract running until 30 June 2028.
Kaizer Chiefs triggered a buyout clause of R3 million to secure him from Golden Arrows, reflecting their genuine belief in his ability as a starting left-back under coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Cross joined Kaizer Chiefs on a four-year deal after a standout stint with Golden Arrows. The contract takes him through to mid-2028, giving him security and a platform to grow his market value ahead of a potential transfer to a bigger African or European club.
Salary
Bradley Cross earns £750 per week, which amounts to £39,000 per year, playing for Kaizer Chiefs Football Club.
In South African rand terms, this translates to approximately R900,000 annually at current exchange rates.
For context, that places him in the mid-tier bracket of PSL earners. He is not among the highest-paid players at Kaizer Chiefs, but his wage is expected to rise if he performs consistently as South Africa’s first-choice left-back at the World Cup and beyond.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | Newcastle United U23 | ~£15,000 (academy contract) |
| 2021/22 | Newcastle United U23 | ~£15,000 (academy contract) |
| 2022/23 | Maritzburg United | ~R300,000 |
| 2023/24 | Golden Arrows | ~R450,000 |
| 2024/25 | Kaizer Chiefs | ~R900,000 |
| 2025/26 | Kaizer Chiefs | ~R900,000 |
Career Statistics
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | Newcastle United U23 | Premier League 2 | 21 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | Newcastle United U23 | Premier League 2 | 9 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022/23 | Maritzburg United (Durban City) | SA Premier League | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Golden Arrows | SA Premier League | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | Kaizer Chiefs | Betway Premiership | 19 | 0 | 1 |
| 2025/26 | Kaizer Chiefs | Betway Premiership | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Total (Senior) | 91 | 2 | 2 |
FAQs
What is Bradley Cross’s net worth?
Bradley Cross has an estimated net worth of around $250,000. He earned this through his professional contracts in South Africa, Germany, and England, with his current deal at Kaizer Chiefs his most lucrative to date.
How much does Bradley Cross earn at Kaizer Chiefs?
He earns £750 per week, equating to £39,000 per year (approximately R900,000). His four-year contract with Kaizer Chiefs, signed in September 2024, runs until June 2028.
Is Bradley Cross at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Yes. Cross is part of South Africa’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made his senior Bafana Bafana debut on 29 May 2026 against Nicaragua and is the only Kaizer Chiefs player in the final squad.
Where did Bradley Cross play before Kaizer Chiefs?
Before joining Kaizer Chiefs, Cross played for Mpumalanga Black Aces, Bidvest Wits, Schalke 04 (U19), Newcastle United (U21/U23), Maritzburg United, and Golden Arrows.
How much did Kaizer Chiefs pay for Bradley Cross?
Kaizer Chiefs triggered a R3 million release clause in Cross’s Golden Arrows contract to sign him in September 2024. He then agreed personal terms and joined the Soweto club on a four-year deal.
