African footballers are doing well in Europe. West Africa has produced the highest number of stars and we can all agree they have represented the continent well. North African is reclaiming its place too in European football. Premier League PFA Player of the year Mohamed Salah, Juventus Mehdi Benatia and Arsenal Mohamed Elneny are just but a few top African stars from the North. East Africa is also represented by the likes of Victor Wanyama.
The representation also transforms into cash and wealth. Today, we want to look at the seven wealthiest African footballers of all-time;
7. John Obi Mikel- Tianjin TEDA
Net Worth: $50 Million
Nigerian International midfielder John Obi Mikel played for English Premier League Club Chelsea for 11 years since 2006. He won every trophy available in the club level. He left the Blues in January 2017 to join Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA for an undisclosed fee. The 31-year-old estimated net worth is $50 Million.
6. Emmanuel Adebayor- İstanbul Başakşehir
Net Worth: $57 Million
Togolese International and former Captain Emmanuel Adebayor is a man who has seen it all in football. He has made headlines several times with all manner of issues. He has had a successful career by any standards. He played for Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspurs and Crystal Palace in English Premier League and Real Madrid in La Liga among others. He currently plays for Turkish side İstanbul Başakşehir.
5. Michael Essien- Free Agent
Net Worth: $70 Million
Former Ghana International Michael Essien is a respected legend at English Premier League Chelsea where he enjoyed his best years as a footballer. He helped the club win a number of trophies among them Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. We all remember that bullet goal against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. The 35-year-old is now a free agent after he was released by Indonesian club Persib Bandung in March. His net worth is estimated at $70 Million.
4. Jay-Jay Okocha- Rtd
Net Worth: $150 Million
Jay-Jay Okocha is regarded by many who watched him play as the ‘African Lionel Messi’ due to his skills, trickery, confidence, and technique. He is one of the best in the history of African football if not the best. In Nigeria, they say he was so good even his parents decided to name him twice (Jay-Jay). He played for Bolton Wanderers, Paris Saint Germain, Hull City and Nigeria National team. His net worth is estimated at $150 Million.
3. Didier Drogba- Phoenix Rising
Net Worth: $155 Million
Former Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba dominated African football in the last decade together with Samuel Etoo of Cameroon. The former Chelsea striker won all trophies available in club level including the Champions League in 2012. He now plays for MLS second-tier club Phoenix Rising as a co-owner. His net worth is estimated at $155 Million.
2. Yaya Toure- Free Agent
Net Worth: $170 Million
Ivory Coast Captain Yaya Toure is one of the best midfielders ever to come from the African continent in the last three decades. He has won everything available in football at Club level with his Manchester City and Barcelona. He also helped his country win Africa Cup of Nations to complete a wonderful career. His net worth is estimated at $170 Million.
1. Samuel Etoo
Net Worth: $202 Million
Former Cameroon International Samuel Etoo is the most decorated African player of all time. He has won all trophies available for club and country except the World Cup. He has played in England, Spain, Italy, Russia and now Turkey winning trophies with most of the clubs.