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8 Richest African Soccer Players Past And Present

8 Richest African Soccer Players Past And Present

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Soccer stars from Africa have been a major force in the sport for some time, with many playing for the top teams in Europe and earning endorsement deals that have made them the richest African soccer players.

Some of the top African players have made a fortune from soccer and related activities, building their personal wealth through business ventures and their soccer careers. Players past and present have managed to build their net worth over time, and according to FootenDirect research, some of the top players are millionaires.

We profile 8 of the richest African soccer players both past and present, by net worth.

Source: AllSoccerPlanet, Pulse, StarAfrica.

John Obi Mikel - Turkish clubs
John Obi Mikel continues to build his fortune – howng.com

8) Obi Mikel – $50 million

The Nigerian midfielder has been at Chelsea since 2006, and in that time he has been a top earner amongst African soccer players, earning through his salary and endorsement deals related to his status as a Nigerian star player for a top Premier League club.

Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Adebayor’s net worth has grown over a long career – africafootballshop.com

7) Emmanuel Adebayor – $57 million

Coming in at seventh on the list with a net worth of around $57 million, the veteran striker from Togo is highly popular throughout the African continent, having spent time playing for the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham, Arsenal and Real Madrid during a stellar career which is not yet complete.

Michael Essien representing Ghana
Ghanaian Michael Essien in action – globalcitizen.org

6) Michael Essien – $70 million

Very popular amongst his peers and soccer fans, the Ghanaian midfield enforcer is described as a gentle giant off the pitch. His likeability and marketability off the pitch, combined with his talent in the game have produced a potent mix that translates to wealth as an African soccer player.

Nwankwo Kanu
Nwankwo Kanu is an ex-player with a fortune – thepfa.com

5) Nwankwo Kanu – $100 million

Despite the fact that his soccer career as a player came to a close in 2012, the former Inter Milan, Arsenal and Portsmouth striker has successfully used his status as a household name to accumulate his staggering wealth and place fifth amongst the richest African soccer players.

www.globalvillageextra.org
Okocha remains popular following a stellar career – www.globalvillageextra.org

4) Jay-Jay Okocha – $150 million

While the former Nigerian international is no longer a professional soccer player, he remains incredibly popular, which has allowed him to continually build his wealth following his retirement from the game in 2008.

Premier League Hat-tricks
Drogba is the third richest African soccer player by net worth – dailymail.co.uk

3) Didier Drogba – $155 million

Number three on the list has been one of the richest African soccer players for some time now, having begun his career in 1998. He has represented Chelsea, Galatasaray and now turns out for Montreal Impact in the MLS. Endorsement deals both past and present include agreements with Nike, Pepsi, Samsung and Orange.

Champions League semi-finalists
Yaya Toure is a four-time African Player of the Year – skysports.com

2) Yaya Toure – $170 million

With endorsements that include money-spinning deals with Puma and Nissan, the Ivorian midfielder is the second richest player from Africa according to FootenDirect research. His club career has seen him feature for Barcelona and Manchester City, while the current transfer season may see the four-time African Player of the Year sign for a new club.

Samuel Eto'o Businessman - African Soccer Players
Samuel Eto’o Businessman – ivogueontv.blogspot.com

1) Samuel Eto ‘o – $202 million

As one of Africa’s best players of all time, Eto’o is the richest player on this list, having played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Everton and Sampdoria during his career. He was the highest paid player at Russia’s Anzhi Makhachkala, earning $25 million per year at the time. The Antalyaspor striker’s major endorsements include deals with brands such as Ford and Puma, amongst others.