Top 26 Highest-Paid French Footballers – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
French football continues to dominate the world stage — not only in trophies but also in financial power.
From young talents breaking through to global icons who have defined a generation, France’s elite players earn staggering salaries across Europe and beyond.
Here’s a look at the 26 highest-paid French footballers in 2025, ranked from number 26 to 1.
26. Alphonse Areola – £118,305 per week / £6,151,849 per year
Areola remains one of France’s most composed goalkeepers. His consistency and leadership make him a trusted presence at both club and international level.
25. Bradley Barcola – £118,837 per week / £6,179,500 per year
Barcola is among the brightest young prospects in French football. His speed, confidence, and sharp technical ability promise a huge future ahead.
24. Benjamin Pavard – £118,837 per week / £6,179,500 per year
Pavard continues to be one of France’s most dependable defenders. His versatility and experience make him a vital player for both club and country.
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23. Marcus Thuram – £125,702 per week / £6,536,500 per year
Thuram combines power and finesse, standing out as one of the most complete modern forwards. His performances in Italy have solidified his growing reputation.
22. Lucas Digne – £133,093 per week / £6,920,830 per year
Digne remains a reliable full-back, known for his precise crosses and tactical awareness. His experience has kept him relevant among Europe’s elite defenders.
21. Randal Kolo Muani – £147,881 per week / £7,689,811 per year
Kolo Muani brings flair and unpredictability to every match. His intelligent movement and determination make him a key figure in France’s attacking depth.
20. Boubacar Kamara – £147,881 per week / £7,689,811 per year
Kamara’s ability to adapt between defense and midfield highlights his intelligence on the pitch. He’s seen as one of the most tactically mature young French players.
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19. Christopher Nkunku – £151,365 per week / £7,871,000 per year
Nkunku blends creativity with clinical finishing. His move to England has proven his ability to perform in one of the world’s toughest leagues.
18. Adrien Rabiot – £151,365 per week / £7,871,000 per year
Rabiot remains a central figure in both Juventus and the French national team. His experience and composure continue to make him an invaluable asset.
17. Dayot Upamecano – £163,462 per week / £8,500,000 per year
Upamecano is one of Europe’s most powerful defenders. His strength, pace, and ball-playing confidence set him apart as a world-class centre-back.
16. Enzo Millot – £166,731 per week / £8,670,000 per year
Millot is a rising star whose vision and passing ability are already turning heads. His maturity on the ball suggests a long and successful career ahead.
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15. Rayan Cherki – £177,457 per week / £9,227,798 per year
Cherki is one of France’s most gifted young playmakers. His flair and creativity bring excitement every time he steps on the pitch.
14. Warren Zaïre-Emery – £187,163 per week / £9,732,500 per year
Zaïre-Emery has quickly become a crucial player for PSG. His maturity, discipline, and intelligence are extraordinary for his age.
13. Wesley Fofana – £197,174 per week / £10,253,081 per year
Fofana’s potential remains enormous despite injury setbacks. His athleticism and defensive intelligence make him one of France’s most promising defenders.
12. Hugo Ekitiké – £197,174 per week / £10,253,081 per year
Ekitiké’s natural talent and confidence have made him a standout among Europe’s next generation of strikers. His composure in front of goal is impressive.
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11. Mohamed Simakan – £200,077 per week / £10,404,000 per year
Simakan’s versatility allows him to excel across the defensive line. His pace and strength make him a modern defender perfectly suited to top-level football.
10. Lucas Hernández – £216,913 per week / £11,279,500 per year
Hernández combines strength, leadership, and experience. A World Cup winner, he remains one of the most respected French defenders in the game.
9. Michael Olise – £220,837 per week / £11,483,500 per year
Olise is known for his flair and technique. His creativity has made him one of the most entertaining and productive attacking players in the Premier League.
8. William Saliba – £246,469 per week / £12,816,351 per year
Saliba’s calmness under pressure and exceptional positioning have earned him elite status. He’s now considered one of the best young defenders in world football.
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7. Moussa Diaby – £250,260 per week / £13,013,500 per year
Diaby continues to shine with his electric pace and sharp finishing. His rise in the Premier League has cemented him as one of France’s top wingers.
6. Ousmane Dembélé – £297,173 per week / £15,453,000 per year
Dembélé remains one of football’s most creative wide players. His dribbling and unpredictability keep him among the most exciting talents in world football.
5. Theo Hernández – £333,625 per week / £17,348,500 per year
Hernández is a complete modern full-back, combining attacking flair with defensive discipline. His role at AC Milan continues to highlight his world-class quality.
4. Kingsley Coman – £333,625 per week / £17,348,500 per year
Coman’s consistency at the highest level is remarkable. A serial winner, his pace and experience make him one of France’s most decorated footballers.
3. N’Golo Kanté – £408,654 per week / £21,250,000 per year
Kanté remains the model of humility and professionalism. His relentless energy and intelligence make him one of the most respected midfielders of his generation.
2. Kylian Mbappé – £510,818 per week / £26,562,500 per year
Mbappé stands as one of the most iconic figures in global sport. His mix of speed, skill, and leadership defines the future of French and world football.
1. Karim Benzema – £817,307 per week / £42,500,000 per year
Benzema tops the list as the highest-paid French player in the world. The Ballon d’Or winner represents the perfect blend of class, longevity, and success — a true legend of the modern era.
