List of the Highest-Paid XI in Europe Right Now
Football salaries in Europe have reached record-breaking heights, with clubs offering astronomical wages to secure the world’s finest talents. From seasoned legends to rising stars, the best-paid players are earning staggering weekly sums. Here is the full highest-paid XI, broken down by position and player.
Goalkeeper – Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, £348,188 per week)
Manuel Neuer remains the best-paid goalkeeper in Europe, taking home £348,188 every week at Bayern Munich. Despite nearing the end of his career, he continues to be rewarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, with a contract that runs until 2026.
Left-Back – Lucas Hernandez (PSG, £218,861 per week)
Lucas Hernandez earns £218,861 weekly at Paris Saint-Germain, making him one of the most well-paid defenders in the French league. Although his role has been reduced in recent seasons, his salary reflects the investment PSG made in his prime.
Centre-Back – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, £350,000 per week)
Virgil van Dijk collects £350,000 per week after signing a new deal with Liverpool that keeps him at Anfield until 2027. Still among the best defenders in the world, his leadership and presence remain crucial to the Reds’ backline.
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Centre-Back – David Alaba (Real Madrid, £373,058 per week)
David Alaba is Europe’s highest-paid defender with a salary of £373,058 every week at Real Madrid. His versatility and experience make him a vital part of Los Blancos, justifying his place at the top of the defensive wage bill.
Right-Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid, £276,395 per week)
Trent Alexander-Arnold earns £276,395 weekly after making the move from Liverpool to Real Madrid. His attacking flair and world-class passing ability have made him one of the highest-paid full-backs in football.
Left Midfield – Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid, £345,369 per week)
Vinicius Junior is on £345,369 per week at Real Madrid, a salary that matches his growing importance to the club. At just 24, he has already become one of football’s brightest attacking stars and remains a key figure in Madrid’s future plans.
Centre Midfield – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, £345,369 per week)
Jude Bellingham also earns £345,369 weekly at Real Madrid, underlining his rapid rise to the top. At only 22, he is already one of the most influential midfielders in Europe and a leader for both club and country.
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Centre Midfield – Casemiro (Manchester United, £350,000 per week)
Casemiro’s £350,000 weekly wage at Manchester United nearly doubled what he earned at Real Madrid. However, his performances have declined, and questions linger about his future as his contract approaches its end in 2026.
Right Midfield – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, £400,000 per week)
Mohamed Salah earns £400,000 every week at Liverpool after signing a new contract in 2025. His astonishing consistency, including 47 goal contributions in one league season, has ensured his status as one of the highest-paid players in England.
Striker – Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, £518,137 per week)
Kylian Mbappe takes home £518,137 weekly following his move from PSG to Real Madrid in 2024. Widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, his salary cements his role as the Spanish club’s marquee star.
Striker – Erling Haaland (Manchester City, £525,000 per week)
Erling Haaland is Europe’s top earner with a weekly wage of £525,000 at Manchester City, which could rise to an astonishing £875,000 with bonuses. His unrivalled goalscoring record makes him the most valuable player in the modern game, with a long-term deal keeping him in Manchester until 2034.
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