Champions League 2025/26: The 15 Clubs with the Highest Payrolls
The Champions League is not just a competition of skill and strategy — it’s also a clash of financial giants. Europe’s elite clubs spend hundreds of millions each year to assemble the most talented squads in world football. From Napoli’s disciplined structure to Real Madrid’s galactic payroll, the gap between the top and the rest has never been clearer.
Here’s a breakdown of the 15 clubs with the biggest annual payrolls in the 2025/26 Champions League, starting from number 15 and counting down to the club that spends more on wages than anyone else in Europe.
15. Napoli – £95 million per year
The reigning Italian champions round off the top 15 with an annual payroll of about £95 million. Napoli’s wage structure is balanced, rewarding key players while maintaining financial discipline. The club has managed to stay competitive in both Serie A and Europe without overspending.
14. Borussia Dortmund – £106 million per year
Dortmund’s commitment to developing young stars is matched by solid wages for its experienced leaders. With an annual payroll of around £106 million, the German club maintains a strong but sustainable financial approach compared to domestic rivals.
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13. Juventus – £108 million per year
Despite financial struggles in recent years, Juventus still operate one of Serie A’s highest wage bills, totaling roughly £108 million per year. The club continues to rely on experienced professionals while integrating younger talents to balance costs and performance.
12. Newcastle United – £116 million per year
Newcastle have quickly climbed the financial ladder since their ownership change. Their £116 million annual payroll reflects a growing ambition to challenge Europe’s elite, combining high-profile signings with a core of established Premier League talent.
11. Inter – £117 million per year
Inter remain one of Italy’s financial heavyweights with an annual payroll of about £117 million. The Nerazzurri have carefully retained their top performers while keeping spending under control, ensuring stability in a competitive domestic environment.
10. Tottenham Hotspur – £132 million per year
Tottenham’s payroll stands at approximately £132 million, reflecting the club’s steady push for consistency under new management. Their wage bill highlights a strong investment in key players who form the backbone of a squad aiming for long-term European relevance.
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9. Atlético Madrid – £135 million per year
With a yearly payroll near £135 million, Atlético Madrid continue to be one of the most stable clubs financially. Diego Simeone’s side has maintained its competitive edge through smart renewals and targeted signings that support the club’s high-intensity style.
8. Paris Saint-Germain – £136 million per year
Even after star departures, PSG’s payroll remains among Europe’s highest at roughly £136 million per year. The French champions have shifted toward a younger, more balanced squad but still rely on several elite earners to lead their European ambitions.
7. Chelsea – £164 million per year
Chelsea’s wage bill of £164 million reflects a period of transition under new ownership. While trimming their squad size, the Blues continue to pay premium salaries to core players as they rebuild a team capable of competing in both domestic and European competitions.
6. Liverpool – £172 million per year
Liverpool’s annual payroll is around £172 million, cementing their place among England’s elite. Despite roster adjustments, the club continues to invest heavily in proven performers, maintaining a world-class wage structure aligned with long-term stability.
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5. Arsenal – £184 million per year
Arsenal’s revival under Mikel Arteta has come with a growing payroll, now around £184 million per year. The club’s willingness to secure key players with lucrative deals demonstrates its ambition to return to the very top of European football.
4. Barcelona – £191 million per year
Barcelona’s payroll stands close to £191 million, still one of Europe’s largest despite efforts to reduce spending. The club remains financially stretched, yet continues to pay high wages to retain its global stars and maintain La Liga competitiveness.
3. Manchester City – £221 million per year
Manchester City’s payroll reaches an estimated £221 million, underlining their deep financial resources. Pep Guardiola’s side is filled with world-class talent across all positions, ensuring that City stay among the best-equipped teams in world football.
2. Bayern Munich – £221 million per year
Bayern Munich match City’s figures with an annual payroll also near £221 million. Their consistency in investing in top talent keeps them dominant domestically and consistently among Europe’s strongest sides.
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1. Real Madrid – £253 million per year
At the top of the list stands Real Madrid with a staggering £253 million annual payroll. The Spanish giants boast some of the most expensive contracts in world football, combining experience and emerging stars in a roster built to conquer Europe once again.
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