Real Madrid’s Top 16 Salaries for 2025/26 – A Deep Look into the Economics of Los Blancos
Real Madrid has long stood as the apex of both sporting achievement and financial might in football. Beyond the Champions League trophies and historic nights at the Santiago Bernabéu, the club is defined by its ability to attract, retain, and pay some of the very best players in the world.
Salary structures at Madrid not only reflect the star power of the individuals on the pitch but also the intricate planning of the club’s board, which secures its assets with long contracts, staggering release clauses, and massive bonus packages. In this article, we count down the top 16 highest-paid players at Real Madrid in the 2025/26 season, moving from number 16 up to the undisputed top earner, Kylian Mbappé.
Each profile includes salary figures, contract details, years remaining, and the context that explains why the player is where he is.
16. Álvaro Carreras – €8.96 million per year
Álvaro Carreras earns €8.96 million annually, which breaks down to €172,308 per week, placing him 16th on Real Madrid’s payroll. He signed his current deal on July 14, 2025, and it runs until June 30, 2031, giving him a full six years remaining. At just 23 years old, Carreras is still considered a developing talent, but the fact that Madrid handed him such a long-term contract shows enormous faith in his trajectory. His release clause is set at €350 million, a clear deterrent to rival clubs.
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Carreras is not yet a household name in the Madrid XI, but his pay reflects a blend of current utility and projected future importance. With six years secured, Madrid can nurture him without the immediate fear of losing him cheaply, and he has time to adapt to the pressure of representing one of the world’s most demanding clubs. The weekly wage of €172,000 may seem extravagant for a rotational player, but in Madrid’s ecosystem, it signals that he is valued as more than just squad filler. Supporters view Carreras as a modern full-back with stamina and aggression, capable of developing into a consistent option. His salary places him at the entry point of Madrid’s elite, but the long-term contract hints at a player expected to climb the ladder.
15. Dani Carvajal – €10.42 million per year
Dani Carvajal earns €10.42 million annually, which equates to €200,385 per week. He signed his most recent deal on October 6, 2024, and it is set to expire on June 30, 2026, leaving just one year remaining. At 33 years old, Carvajal is one of the elder statesmen of the squad, and while his €350 million release clause remains astronomical, it is more symbolic at this point in his career.
Carvajal has been a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s success for over a decade, delivering consistency at right-back through countless Champions League campaigns. His current contract and salary are less about future resale value and more about honoring his long-standing contribution to the club. Fans see him as a symbol of loyalty and resilience, often battling injuries but always returning to play critical roles in big matches. His weekly earnings of €200,000 keep him among Madrid’s top earners, a reflection of both his seniority and the respect he commands inside the dressing room. The one-year remainder on his contract, however, raises questions: will Madrid extend him as a veteran leader, or is this the beginning of a graceful exit from the Bernabéu stage?
14. Dani Ceballos – €10.42 million per year
Dani Ceballos also takes home €10.42 million per year, matching Carvajal’s weekly wage of €200,385. His contract, signed on June 23, 2023, runs until June 30, 2027, leaving him with two years remaining. At 29 years old, Ceballos occupies the role of a versatile midfielder who provides depth across different competitions. His release clause is set at €500 million, an amount that essentially ties him to Madrid unless an extraordinary offer arrives.
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Ceballos has never fully established himself as a guaranteed starter in Madrid’s talent-stacked midfield, but his wages indicate the club still sees significant value in him. He is often used to rotate with the likes of Bellingham, Valverde, or Camavinga, ensuring that Madrid maintains intensity across competitions. Fans often debate whether his salary is justified given his limited minutes, but the club considers him a reliable squad option whose technical skills align with Madrid’s playing style. The €200,000 weekly figure highlights how even role players at Madrid are compensated at levels most European clubs could not dream of.
13. Ferland Mendy – €10.42 million per year
Ferland Mendy earns €10.42 million annually, again equal to €200,385 per week. He signed his contract on July 23, 2019, and it is due to expire on June 30, 2027, leaving two years remaining. Now 30 years old, Mendy is firmly in his prime years, but with his €500 million release clause, Madrid has ensured they retain control of his future.
Mendy’s tenure at Madrid has been marked by both defensive solidity and periods of injury frustration. When fit, he is considered one of the strongest defensive left-backs in Europe, but the club has had to carefully manage his workload. His salary reflects this duality: high enough to place him among Madrid’s upper echelon, but not quite at the superstar level. Fans appreciate his contribution in key matches, particularly against elite opposition where his one-on-one defending shines. With two years left on his deal, the coming seasons will determine whether Madrid doubles down with a new extension or seeks to refresh the position.
12. Eduardo Camavinga – €12.50 million per year
Eduardo Camavinga earns €12.50 million annually, or €240,385 per week. He signed his deal on November 7, 2023, which extends until June 30, 2029, giving him four years remaining. At just 22 years old, Camavinga has already established himself as a central figure in Madrid’s midfield rotation. His release clause stands at €1 billion, which reflects Madrid’s total unwillingness to part with him.
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Camavinga represents the prototype of the modern midfielder: technically skilled, physically dominant, and tactically flexible. His salary places him firmly among the team’s future leaders. Fans view him as a blend of youthful energy and calm maturity, qualities that make him indispensable whether he plays as a defensive anchor, a box-to-box engine, or even in emergency situations as a full-back. The €240,000 weekly figure shows Madrid’s commitment to rewarding both current contribution and massive potential. With four years left, the club has locked him down as one of the cornerstones of its next generation.
11. Aurélien Tchouaméni – €12.50 million per year
Aurélien Tchouaméni also earns €12.50 million annually, matching Camavinga’s €240,385 weekly wage. He signed his contract on July 23, 2022, and it runs until June 30, 2028, giving him three years remaining. At 25 years old, Tchouaméni is entering the prime of his career, and Madrid views him as a vital piece in both present and future plans. Like Camavinga, his release clause is set at €1 billion, confirming that Madrid does not intend to let him go.
Tchouaméni has gradually cemented his role as Madrid’s midfield anchor, capable of shielding the defense while distributing with precision. His €240,000 weekly salary underscores his status as a near-undroppable when fit. Fans admire his composure under pressure and his ability to control the rhythm of matches, reminiscent of Madrid legends in the pivot role. With three years left, the Frenchman’s salary reflects both his essential status and the expectation that he will remain a pillar through the remainder of the decade.
10. Éder Militão – €14.58 million per year
Éder Militão earns €14.58 million per year, which translates to €280,385 per week. His contract, signed on January 23, 2024, runs until June 30, 2029, leaving three years remaining. At 27 years old, Militão is in the heart of his career, with a release clause of €1 billion.
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Militão has evolved into one of the most reliable central defenders in the world, blending pace, strength, and aerial ability. His salary of nearly €300,000 weekly places him in the upper tier of Madrid’s earners, highlighting his importance. Fans see him as the natural successor to the legendary defenders who have worn white before him. His three years left provide a sense of security, and Madrid’s faith in him is evident not just in the pay package but in his positioning as the anchor of the backline.
9. Antonio Rüdiger – €14.58 million per year
Antonio Rüdiger also collects €14.58 million annually, equal to €280,385 per week. He signed his contract on July 1, 2022, and it expires on June 30, 2026, leaving just one year remaining. At 32 years old, Rüdiger is one of the experienced leaders of the squad, with a €400 million release clause.
Rüdiger’s salary reflects both his current status and his role as a veteran presence. His defensive aggression, leadership, and adaptability have made him a fan favorite. However, with only a year left on his deal, Madrid faces a decision: extend his stay or transition to a younger option. His €280,000 weekly wage recognizes his world-class credentials, but it also comes at a time when contract talks will define the next chapter.
8. Thibaut Courtois – €15 million per year
Thibaut Courtois earns €15 million per year, or €288,462 per week. He signed on August 16, 2021, and his deal expires on June 30, 2026, leaving one year. At 33, Courtois remains one of the top goalkeepers in the world, though injuries have clouded recent seasons. His release clause is €700 million, a statement of Madrid’s valuation.
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Courtois’ salary is recognition of his critical saves in decisive moments, especially in Champions League triumphs. Fans regard him as irreplaceable when fit, and his pay packet reflects his status as arguably the best goalkeeper in the world at his peak. With only a year left, Madrid must decide whether to extend him or consider the difficult task of succession planning.
7. Trent Alexander-Arnold – €16.67 million per year
Trent Alexander-Arnold earns €16.67 million annually, which works out to €320,577 per week. He signed his contract on June 1, 2025, and it extends until June 30, 2031, leaving six years remaining. At 26 years old, he is in the prime of his career, with a €1 billion release clause to lock him down.
Alexander-Arnold’s salary reflects Madrid’s bold move to secure one of the world’s best attacking right-backs. His €320,000 weekly wage recognizes both his creative influence and defensive responsibilities. Fans see him as a transformative signing, one that modernizes Madrid’s right flank. With six years left, the club has invested heavily, ensuring he is central to their long-term vision.
6. Federico Valverde – €16.67 million per year
Federico Valverde earns €16.67 million annually, matching Alexander-Arnold’s €320,577 per week. He signed on November 9, 2023, and his contract runs until June 30, 2029, giving him four years remaining. At 27 years old, Valverde is considered one of the most complete midfielders in the game, with a €1 billion release clause.
Valverde’s relentless energy and versatility make him indispensable. His €320,000 weekly salary is a reflection of his dual role as both a defensive workhorse and an attacking contributor. Fans regard him as the embodiment of Madrid’s modern midfield: tireless, technically sound, and fearless. His long-term deal shows that Madrid sees him as untouchable.
5. Rodrygo – €16.67 million per year
Rodrygo also earns €16.67 million annually, with the same €320,577 weekly wage. He signed his contract on November 2, 2023, which runs until June 30, 2028, leaving three years remaining. At 24 years old, Rodrygo is entering his prime, with a €1 billion release clause.
Rodrygo’s pay reflects his role as a decisive forward in both La Liga and Champions League matches. His ability to score crucial goals and adapt across the front line makes him one of Madrid’s most valuable assets. Fans cherish his knack for stepping up in big moments, and his €320,000 weekly wage ensures he is compensated as such.
4. Jude Bellingham – €20.83 million per year
Jude Bellingham earns €20.83 million annually, equivalent to €400,577 per week. He signed his contract on July 1, 2023, and it runs until June 30, 2029, leaving four years remaining. At just 22 years old, Bellingham is already considered one of the best midfielders in the world. His release clause is €1 billion, underscoring Madrid’s desire to keep him long-term.
Bellingham’s salary matches his meteoric rise. His impact in Madrid has been immediate, blending leadership, goals, and maturity beyond his years. Fans see him as a generational player, and his €400,000 weekly wage confirms his elite status. With four years left, Madrid has him secured as the heartbeat of the team.
3. Vinícius Júnior – €20.83 million per year
Vinícius Júnior also takes home €20.83 million per year, which equals €400,577 weekly. He signed his current deal on October 31, 2023, and it extends until June 30, 2027, leaving two years remaining. At 25 years old, Vinícius is Madrid’s attacking spearhead, with a €1 billion release clause.
Vinícius’ salary reflects his role as one of the most dangerous wingers in world football. His explosive pace, dribbling, and finishing make him indispensable. Fans view him as a symbol of Madrid’s present and future. His €400,000 weekly wage ensures he is compensated like the global superstar he has become.
2. David Alaba – €22.50 million per year
David Alaba earns €22.50 million per year, translating to €432,692 weekly. He signed on July 1, 2021, and his contract runs until June 30, 2026, leaving one year remaining. At 33 years old, Alaba remains versatile across defense and midfield. His release clause is €850 million, reflecting his value.
Alaba’s salary is a recognition of his adaptability and leadership. Whether as a center-back, left-back, or midfielder, he delivers consistency. Fans see him as a calming presence in big games, and his €432,000 weekly wage is fitting for his status. With one year left, Madrid must decide whether to renew or transition.
1. Kylian Mbappé – €31.25 million per year
Kylian Mbappé tops the list with €31.25 million annually, or a staggering €600,962 per week. He signed his contract on July 1, 2024, and it runs until June 30, 2029, leaving four years remaining. At 26 years old, Mbappé is in his prime, and his release clause of €850 million demonstrates Madrid’s resolve to hold onto him.
Mbappé’s salary is the highest in the squad, reflecting his global superstar status. His €600,000 weekly wage makes him one of the best-paid players in world football, and fans see him as the man to lead Madrid into a new era of dominance. His combination of speed, finishing, and charisma embodies the Galáctico tradition. With four years left, Real Madrid has secured its crown jewel.
