The 18 Biggest Payrolls in Ligue 1 – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
The financial landscape of French football remains as polarized as ever. While PSG dominate the payroll rankings with a star-studded squad worth more than most clubs combined, others in Ligue 1 rely on careful budgeting, youth academies, and smart recruitment to survive. Here’s a full look — from the modest spending of Paris FC to the astronomical wages of PSG.
18. Paris FC – £128,001 per week / £6,656,027 per year
Paris FC may be the smallest fish in Ligue 1’s financial pond, but their rise to the top flight is impressive. The club operates with a modest budget, relying heavily on young talent and smart scouting rather than superstar salaries.
17. Nantes – £216,706 per week / £11,268,686 per year
Nantes have long been known for their academy and disciplined wage structure. Despite financial limitations, the Canaries consistently punch above their weight through tactical organization and homegrown players.
16. Le Havre – £296,291 per week / £15,407,146 per year
Le Havre’s payroll reflects a club balancing stability and ambition. Their focus remains on developing young prospects while maintaining Ligue 1 status through careful spending.
Read also: The Top 20 Ballon d’Or 2026 Power Rankings - Complete List
15. Angers – £298,115 per week / £15,501,984 per year
Angers continue to operate as one of the league’s most financially prudent teams. Their strategy emphasizes sustainability and scouting talent from lower divisions or abroad at affordable costs.
14. Auxerre – £321,991 per week / £16,743,524 per year
Auxerre’s return to the top flight has been built on steady management and controlled wages. They prefer to reinvest earnings in infrastructure rather than chase big-name transfers.
13. Metz – £355,317 per week / £18,476,503 per year
Metz maintain a balanced payroll, combining experienced Ligue 1 players with promising youth. The club’s long-term stability stems from its strong scouting network and well-managed wage policy.
12. Toulouse – £358,136 per week / £18,623,078 per year
Toulouse have crafted a squad that delivers strong performances without extravagant spending. Their data-driven recruitment model keeps the wage bill reasonable while remaining competitive.
Read also: How Cristiano Ronaldo became football’s first billionaire
11. Rennes – £375,711 per week / £19,536,985 per year
Rennes are known for balancing talent development with smart financial planning. Their investment in youth has produced several stars who strengthen the squad without bloating salaries.
10. Nice – £380,188 per week / £19,769,774 per year
Nice’s wage structure reflects their ambition to challenge for European football. The club combines high-potential young players with a few experienced leaders on respectable salaries.
9. Lorient – £393,452 per week / £20,459,518 per year
Lorient’s financial approach is built around efficiency and tactical discipline. Despite a smaller payroll, they remain a difficult opponent for bigger clubs thanks to team unity and smart coaching.
8. Brest – £457,618 per week / £23,796,151 per year
Brest have steadily grown into a strong mid-table side. Their payroll mirrors a club that rewards performance and continuity rather than excessive spending.
Read also: Ranking the 20 Greatest Premier League Centre-Backs of All Time
7. Strasbourg – £549,971 per week / £28,598,491 per year
Strasbourg’s wage bill reflects their growing ambitions under new ownership. The club has been investing in key areas while keeping a balanced approach to salaries.
6. Lens – £643,982 per week / £33,487,049 per year
Lens continue to impress both on and off the pitch with efficient management and solid financial discipline. Their payroll shows a healthy balance between ambition and sustainability.
5. Monaco – £747,609 per week / £38,875,668 per year
Monaco’s strategy of developing and selling top talent keeps them financially powerful. Their payroll supports a squad filled with both elite prospects and seasoned professionals.
4. Lille – £792,376 per week / £41,203,552 per year
Lille remain one of Ligue 1’s most successful clubs in combining results and smart spending. Their well-managed payroll sustains a competitive roster capable of challenging for European spots.
Read also: Inside Barcelona’s Payroll: Ranking Every Player by Annual Salary (2025)
3. Lyon – £857,703 per week / £44,600,540 per year
Lyon’s wage bill highlights their long-standing ambition to stay among France’s elite. Despite occasional fluctuations in form, the club continues to invest heavily in experienced talent and academy graduates alike.
2. Marseille – £1,582,099 per week / £82,269,158 per year
Marseille’s massive payroll underlines their push to consistently compete for the top spots in Ligue 1. With a passionate fanbase and European aspirations, they back their ambitions with big financial commitments.
1. PSG – £2,898,083 per week / £150,700,336 per year
PSG stand in a league of their own when it comes to wages. Their payroll dwarfs the rest of Ligue 1, reflecting a star-studded squad built to dominate domestically and chase Champions League glory.
Read also: The World’s Most Valuable Football Trophies - Ranked
