MLS 2025: The 10 Highest-Paid Players
Major League Soccer has revealed its first official salary figures of the 2025 season, and as expected, Lionel Messi still sits on the throne. With newcomers like Miguel Almirón returning from the Premier League and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano joining San Diego FC’s debut campaign, the league’s payroll hierarchy is shifting fast. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 earners this year.
10. Jonathan Bamba – Chicago Fire ($5.58M)
A winter signing for Chicago, Bamba enters the top 10 right away. His pace and creativity have made him one of the most exciting attackers in MLS, and his salary reflects his importance to Fire’s plans.
9. Riqui Puig – LA Galaxy ($5.78M)
The former Barcelona prodigy continues to shine as LA Galaxy’s midfield engine. His technical skills and vision have made him a fan favorite, and his paycheck is among the league’s elite.
8. Jordi Alba – Inter Miami ($6M)
Part of Inter Miami’s Spanish connection, Alba remains one of the most dependable left-backs in world football. At 36, his $6 million salary underscores both his pedigree and his influence alongside Messi and Busquets.
Read also: Top 10 Greatest FIFA World Cups of All Time
7. Emil Forsberg – New York Red Bulls ($6.04M)
The Swedish international brought European class to the Red Bulls and instantly became their creative heartbeat. His salary puts him firmly in MLS’s top bracket of earners.
6. Federico Bernardeschi – Toronto FC ($6.3M)
Bernardeschi remains a cornerstone at Toronto, continuing to deliver flair and goals. Paired with Lorenzo Insigne, his presence gives TFC one of the highest-paid duos in the league.
5. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano – San Diego FC ($7.63M)
San Diego’s marquee signing for their inaugural season, Lozano arrives with star power and expectations. His $7.6 million salary reflects the club’s ambition to make an immediate impact in MLS.
4. Miguel Almirón – Atlanta United ($7.87M)
After his Premier League run with Newcastle, Almirón is back where he made his name. At nearly $8 million, Atlanta is betting on him to bring both excitement and trophies back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Read also: Top 10 NBA Centers Right Now (2025 Edition) — Ranked in Reverse Order
3. Sergio Busquets – Inter Miami ($8.77M)
The Barcelona legend may be in the twilight of his career, but his influence is priceless. Earning just under $9 million, Busquets remains the midfield general that makes Messi and Alba thrive.
2. Lorenzo Insigne – Toronto FC ($15.4M)
Insigne holds firmly to the second spot, bringing Italian flair and finishing power to Toronto. His salary makes him one of the highest-paid players in North American sports.
1. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami ($20.45M)
No surprises here. Messi continues to dominate MLS’s payroll with over $20 million in total compensation. His presence has transformed Inter Miami and the league at large, both on and off the pitch.
Read also: Every FIFA World Cup Top Scorer, From 1930 to 2022
Read also: Barcelona’s Wage Ladder: Every Player’s Weekly Salary Ranked
