La Liga is renowned for its star-studded rosters and hefty player wages. However, a big salary doesn’t always translate to consistent or outstanding performances on the field. Here’s a look at some of the league’s highest-paid players who, in our eyes, have struggled to justify their lucrative contracts.
10. José Gayà – £96,419 per week
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Gayà is Valencia’s captain and a critical figure for the club, but with the team struggling in recent seasons, his high wage stands out as a luxury in a side battling for consistency and relevance in La Liga.
9. César Azpilicueta – £132,308 per week
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The former Chelsea captain has brought experience to Atlético Madrid, but his age and declining physicality have limited his effectiveness in a league as demanding as La Liga. His wage, compared to his contributions, appears disproportionate.
Witsel is a seasoned player, but his influence at Atlético Madrid has been minimal. At this stage of his career, his salary seems excessive, given his role in the squad.
Ferran Torres was brought in with high expectations but has often failed to deliver the consistency required to justify his wage. His contributions have been sporadic, leaving fans and analysts questioning the investment made in him.
6. Ferland Mendy – £172,331 per week
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Similarly to Ceballos, Mendy’s high weekly wage is difficult to justify when considering his inconsistent availability due to injuries and fluctuating performances.
5. Dani Ceballos – £172,331 per week
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Ceballos often finds himself on the bench or used as a rotational player. His limited impact raises questions about the justification for such a high wage, especially in a team stacked with midfield talent.
4. Ansu Fati – £230,711 per week
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Once heralded as the future of Barcelona, Ansu Fati’s career has been hampered by injuries and inconsistent performances. Despite his potential, he has yet to prove that he can sustain the level of play expected for someone on his current salary.
De Jong is undoubtedly a key figure for Barcelona, but his high salary has been a sticking point during the club’s financial struggles. While he remains a consistent performer, many question whether his wage reflects his contributions compared to others in his role.
2. David Alaba – £372,115 per week
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Alaba’s versatility has been valuable for Real Madrid, but his weekly wage is one of the highest at the club. While he has had strong performances, they are not frequent enough to match the salary he commands.
1. Kylian Mbappé – £516,827 per week
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Mbappé’s arrival at Real Madrid was met with great fanfare, but his start in the Spanish capital has been far from smooth. Struggles with form and adapting to the team’s system have led to inconsistent performances. While his talent is undeniable, his astronomical weekly wage makes his lack of immediate impact a glaring issue.
