Did you know that Soccer players make Millions?

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa is a momentous event – as the first ever World Cup held on African soil, it has the potential to reshape global perceptions of an entire continent and rekindle hope in millions of people. The Atlanta Post has compiled a list of eight of the highest paid and most prominent football players of African heritage, whose drive and dedication to the sport have made the 2010 World Cup in South Africa possible.

Yaya Toure

Country: Ivory Coast

Club: Barcelona

Age: 27

Earnings: $3.7 million

Michael Essien

Country: Ghana

Club: Chelsea

Age: 27

Earnings: $5.3 million, Endorsements: Puma

Maicon Douglas Sisenando

Country: Brazil

Club: Internazionale aka Inter Milan

Age: 28

Earnings: $5.4 million

Nicolas Anelka
Country: France
Club: Chelsea
Age: 31
Earnings: $5.8 million

Ashley Cole

Country: England

Club: Chelsea

Age: 29

Earnings: $6.6 million

Didier Drogba
Country: Ivory Coast
Club: Chelsea
Age: 31
Earnings: $6.6 million Endorsements: Pepsi: $4.9; Puma

Thierry Henry

Country: France

Club: Barcelona

Age: 32

Earnings: Annual salary plus bonus: $6.2 million, Other income: $6.2 million ($12.4 million total)

Endorsements: Pepsi, Gilette, Reebok

Samuel Eto’o

Country: Cameroon

Club: Inter Milan

Age: 27

Earnings: $12. 7 million