Wages in British Football (1992–2025): From £2,250 to £500,000 Per Week

September 9, 2025 Oliver Obel

The financial transformation of British football since the Premier League era began in 1992 is nothing short of remarkable. In just over three decades, weekly player wages have soared from modest figures to astronomical sums that reflect the sport's global appeal, booming revenues, and broadcasting deals.

1992/93 – John Barnes (£10,000/week)

In the Premier League's inaugural season, the average weekly wage stood at just £2,250. John Barnes of Liverpool was the highest-paid player, earning £10,000 per week — an eye-catching figure at the time.

1993/94 – John Barnes (£10,000/week)

Wages crept up slightly to £2,500 per week on average. John Barnes remained the top earner, still commanding his £10,000 weekly salary.

1994/95 – Eric Cantona (£18,000/week)

Eric Cantona became the highest-paid player in the league with £18,000 per week. Average wages rose to £2,750, reflecting football's growing financial pull.

1995/96 – Dennis Bergkamp (£25,000/week)

With Dennis Bergkamp arriving at Arsenal, the top wage jumped to £25,000 per week. Average salaries increased to £3,400, as big-name signings became more common.

1996/97 – Fabrizio Ravanelli (£42,000/week)

Fabrizio Ravanelli stunned the league with a £42,000 weekly wage. Meanwhile, the average player salary was still a modest £3,800 per week.

1997/98 – Alan Shearer (£34,000/week)

Alan Shearer earned £34,000 per week, leading the earnings chart. The average wage grew to £5,000, showing a gradual upward trend.

1998/99 – Alan Shearer (£34,000/week)

Average wages rose to £7,000, while Shearer maintained his £34,000 deal. Players were starting to earn in line with the sport’s growing exposure.

1999/00 – Roy Keane (£52,000/week)

Roy Keane’s £52,000 per week made him the highest-paid player that season. Average salaries climbed to £9,000, marking a big jump in earnings.

2000/01 – Roy Keane (£52,000/week)

Average pay reached £12,000 per week. Roy Keane stayed at the top of the wage list, still earning £52,000 weekly.

2001/02 – Roy Keane (£90,000/week)

Roy Keane’s wage skyrocketed to £90,000 per week. Average player salaries increased to £12,900 — a reflection of top clubs investing more in key players.

2002/03 – Roy Keane (£90,000/week)

While the average hit £15,500 per week, Keane remained the best-paid player with his unchanged £90,000 salary.

2003/04 – Hernan Crespo (£94,000/week)

Hernan Crespo took over as the highest-paid footballer with £94,000 per week. The average wage rose to £18,000, as Premier League finances expanded.

2004/05 – Frank Lampard (£98,000/week)

Frank Lampard earned £98,000 weekly, setting a new benchmark. The average climbed slightly to £18,400, reflecting Chelsea’s financial muscle under Roman Abramovich.

2005/06 – Steven Gerrard (£100,000/week)

Steven Gerrard broke the £100,000 barrier, becoming the highest-paid British player. The average wage saw a modest increase to £18,500.

2006/07 – Andriy Shevchenko (£110,000/week)

Andriy Shevchenko commanded £110,000 per week after his high-profile move to Chelsea. Interestingly, the average salary jumped significantly to £29,000.

2007/08 – John Terry (£135,000/week)

John Terry became the top earner with £135,000 per week. The average wage dropped slightly to £18,000, likely skewed by outlier contracts.

2008/09 – Robinho (£150,000/week)

Manchester City’s Robinho earned £150,000 per week following his record-breaking transfer. The league average was now £22,000 per week.

2009/10 – Carlos Tevez (£220,000/week)

Carlos Tévez — Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Carlos Tevez reached £220,000 per week, ushering in a new financial era for City. The average salary climbed to £27,000, showing the shift in football's wage ceiling.

2010/11 – Carlos Tevez (£220,000/week)

Tevez continued to dominate the wage charts with no change to his £220,000 salary. Average earnings across the league grew to £30,000.

2011/12 – Carlos Tevez (£220,000/week)

Still unmatched at the top, Tevez remained on £220,000 per week. League average wages increased to £32,000.

2012/13 – Carlos Tevez (£220,000/week)

For the fourth year running, Carlos Tevez was the highest-paid player. The average salary rose again, now at £33,000 per week.

2013/14 – Wayne Rooney (£300,000/week)

Wayne Rooney signed a record-breaking deal worth £300,000 weekly. The average wage followed suit, rising to £35,000.

2014/15 – Wayne Rooney (£300,000/week)

Rooney retained his top-earner status, continuing to earn £300,000 per week. Average wages moved up to £38,000.

2015/16 – Wayne Rooney (£300,000/week)

For the third consecutive year, Rooney held the highest wage. League average pay climbed to £40,000.

2016/17 – Wayne Rooney (£300,000/week)

Rooney stayed top at £300,000 per week as average salaries reached £43,000. His consistency highlighted the era's financial stability at the top.

2017/18 – Alexis Sanchez (£350,000/week)

Alexis Sanchez’s blockbuster move to Manchester United earned him £350,000 per week. The average wage across the league grew to £45,000.

2018/19 – Alexis Sanchez (£350,000/week)

Sanchez remained the top earner despite declining form, still taking in £350,000 weekly. Average wages rose to £47,000.

2019/20 – David De Gea (£375,000/week)

David De Gea became the highest-paid goalkeeper in league history with £375,000 per week. The average increased to £51,000.

2020/21 – Gareth Bale (£380,000/week)

Gareth Bale’s return to Tottenham came with a hefty £380,000 weekly wage. The league average moved to £52,000.

2021/22 – Cristiano Ronaldo (£420,000/week)

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United with a £420,000 contract. League-wide averages reached £53,000 per week.

2022/23 – Kevin De Bruyne (£400,000/week)

Kevin De Bruyne became the top earner with £400,000 a week. The average player salary climbed to £55,000.

2023/24 – Kevin De Bruyne (£400,000/week)

De Bruyne maintained his position as the Premier League’s top earner. Meanwhile, the average wage rose to £56,000.

2024/25 – Erling Haaland (£500,000/week)

Erling Haaland broke all records by reaching £500,000 per week. The average salary continued its steady climb to £57,000.

2025/26 – Erling Haaland (£500,000/week)

Haaland retained his status as the league’s highest-paid player at half a million per week. The average weekly wage reached a historic high of £60,000.