Top 50 Highest-Paid German Footballers in 2025 – Ranked

October 16, 2025 Oliver Obel

Germany’s top footballers are not only known for their skill and leadership on the pitch — they also command some of the highest salaries in European football. From experienced veterans to emerging stars, these earnings highlight the strength of German talent at home and abroad. Here’s the full ranking, starting from the lowest-paid and working our way up to the top earners.

50. Tim Kleindienst – £56,373/week (£2,931,410/year) — Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach

Tim Kleindienst has been a consistent goalscorer and leader up front. His earnings reflect his growing importance as a reliable finisher and team player in German football.

49. Jan-Niklas Beste – £56,373/week (£2,931,410/year) — Club: SC Freiburg

Jan-Niklas Beste has shown remarkable development as a creative wide player. His combination of energy and technique has made him one of the most interesting late bloomers in the Bundesliga.

48. Oliver Baumann – £59,358/week (£3,086,602/year) — Club: TSG Hoffenheim

Oliver Baumann continues to be a steady presence between the posts. Known for his calmness and experience, he has earned his place among the most respected keepers in the league.

47. Yannick Gerhardt – £59,358/week (£3,086,602/year) — Club: VfL Wolfsburg

Yannick Gerhardt brings leadership and consistency to the midfield. His ability to balance defensive duties with intelligent forward runs makes him a key squad player.

46. Robert Andrich – £62,508/week (£3,250,416/year) — Club: Bayer Leverkusen

Robert Andrich’s combative style and strong mentality have made him a reliable figure in central midfield. His salary reflects his role as a steady and trusted presence.

45. Michael Zetterer – £62,508/week (£3,250,416/year) — Club: Werder Bremen

Michael Zetterer has quietly built a reputation as a dependable goalkeeper. His steady hands and growing influence make him a valuable member of his squad.

44. Mergim Berisha – £62,508/week (£3,250,416/year) — Club: TSG Hoffenheim

Mergim Berisha’s finishing ability and attacking instincts have helped him carve out a solid career in the Bundesliga. His earnings reflect his impact in front of goal.

43. Robin Hack – £62,508/week (£3,250,416/year) — Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach

Robin Hack is one of those players who consistently delivers energy and movement in attack. His rise in form has earned him a strong contract.

42. Ridle Baku – £62,508/week (£3,250,416/year) — Club: VfL Wolfsburg

Ridle Baku is known for his dynamism on the right flank. A modern full-back with attacking qualities, his salary reflects his influence at club level.

41. Thilo Kehrer – £61,016/week (£3,172,820/year) — Club: AS Monaco

Thilo Kehrer’s versatility in defense has made him a valuable asset both domestically and internationally. His experience and reliability are rewarded handsomely.

40. Florian Neuhaus – £65,658/week (£3,414,230/year) — Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach

Florian Neuhaus combines vision and technique to control the midfield. His salary reflects his standing as one of Germany’s most technically gifted playmakers.

39. Mario Götze – £68,809/week (£3,578,044/year) — Club: Eintracht Frankfurt

Mario Götze, a World Cup hero, still earns a solid wage for his enduring quality and intelligence on the ball. His creativity remains an asset to his club.

38. Maximilian Beier – £68,809/week (£3,578,044/year) — Club: Boruissia Dortmund

Maximilian Beier’s pace and finishing ability have made him one of the most exciting young attackers in Germany. His salary reflects his potential and current value.

37. Alexander Nübel – £68,809/week (£3,578,044/year) — Club: VfB Stuttgart

Alexander Nübel is regarded as one of Germany’s top goalkeeping talents. His earnings mirror the confidence his club has placed in him as a long-term number one.

36. Jonas Hofmann – £71,959/week (£3,741,859/year) — Club: Bayer Leverkusen

Jonas Hofmann continues to be a creative force on the wing. His intelligence, technique and set-piece quality have kept him at a high level for years.

35. Malick Thiaw – £75,000/week (£3,900,000/year) — Club: Newcastle United

Malick Thiaw has developed into a composed and athletic defender. His salary reflects his rising profile and importance at the back.

34. Angelo Stiller – £75,109/week (£3,905,673/year) — Club: VfB Stuttgart

Angelo Stiller has impressed with his control and vision from midfield. He’s part of a new wave of technically strong German midfielders.

33. Deniz Undav – £75,109/week (£3,905,673/year) — Club: VfB Stuttgart

Deniz Undav’s prolific scoring form has earned recognition across Europe. His salary is a testament to his sharpness in front of goal.

32. Nico Schlotterbeck – £78,259/week (£4,069,487/year) — Club: Borussia Dortmund

Nico Schlotterbeck is one of the Bundesliga’s most prominent defenders. Strong in duels and calm on the ball, he’s a cornerstone for club and country.

31. Maximilian Eggestein – £78,259/week (£4,069,487/year) — Club: SC Freiburg

Maximilian Eggestein’s work rate and passing quality make him a central piece in midfield. His consistency is reflected in his contract.

30. Maximilian Mittelstädt – £81,410/week (£4,233,301/year) — Club: VfB Stuttgart

Maximilian Mittelstädt has made his mark as a modern full-back with both defensive and attacking strengths. His earnings underline his growing importance.

29. Jonathan Burkardt – £81,410/week (£4,233,301/year) — Club: 1. FSV Mainz 05

Jonathan Burkardt has emerged as one of the promising young forwards in Germany. His wage reflects his role as a consistent attacking threat.

28. Karim Adeyemi – £82,902/week (£4,310,897/year) — Club: Borussia Dortmund

Karim Adeyemi brings pace, skill and unpredictability to every match. His salary reflects his status as one of the brightest young attacking talents in the country.

27. Waldemar Anton – £87,544/week (£4,552,307/year) — Club: Borussia Dortmund

Waldemar Anton has matured into a reliable leader in defense. His commanding presence is key, and his salary reflects that value.

26. Stefan Ortega Moreno – £90,000/week (£4,680,000/year) — Club: Manchester City

Stefan Ortega Moreno combines shot-stopping ability with calm distribution. His earnings reflect his reputation as a trusted keeper in a title-winning environment.

25. Maximilian Arnold – £93,845/week (£4,879,935/year) — Club: VfL Wolfsburg

Maximilian Arnold is a long-time Bundesliga stalwart known for leadership and passing range. His salary underscores his experience and influence.

24. Robin Koch – £93,845/week (£4,879,935/year) — Club: Eintracht Frankfurt

Robin Koch has proven to be a reliable central defender at club and international level. Steady performances earn him a strong paycheck.

23. Matthias Ginter – £93,845/week (£4,879,935/year) — Club: SC Freiburg

Matthias Ginter brings composure and leadership to the back line. His high salary reflects years of consistent excellence.

22. Lukas Klostermann – £93,845/week (£4,879,935/year) — Club: RB Leipzig

Lukas Klostermann’s pace and defensive solidity make him invaluable. His earnings mirror his long-standing contribution.

21. Aleksandar Pavlovic – £93,845/week (£4,879,935/year) — Club: Bayern Munich

Aleksandar Pavlovic is among the most exciting young midfielders in Germany. His salary reflects both current influence and future potential.

20. Pascal Groß – £93,845/week (£4,879,935/year) — Club: Borussia Dortmund

Pascal Gross — Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Pascal Groß is admired for intelligence and set-piece delivery. His consistency has earned him a high wage among compatriots.

19. Felix Nmecha – £99,482/week (£5,173,076/year) — Club: Borussia Dortmund

Felix Nmecha is establishing himself as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder. His salary reflects growing trust in his all-around ability.

18. Julian Brandt – £116,063/week (£6,035,256/year) — Club: Borussia Dortmund

Julian Brandt remains one of the Bundesliga’s most talented creators. His flair and vision keep him among the country’s top earners.

17. David Raum – £125,182/week (£6,509,454/year) — Club: RB Leipzig

David Raum’s attacking threat from the left has made him a key figure. His salary reflects his importance in modern systems.

16. Benjamin Henrichs – £125,182/week (£6,509,454/year) — Club: RB Leipzig

Benjamin Henrichs combines defensive reliability with attacking support. His well-rounded skill set keeps him in the upper salary bracket.

15. Bernd Leno – £130,000/week (£6,760,000/year) — Club: Fulham

Bernd Leno remains one of Germany’s top goalkeepers abroad. His experience and consistency justify his high earnings.

14. Nick Woltemade – £132,500/week (£6,890,000/year) — Club: Newcastle United

Nick Woltemade is a rising attacking talent with an exciting future. His strong contract reflects his potential and current impact.

13. Emre Can – £132,643/week (£6,897,435/year) — Club: Borussia Dortmund

Emre Can continues to be a midfield leader with experience at the highest level. His salary is fitting for a player of his stature and versatility.

12. Niklas Süle – £165,804/week (£8,621,794/year) — Club: Borussia Dortmund

Nicklas Süle — Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Niklas Süle’s imposing presence and top-flight experience make him one of Germany’s best-paid defenders. His wages reflect his status and consistency.

11. Timo Werner – £165,804/week (£8,621,794/year) — Club: RB Leipzig

Timo Werner remains a major name in German football. His pace and finishing keep him among the top earners.

10. Jonathan Tah – £198,964/week (£10,346,153/year) — Club: Bayern Munich

Jonathan Tah has emerged as one of Europe’s most dependable centre-backs. His contract underlines his role as a defensive leader.

9. Florian Wirtz – £200,000/week (£10,400,000/year) — Club: Liverpool

Florian Wirtz is one of the brightest young stars in world football. His talent, creativity and maturity earn him a top-tier salary at a young age.

8. Leon Goretzka – £215,545/week (£11,208,332/year) — Club: Bayern Munich

Leon Goretzka’s power and leadership in midfield make him a cornerstone. His salary reflects his proven quality.

7. Antonio Rüdiger – £241,742/week (£12,570,575/year) — Club: Real Madrid

Antonio Rüdiger is one of Europe’s most respected defenders. Commanding performances at the highest level are rewarded with a top salary.

6. Marc-André ter Stegen – £276,395/week (£14,372,530/year) — Club: Barcelona

Marc-André ter Stegen stands among the world’s best goalkeepers. His wages reflect his world-class status and importance.

5. Kai Havertz – £280,000/week (£14,560,000/year) — Club: Arsenal

Kai Havertz’s technical quality and big-game impact keep him in the upper echelon of German earners. He remains a key figure for club and country.

4. Jamal Musiala – £312,872/week (£16,269,325/year) — Club: Bayern Munich

Jamal Musiala is the face of Germany’s new generation. His explosive creativity and intelligence have earned him one of the biggest contracts in the country.

3. Serge Gnabry – £312,872/week (£16,269,325/year) — Club: Bayern Munich

Serge Gnabry continues to shine as one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous wingers. His salary reflects consistency and star status.

2. Joshua Kimmich – £331,607/week (£17,243,588/year) — Club: Bayern Munich

Joshua Kimmich is widely considered the heartbeat of his team. Leadership, passing range and relentless drive make him one of Germany’s best-paid footballers.

1. Manuel Neuer – £348,188/week (£18,105,767/year) — Club: Bayern Munich

Manuel Neuer remains at the top — a legend of German football. Even in the twilight of his career, the iconic goalkeeper commands the highest salary, a testament to his status and influence.