Top 40 Best-Paid Midfielders in Football – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
In modern football, midfielders are no longer just playmakers and ball carriers—they are among the most well-compensated athletes in the world. Whether dictating the tempo, breaking up opposition attacks, or scoring decisive goals, these players have become the backbone of their teams, earning salaries that reflect their immense influence on the pitch.
40. Marcos Llorente – £140,350 per week / £7,298,200 per year
A versatile midfielder for Atlético Madrid, known for his tireless work ethic. His wages reflect his importance to the team.
39. Piotr Zieliński – £140,350 per week / £7,298,200 per year
The Polish playmaker is a key figure for Napoli with his creative flair. His salary places him among the best-paid in Serie A.
38. Douglas Luiz – £140,350 per week / £7,298,200 per year
Aston Villa’s Brazilian midfielder is a reliable presence in the Serie A. His earnings highlight his growing influence.
Read also: The 25 Best Strikers in World Football Right Now - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
37. Warren Zaïre-Emery – £141,350 per week / £7,348,200 per year
Despite his young age, the PSG starlet has already secured a lucrative contract, proving his immense potential.
36. Christian Eriksen – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
The Danish maestro plays a key role for Manchester United, and his wages reflect his vast experience and technical ability.
35. Mateo Kovačić – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
The Croatian international is a crucial part of Manchester City’s midfield, earning a salary that matches his elite status.
34. Boubacar Kamara – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
A defensive rock for Aston Villa, his pay reflects his importance to the team’s structure.
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33. Ryan Gravenberch – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
The Dutch talent has a bright future at Liverpool, with a salary that confirms his potential.
32. Kalvin Phillips – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
While on a loan to Ipswich Town, his salary still shows he belongs to Manchester City
31. Alexis Mac Allister – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
The World Cup winner is shining at Liverpool, with a paycheck that rewards his consistency.
30. Youri Tielemans – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
The Belgian midfielder continues to impress in the Premier League, securing a salary that matches his skill.
29. Joelinton – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
Originally a striker, he has transformed into a dominant midfielder for Newcastle, earning a salary to match.
28. Moisés Caicedo – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
Chelsea spent big on him, and his wages reflect the club’s faith in his talent.
27. Conor Gallagher – £151,000 per week / £7,852,000 per year
Chelsea’s young English star is well rewarded for his energy and work rate.
26. Konrad Laimer – £151,000 per week / £7,852,000 per year
The Austrian midfielder is a good player for Bayern Munich, earning a salary that befits his role.
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25. Fabian Ruiz – £153,250 per week / £7,967,000 per year
A stylish playmaker, Ruiz is among PSG’s highest earners in midfield.
24. João Neves – £153,250 per week / £7,967,000 per year
The young Portuguese midfielder is already earning a salary that places him among Europe’s elite prospects.
23. João Palhinha – £168,420 per week / £8,754,000 per year
A dominant force in Bayern Munich, his pay reflects his vital contributions.
22. Dani Ceballos – £175,339 per week / £9,118,000 per year
A decent palyer for Real Madrid and is well compensated.
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21. Luka Modric – £175,339 per week / £9,118,000 per year
Despite his age, the Croatian legend continues to earn top wages at Real Madrid.
20. Hakan Çalhanoğlu – £186,785 per week / £9,713,000 per year
Inter Milan’s free-kick specialist is among the best-paid in Serie A.
19. Nicolò Barella – £202,145 per week / £10,712,000 per year
The Italian midfielder’s salary reflects his importance to Inter’s midfield engine.
18. Pedri – £209,000 per week / £10,868,000 per year
A generational talent for Barcelona, earning wages that match his star power.
17. Eduardo Camavinga – £209,000 per week / £10,868,000 per year
Real Madrid secured the French talent on a top-tier contract.
16. Aurélien Tchouaméni – £209,000 per week / £10,868,000 per year
Another young Real Madrid midfielder on a contract that showcases his value.
15. Leon Goretzka – £217,400 per week / £11,324,000 per year
A midfield powerhouse for Bayern Munich, earning accordingly.
14. Rodri – £218,700 per week / £11,388,400 per year
One of the best defensive midfielders in the world, his salary at Manchester City is well-earned.
13. İlkay Gündoğan – £228,480 per week / £11,881,000 per year
Now back at Man City. He still earns a good salary
12. Franck Kessié – £234,500 per week / £12,174,000 per year
Playing in Saudi Arabia, his earnings have skyrocketed.
11. Fabinho – £234,500 per week / £12,174,000 per year
Another former Premier League star who moved to Saudi Arabia for a massive payday.
10. Declan Rice – £239,600 per week / £12,459,200 per year
Arsenal’s record signing, earning a salary that reflects his impact.
9. Georginio Wijnaldum – £253,900 per week / £13,222,800 per year
His move to Saudi Arabia has dramatically increased his earnings.
8. Federico Valverde – £282,670 per week / £14,706,840 per year
A high-energy midfielder at Real Madrid, well compensated for his performances.
7. Rúben Neves – £293,850 per week / £15,266,200 per year
After leaving Wolves, his salary saw a major boost in Saudi Arabia.
6. Frenkie de Jong – £323,600 per week / £16,867,200 per year
Barcelona’s midfield maestro, earning wages that fit his status.
5. Kevin De Bruyne – £332,500 per week / £17,290,000 per year
Man City’s playmaker earns one of the highest wages in the Premier League.
4. Casemiro – £354,860 per week / £18,442,720 per year
Despite Manchester Uniteds bad form Casemiro still one of the top earners in the world.
3. Marcelo Brozović – £408,160 per week / £21,225,920 per year
After years in Serie A, his move to Saudi Arabia brought him one of the biggest paychecks.
2. Sergej Milinković-Savić – £421,820 per week / £21,935,640 per year
One of Al-Hilal’s top earners, bringing creativity to the Saudi Pro League.
1. N’Golo Kanté – £421,820 per week / £21,935,640 per year
The highest-paid midfielder in the world, now playing in Saudi Arabia.
