In a raw and revealing moment, Mikel opens up about a silent struggle many African stars face: the unspoken expectation that their wealth belongs to everyone but them.
From distant relatives to in-laws who suddenly feel entitled, he pulls back the curtain on a cultural pressure that often goes unaddressed one where success becomes a burden, and generosity is mistaken for obligation.
His words aren’t just a personal confession they’re a wake-up call.
Mikel’s story isn’t unique it echoes the lived reality of countless African professionals who carry the weight of entire families on their shoulders.
It's called the "Black tax," a term that barely scratches the surface of the emotional and financial strain it causes.
What starts as love and responsibility often morphs into pressure and guilt, especially when relatives begin to treat your earnings like a community fund.
Here's what Mikel had to say
“Your money is not your money,” he says and that line stings because it’s true. For many, the dream of making it out becomes tangled in the expectations of those left behind.
"When you come from Africa, this is something I don't think we speak a lot about when you make money, it is not your money.
"You have all these relatives, cousins, whatever.
"Your sisters, they go off and get married to some guy. He just wants to get married into John Obi Mikel's family because then [he thinks] 'my life is sorted'.
"You start looking after this guy and you send money to your sister and the money goes to him and he does whatever he does with it.
"This is the thing nobody knows about - your money is not your money.
"You get a salary and say I'll put this aside for this person, put that aside for that person, and put that aside for my mum and dad'. Before you know it, you are getting less than them.
"That is the culture. They expect you to do that. For them, you owe them.
"This story needs to be told. A lot of young African players that are coming up now need to be told this because they will go through similar situations.
"They will need to know how to deal with this."
No Wonder Paul Pogba's brother wanted his brother's money. Maybe it's time to do away with this culture, it makes people feel entitled to something they don't own in my opinion.
