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.
Top 10 Richest Footballers in Africa
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michael Essien – $24 Million
The Ghanaian midfielder started out in Lyon, moved to Chelsea where he spent 8 interesting seasons and won the Premier League, The FA Cup, The Europa League and The Champions League. He is Africa’s most expensive player and he currently plays for Italian side AC Milan.
Emmanuel Adebayor – $28 Million
He is one of the richest men in Togo and it’s all thanks to the lucrative contracts he’s signed with some of England’s big clubs. Adebayor has played for top clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Tottenham. He currently plays for Crystal Palace but still receives his weekly wages from Tottenham.
Yaya Toure – $65 Million
The lanky midfielder, who’s one of the best midfielders in the English Premier League has won the African Player of the Year three consecutive times and he’s a very important part of the Cote d’Ivoire national team set up. He’s currently on $15 Million per annum contract with Manchester City.
Didier Drogba – $70 Million
The deadly Cote d’Ivoire striker has been a nightmare for a lot of defenders in England where he spent most of his career. Drogba’s move to Chelsea in 2004 brought good fortune and a number of sponsorship deals. He was paid $170,000 a week in Chelsea, $325,000 in Shanghai Shenhua, and $110,000 in Galatasaray.
Samuel Eto – $90 Million
Samuel Eto has won the African Player of the year an impressive four times and has played for some of the biggest teams in World football including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Internazionale and Chelsea. The Cameroonian was one of the highest paid players in the world during his time with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.