3. Denilson (Brazil)
Denilson spent the majority of his 16-year professional career with São Paulo and Real Betis – being the world’s most expensive player when he signed for the latter in 1998 for 21.5 million pounds.
The gifted winger achieved international successes with his home country, winning the 1997 Copa America, 1997 Confederations Cup, and 2002 World Cup, as well as finishing runners-up in World Cup 1998. He gained 61 caps for Brazil in total and scored 8 goals.
Denilson joined Vietnamese side Hai Phong FC for $5.5 million in early June of 2009, which made him the V.League 1’s highest-paid player in its history. He made his debut on June 21 against Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC, scoring a free kick just two minutes into the game. However, Denilson left after only three weeks with the team, with only that single appearance to his credit due to injury.