La Liga’s highest-paid players in 2026

February 17, 2026 Oliver Obel

The financial power of Spain’s elite clubs is reflected clearly in their wage bills. From long-term investments in rising stars to blockbuster contracts for global icons, La Liga’s biggest names are earning staggering sums. Based on the latest contract data, here’s a ranked look at some of the division’s top earners, starting from the bottom of the list and building up to the highest-paid player in the league.

13. Nico Williams (Athletic Club) – £276,724 per week

Nico Williams may sit at the bottom of this particular list, but his long-term deal tells its own story. The Athletic Club winger is tied down until 2035, giving the Basque side rare security over one of Spain’s brightest talents. At £276,724 per week, he is already earning at an elite level for a 23-year-old. His sizeable remaining contract value reflects just how much faith the club has placed in him as a cornerstone for the future.

12. Rodrygo (Real Madrid) – £276,724 per week

Rodrygo’s rise at Real Madrid has been steady and decisive, and his salary now matches his growing importance. The Brazilian winger earns £276,724 per week and remains under contract until 2028. Still only 25, he continues to deliver in decisive moments, particularly in Europe. Madrid’s long-term commitment underlines their belief that he remains central to the club’s attacking future.

11. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid) – £276,724 per week

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid has been one of the most eye-catching transfers in recent years, and his wages reflect that status. The England full-back is earning £276,724 per week on a contract running through 2031. Known for redefining the modern right-back role, he brings creativity and leadership to Madrid’s squad. With his best years still ahead, this deal looks like a major statement of intent.

10. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – £276,724 per week

Lamine Yamal’s salary is remarkable not just for the figure, but for the age attached to it. At only 18, Barcelona have already placed him among the league’s highest earners with £276,724 per week. His contract stretches to 2031, ensuring the Catalans can build around one of the most exciting young players in world football. Few teenagers have carried such expectation, but Yamal’s talent suggests he is ready for it.

9. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) – £276,724 per week

Federico Valverde has become one of Real Madrid’s most dependable figures, and his wages reflect his importance. The Uruguayan midfielder earns £276,724 per week and is secured until 2029. His relentless energy, versatility and big-game performances make him invaluable in Carlo Ancelotti’s system. Madrid’s midfield evolution has Valverde at its heart, and this contract confirms his role as a long-term leader.

8. Raphinha (Barcelona) – £276,724 per week

Raphinha continues to be one of Barcelona’s key attacking outlets, rewarded with a weekly salary of £276,724. The Brazilian winger remains under contract until 2028 and provides pace, directness and goals from wide areas. In a squad balancing youth and experience, his presence offers reliability at the top level. Barcelona clearly see him as a vital piece in their push to reclaim domestic and European dominance.

7. Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) – £315,402 per week

Frenkie de Jong’s contract places him among La Liga’s best-paid midfielders, earning £315,402 per week. The Dutchman has long been admired for his composure and ability to dictate tempo from deep positions. With his deal running until 2029, Barcelona have committed heavily to keeping him at the core of their midfield rebuild. When fit and firing, de Jong remains one of the most elegant playmakers in the league.

6. Jan Oblak (Atlético Madrid) – £345,781 per week

Atlético Madrid’s defensive identity has often begun with Jan Oblak, and his salary reflects his status. The Slovenian goalkeeper earns £345,781 per week and remains contracted until 2028. For years he has been regarded as one of the world’s finest shot-stoppers, saving Atlético in countless tight matches. Even in his thirties, Oblak remains a pillar of Diego Simeone’s side.

5. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – £345,781 per week

Jude Bellingham’s impact at Real Madrid has been instant, and his £345,781 weekly wage underlines the club’s belief in him. At just 22, he has already become one of the defining midfielders of his generation. His contract runs until 2029, giving Madrid a long runway to build around him. With goals, creativity and presence beyond his years, Bellingham looks destined for superstardom.

4. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) – £345,781 per week

Robert Lewandowski remains one of football’s most prolific forwards, and Barcelona continue to pay accordingly. The Polish striker earns £345,781 per week as he approaches the final stretch of his contract in 2026. Even at 37, his finishing ability and experience make him a crucial figure in the squad. Few players maintain elite standards for so long, but Lewandowski continues to defy age.

3. David Alaba (Real Madrid) – £373,503 per week

David Alaba’s wages reflect his pedigree as one of Europe’s most decorated defenders. The Austrian earns £373,503 per week, a figure that highlights his importance when fully fit. Signed for his versatility and leadership, Alaba has been a major presence across Madrid’s back line. With his contract expiring in 2026, questions remain about his next step, but his quality is undeniable.

2. Vinícius Junior (Real Madrid) – £415,003 per week

vinicius — Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

Vinícius Junior has developed into one of the most feared attackers in world football, and his salary mirrors that rise. The Brazilian earns £415,003 per week, placing him among the very top in La Liga. Still only 25, he has become a face of Madrid’s new era with his pace, flair and decisive end product. With his contract running until 2027, Madrid will be eager to keep him at the Bernabéu for years to come.

1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – £518,754 per week

At the summit sits Kylian Mbappé, La Liga’s highest-paid player with an astonishing £518,754 per week. Real Madrid’s marquee signing is not just a footballer but a global superstar, and his contract reflects that status. Mbappé’s arrival has shifted the balance of power both in Spain and across Europe. With his deal running until 2029, Madrid have secured the services of one of the defining players of this generation at a truly monumental cost.