Africa has talented footballers in every respect. The majority of African footballers have played in major football clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Below is a brief overview of some of the ten highest paid African footballers on the continent:
10 Highest Paid African Soccer Players
1. Samuel Eto’o: salary – 20 million euros per year
The talented Cameroonian striker made the move to Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala in August 2011, making him arguably the second highest paid soccer player in the world and the highest paid African soccer player at €20 million after tax . In addition, the player is known to earn more, being involved in sponsorship deals and raising millions more annually. The player started his career at Spanish club Real Madrid at the tender age of 16. Eto’o Star shone brightest at FC Barcelona where he played for five years.
2. Yaya Toure: Salary – € 15 million per year
Yaya is a Manchester City midfielder who is making great €15million . The electricity comes from the Ivory Coast. In 2011 he was named African Footballer of the Year. He is talented and philanthropic. This is a rare mix that makes this player a fan favourite.
3. Didier Drogba: salary – 12.9 million euros per year
The talented Ivorian striker plays for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua. In China (Shanghai Shenhua), the African expects an annual salary of 12.9 euros . Drogba is a strong force forward who, on the expiry of his contract with his longtime club Chelsea, moved to China. At Chelsea, the striker made an impressive 226 appearances over a span of around eight years. During that time, Didier scored an impressive 100 goals for the club. The soccer player is also a philanthropist. He directs the Didier Drogba Foundation. The forward has twice been named African Footballer of the Year. He is also a UN Goodwill Ambassador.
By 2012, Mikel had made 172 appearances for Chelsea and 38 for his national team.
2012 was a good year for Mikel. He was shortlisted for the 2012 African Footballer of the Year award.
10. Kolo Toure: Salary – £120,000 a week
Kolo hails from the powerhouse of African footballers’ country of Ivory Coast. He is an exceptional defender with impressive skills. Currently, the player is in Manchester City’s English club. Before moving to Manchester City, he was with Arsenal FC for seven years. In 2000, the talented player made his international debut. Since then he has made 98 appearances and scored 15 goals while on duty for his national team.
Undeniably the spirit of perseverance demonstrated by these great African footballers have made them a notable niche around the world. A discussion of professional footballers cannot be complete without discussing these names. They are the top 10 highest paid African footballers.