Fernando Torres, Chelsea

   2011 earnings: €14 million

Fernando Torres, born in 1984, is a Spanish footballer who plays for Chelsea and the Spain national team as a striker. Torres started his career with Atlético Madrid, progressing through their youth system, and made his first team debut in 2001 in La Liga. In January 2011, he joined Chelsea for a record British transfer fee of ￡50 million, which also made him the most expensive Spanish player in history. As a member of the national team, Torres has participated in four major tournaments, including the UEFA Euro 2004, 2006 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2008 and 2010 FIFA World Cup.