Ranked: The Highest-Paid Portuguese Footballers – From Lowest to Highest

February 8, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Portuguese footballers have cemented their status as some of the best and most valuable players in the world. Across different leagues and continents, these athletes command impressive salaries, showcasing their influence on the global stage.

24. Ricardo Pereira – Leicester City – £3,536,000 per year

Ricardo Pereira has been a key player for Leicester City, offering defensive stability and attacking prowess from the right-back position. Although the club has faced ups and downs, Pereira’s consistency has made him a reliable figure in their squad. Earning £3.5 million per year, he remains one of the best-paid Portuguese defenders outside the top European clubs.

23. Nélson Semedo – Wolverhampton Wanderers – £3,536,000 per year

Wolves’ Portuguese influence continues with Nélson Semedo, a versatile full-back known for his speed and ability to contribute offensively. Since his move from Barcelona, he has been a regular starter for the Premier League club. His £3.5 million yearly salary reflects his value to the team.

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22. João Félix – AC Milan – £3,544,500 per year

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Despite early career expectations, João Félix has struggled to find a permanent home. Now at AC Milan, he is looking to reignite his form. Earning £3.5 million per year, he remains one of the most technically gifted Portuguese forwards but still needs to prove himself at the highest level.

21. Diogo Dalot – Manchester United – £3,757,000 per year

Diogo Dalot has gradually developed into an important player for Manchester United, offering reliability at right-back. Under Erik ten Hag, his role has expanded, and his £3.8 million per year salary showcases United’s trust in his abilities.

20. Gonçalo Guedes – Wolverhampton Wanderers – £3,978,000 per year

After a promising spell at Valencia, Gonçalo Guedes moved to Wolves to join a squad filled with Portuguese talent. While injuries have hampered his consistency, his £4.0 million per year salary reflects the club’s belief in his attacking prowess.

19. Fábio Silva – Las Palmas – £4,207,500 per year

Still regarded as one of Portugal’s exciting young prospects, Fábio Silva is now at Las Palmas, looking for more regular playing time. At £4.2 million per year, he remains a highly valued player with potential for future growth.

18. Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain – £4,632,500 per year

Vitinha has steadily risen through the ranks, becoming a key midfield presence at PSG. His £4.6 million per year salary is a reflection of his importance in the club’s long-term project, with the young midfielder proving to be a reliable playmaker.

17. André Gomes – LOSC Lille – £4,632,500 per year

André Gomes has rediscovered his form at Lille after his time in the Premier League. The experienced midfielder has become an integral part of the French side’s midfield and earns £4.6 million per year.

16. Gonçalo Ramos – Paris Saint-Germain – £4,675,000 per year

Gonçalo Ramos has made an immediate impact at PSG, filling the striker role with his sharp finishing ability. His £4.7 million per year salary is expected to rise in the coming years as he continues to develop.

15. Rafael Leão – AC Milan – £5,448,500 per year

Rafael Leão is one of the most dynamic wingers in world football, helping AC Milan maintain their place among Europe’s elite. With a salary of £5.4 million per year, he is one of the highest-paid players in Serie A.

14. Daniel Podence – Al-Shabab – £5,635,500 per year

Daniel Podence has been a valuable attacking option for Wolves, using his dribbling skills to break down defenses. His £5.6 million per year salary reflects his growing role in the squad.

13. Matheus Nunes – Manchester City – £5,746,000 per year

Matheus Nunes has brought creativity and energy to Wolves’ midfield, making him one of the most promising Portuguese midfielders. His £5.7 million per year salary places him among the highest-paid players at the club.

12. Diogo Jota – Liverpool – £6,188,000 per year

Diogo Jota has become a key figure for Liverpool, offering versatility in attack and a sharp goal-scoring instinct. His £6.2 million per year salary is well-earned as he continues to thrive under Jürgen Klopp.

11. Raphaël Guerreiro – Bayern München – £6,800,000 per year

Raphaël Guerreiro moved to Bayern to strengthen their defensive options while also providing attacking depth. His £6.8 million per year salary is a testament to his skill and experience at the highest level.

10. Pedro Neto – Chelsea – £7,072,000 per year

Pedro Neto is one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League, earning a big move to Chelsea. His £7.1 million per year salary reflects his status as one of Portugal’s rising stars.

9. João Neves – Paris Saint-Germain – £7,726,500 per year

João Neves is one of Portugal’s most promising young midfielders, earning a lucrative contract at PSG. At £7.7 million per year, he is expected to be a key player for both club and country in the future.

8. Rúben Dias – Manchester City – £7,956,000 per year

As one of the best defenders in the world, Rúben Dias is a cornerstone of Manchester City’s defense. His £8.0 million per year salary is fitting for a player of his caliber.

7. João Palhinha – Bayern München – £8,500,000 per year

João Palhinha has made a name for himself as one of the top defensive midfielders in Europe, securing a move to Bayern. His £8.5 million per year salary shows his rising reputation.

6. Otávio – Al-Nassr – £11,305,000 per year

After moving to Saudi Arabia, Otávio has seen a significant salary increase, now earning £11.3 million per year at Al-Nassr.

5. João Cancelo – Al-Hilal – £13,013,500 per year

João Cancelo remains one of the best full-backs in the world, and his move to Al-Hilal has secured him a salary of £13.0 million per year.

4. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United – £13,260,000 per year

Bruno Fernandes is the creative force behind Manchester United’s attack, earning £13.3 million per year as one of the top-paid midfielders in the world.

3. Bernardo Silva – Manchester City – £13,260,000 per year

Bernardo Silva is an essential player for Pep Guardiola, contributing heavily to Manchester City’s dominance. His £13.3 million per year salary reflects his world-class talent.

2. Rúben Neves – Al-Hilal – £14,705,000 per year

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After leaving the Premier League, Rúben Neves became one of the highest-paid Portuguese midfielders, earning £14.7 million per year at Al-Hilal.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr – £170,000,000 per year

At the top of the list is Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains the highest-paid Portuguese footballer in the world with a staggering £170 million per year salary. Even in the twilight of his career, he continues to dominate both on and off the pitch.