8) Frédéric Kanouté – $12 Million
The legendary Malian striker began his career in France with Lyon before moving to England with West Ham in 2001. During his spell at Sevilla he won African Player of the Year in 2007 as well as consecutive UEFA Cups. He is currently at Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League. In 2007 he spent a reported $700,000 buying his local mosque in Seville.
7) John Obi Mikel – $15 Million
After just 6 appearances for Norwegian club Lyn Oslo, Mikel became infamous within the football world. In 2005 both Manchester United and Chelsea announced the signing of 18 year-old Mikel in what would become a protracted transfer saga. It was eventually settled in 2006 with Chelsea paying Lyn Oslo just £4million, whilst Manchester United received £12million without the player ever having played for them. The Nigerian has achieved great success at Chelsea winning the Premier League and Champions League amongst others, and reportedly earns $5million a year.
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