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.
It also serves as the long-overdue recognition of Africa’s enormous contribution to modern football (read:soccer) and as such is one of the most historically significant sporting events of the last several decades. As teams from every continent ready themselves for their journey to Africa, where Football has long since become a way of life, and where the eyes of the entire world will be fixed upon them, they must surely feel that they are embarking on a world-changing adventure that will leave an indelible mark on sporting history.
In celebration of African football, 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.
8. Yaya Toure
Country: Ivory Coast
Club: Barcelona
Age: 27
Earning: $3.7 million
Toure’s titanic stature and gushing energy combine to make him one of the best midfielders in modern football. His career with Barcelona is soon to come to an end. Although Toure was looking to join Premier League side Manchester City, at last check, he appears to be in limbo and his post-summer plans are still undecided.
