Top 10 highest paid footballers in Africa Part 2
5. Yakubu Aiyegbeni ($10 million)
Born in November 22, 1982, Yakubu plays as a striker for Guangzhou R&F. He is also a former player for the Nigerian national team. In 2012 Yakubu confirmed that he had left Blackburn and had signed for Chinese side Guangzhou R&F on an initial three-year deal. It is understood that he would earn $10 million annually in wages and bonuses.
6. Asamoah Gyan ($9.3 million)
Born in November 22, 1985 in Accra, Asemoah plays as a striker for Al Ain of the UAE Pro-League. He represented Ghana in the 2006 FIFA world cup. In 2011 it was confirmed on the Sunderland website that Gyan would leave on a season loan to Al Ain worth about $8.4 million. The contract would see Gyan earning about $180,000 a week after taxes for five years, starting from July 2012. This would be $9.3 million annually.
7. Samuel Eto’o ($9 million)
Born in March 10, 1981, Samuel is a Cameroonian footballer who plays as a striker for English Premier League club, Chelsea. He was once rated under the highest paid sportsperson after the golfer Tiger Woods. He has participated in three world cups and six Africa cup of nation’s qualifier. In 2013, Eto’o signed a one-year deal with Chelsea for an undisclosed fee. He reportedly took a huge pay cut from $23 million a season down to $9 million to sign for Chelsea.
8. Frederic Kanoute ($7.2 million)
Born in September 2, 1977, Frederic plays as a striker for Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan. In 2012 Kanoute signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan, which placed him on a reported salary of $7.2 million annually.
9. Michael Essien ($6.1 million)
Born in December 3, 1982, Michael is a Ghanaian footballer who plays for Milan and the Ghana national team. In 2000 Essien went to Manchester City United. However, his stay in Manchester was very brief, he joined Bastia and late joined Chelsea. Essien who plays for his national team receives an annual salary of $6.1 million aside from other match allowances and fees.
10. John Mikel Obi ($5.5 million)
Born in April 22, 1987, Obi is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a midfielder for English club Chelsea and Nigerian national team. He joined Chelsea in 2006. He receives 5,5 million annually.
