Football

The 14 Highest-Paid Players in the Championship 2025/26

The Championship is often labeled the most competitive second-tier league in the world, and the salaries of its top stars reflect just how high the stakes are. Here’s a rundown of the 14 best-paid players in the division, starting from no. 14 and moving up to the very top.

14. Moussa Sissoko – £45,000 per week / £2,340,000 per year

Moussa Sissoko
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

The French veteran remains one of the most experienced midfielders in the Championship. Even late in his career, he brings strength, leadership, and valuable know-how to his team.

13. John Lundstram – £45,500 per week / £2,366,000 per year

John Lundstram
By Catherine Kõrtsmik from Tallinn, Estonia - U-19 England vs Greece.Uploaded by TabloidFootprints, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24838149

Lundstram’s versatility makes him a reliable option across midfield. His steady presence and work rate ensure that he remains a key figure at this level.

12. Hamza Choudhury – £50,000 per week / £2,600,000 per year

Hamza Choudhury
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Choudhury is known for his energy and aggressive ball-winning skills. His commitment in midfield provides balance and defensive cover for his side.

Read also: The 15 Best Young Managers in World Football Right Now

11. Oliver Skipp – £50,000 per week / £2,600,000 per year

Oliver Skipp
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Still relatively young, Skipp combines tactical awareness with composure on the ball. He is viewed as one of the Championship’s most promising midfielders.

10. Wout Faes – £50,000 per week / £2,600,000 per year

Wout Faes
Antonio Balasco / Shutterstock.com

The Belgian center-back brings international pedigree and physical presence. His defensive solidity is an asset in a physically demanding league.

9. Adam Armstrong – £60,000 per week / £3,120,000 per year

Adam Armstrong
https://www.premierleague.com/players/9199/Adam-Armstrong/overview

Armstrong is a proven goalscorer who remains a constant threat in attack. His ability to find the net makes him indispensable to his team’s promotion hopes.

8. Jannik Vestergaard – £60,000 per week / £3,120,000 per year

Jannik Vestergaard
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Vestergaard uses his height and strength to dominate in aerial duels. The Danish defender’s experience at the top level makes him a cornerstone in defense.

Read also: The Lowest-Paid Player at Every Premier League Club – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

7. Matt Targett – £60,000 per week / £3,120,000 per year

Matt Targett
MDI / Shutterstock.com

Targett offers consistency and reliability from left-back. With Premier League experience, he adds both defensive stability and attacking support.

6. Joe Aribo – £70,000 per week / £3,640,000 per year

Joe Aribo
Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com

Aribo combines creativity with the ability to drive forward from midfield. His flair and versatility make him one of the league’s most entertaining players.

5. Patson Daka – £75,000 per week / £3,900,000 per year

Patson Daka
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Daka is a striker with pace and sharp finishing ability. His presence up front ensures constant danger for opposing defenses.

4. Ben Godfrey – £75,000 per week / £3,900,000 per year

Ben Godfrey
Photo: Itfc.co.uk

Godfrey is a versatile defender who can play across the back line. His athleticism and strength make him a valuable asset in both defensive and transitional phases.

Read also: The 23 Greatest Bayern Munich Players of All Time – Ranked

3. Boubakary Soumaré – £80,000 per week / £4,160,000 per year

Boubakary Soumaré
Pedro Semitiel, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Soumaré combines power with technical ability in midfield. He dominates physically while also contributing to the team’s build-up play.

2. Ricardo Pereira – £80,000 per week / £4,160,000 per year

ricardo pereira
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

The Portuguese full-back is equally strong in defense and attack. His experience at the highest level brings quality and leadership to the Championship.

1. Harry Winks – £90,000 per week / £4,680,000 per year

Harry Winks
Photo: Wikicommons.com

Winks tops the list as the highest-paid player in the Championship. The England international offers composure, leadership, and vision in midfield, reflecting his Premier League pedigree.

Read also: Tottenham’s 13 Highest-Paid Players in 2025 - Ranked

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Rasmus Kristensen

Rasmus Kristensen is a passionate content creator for Lente Desportiva, covering football, Formula 1, and rugby. Although still new to the media world, he’s already making waves with his sharp insights and engaging storytelling. With a fresh voice and fearless approach, Rasmus is quickly becoming one to watch in the world of sports journalism.