Zheng Zhi (鄭智)

Sport: Soccer

Age: 33

2012 earnings: 11 million yuan (US$1.76 million)

2011 ranking: 6

Zheng Zhi, born in 1980 in Shenyang, is one of the most famous soccer players in China and the only soccer star on this list. Starting his career as a defense player, Zheng can now take on any position on the field. In 2002, Zheng Zhi was awarded the title of "Chinese Footballer of the Year."

In 2006, Zheng joined Charlton Athletic and went on to become the second Chinese player to sign with Celtic. Zheng participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games as captain of the Chinese national football team. Since June 2010, he has returned to China to play for Guangzhou Evergrande Football Club.