For a while on now, Africans have contended on world football’s big stage with big money transfers, mouth-watering sponsorship deals and mega salaries. If you’ve ever wondered who the richest footballers in the continent were, here you have it; Africa’s top 10 richest footballers.
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Christopher Samba – $9 Million
With a bull’s energy, and an unmatched doggedness, the Congolese defender made a name for himself in the English Premier League with Blackburn Rovers as their captain. Thanks to that, he went on to sign a $160,000 per week deal with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. He currently plies his trade with Dynamo Moscow.
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Seydou Keita – $11 Million
The Malian midfielder who has spent most of his career in the Spanish La Liga got a lucky break when Chinese Super League side Aerbin FC signed him up on a $16 Million per annum deal after tax. He spent just a season before returning to La Liga to join Valencia.
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Frederic Kanoute – $14 Million
The Malian striker made a name for himself in Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais before moving to England to play for Westham United in 2001. He moved to Spanish side Sevilla where he won the UEFA Europa League and African Player of the Year. He’s currently playing for Chinese Super League side, Beijing Guoan.
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John Obi Mikel – $18 Million
After making waves in Norway with Lyn Oslo, Manchester United and Chelsea in one of the hottest transfer battle of all time. The Nigerian midfielder ended up in Chelsea, and has been an integral part of the team since his arrival in 2005. He’s currently the most decorated African player in the Epl.
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Kolo Toure – $19 Million
After leaving Spanish giants – Barcelona, the strong Cote d’Ivoire defender has gone on to make a name for himself in England, having played for big teams like Arsenal, Manchester City and currently plays for Liverpool. He has a lucrative endorsement deal with Adidas.