Ranking The 25 Highest-Paid Players in the Premier League – 2014/15 vs. 2024/25 from Lowest to Highest
Over the last decade, player wages in the Premier League have skyrocketed. Comparing the 2014/15 and 2024/25 seasons provides a fascinating look at how salaries have evolved. Below is a breakdown of the 25 highest-paid players from the 2014/15 season, followed by the top earners in 2024/25.
2014/15 Season: The 25 Highest-Paid Players
The 2014/15 Premier League season featured some of the biggest stars in football, with clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City dominating the wage charts. At the time, a weekly salary of over £100,000 was considered a significant amount, reserved for the league’s elite talents. While some of these players justified their wages with consistent performances, others struggled to live up to their hefty paychecks.
25. Ander Herrera – £115,000 per week / £5,980,000 per year
Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera was one of Manchester United’s key signings in 2014. Despite not being among the league’s superstars, his weekly wage placed him in the top 25 earners.
24. Danny Welbeck – £115,000 per week / £5,980,000 per year
After moving from Manchester United to Arsenal, Danny Welbeck secured a lucrative contract. Injuries, however, prevented him from reaching his full potential.
Read also: The 25 Best Strikers in World Football Right Now - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
23. Edin Džeko – £120,000 per week / £6,240,000 per year
Bosnian striker Edin Džeko was a crucial part of Manchester City’s attacking force. His salary reflected his ability to score important goals, particularly in title-winning seasons.
22. Ashley Young – £120,000 per week / £6,240,000 per year
The versatile Englishman, known for playing as both a winger and full-back, earned a significant wage at Manchester United, where he played a vital leadership role.
21. Daniel Sturridge – £130,000 per week / £6,760,000 per year
Liverpool’s Sturridge was among the league’s most lethal strikers at his peak, forming a deadly duo with Luis Suárez. His wages were a testament to his goal-scoring prowess.
20. Joe Hart – £130,000 per week / £6,760,000 per year
England’s first-choice goalkeeper and Manchester City’s No. 1, Joe Hart, was among the best-paid goalkeepers in the league.
Read also: The 10 Managers with most points per game in Champions League
19. Alex Song – £136,769 per week / £7,112,000 per year
The former Arsenal midfielder, on loan at West Ham from Barcelona, commanded a surprisingly high salary due to his experience and technical ability.
18. Mesut Özil – £140,000 per week / £7,280,000 per year
The German playmaker was Arsenal’s star man and one of the most creative midfielders in the Premier League, justifying his substantial wages.
17. Alexis Sánchez – £140,000 per week / £7,280,000 per year
Another Arsenal star, Sánchez was known for his tireless work rate and goal-scoring ability. His wages made him one of the top earners at the club.
16. Steven Gerrard – £140,000 per week / £7,280,000 per year
Liverpool’s legendary captain, Gerrard, was in his final season with the club before moving to MLS, but his wages remained among the league’s highest.
15. Samir Nasri – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
A key member of Manchester City’s squad, Nasri’s ability to control games from midfield ensured he was among the highest earners.
14. Vincent Kompany – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
The Belgian defender was Manchester City’s captain and one of the best center-backs in the world, which reflected in his salary.
13. Diego Costa – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
Chelsea’s star striker, Costa, was known for his aggressive style and goal-scoring ability, making him one of the best-paid forwards.
12. Oscar – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
The Brazilian midfielder was an important player for Chelsea, and his wages reflected his role in the club’s title-winning squad.
Read also: The 20 Best Goalkeepers in the World Right Now - Ranked
11. Sergio Agüero – £160,000 per week / £8,320,000 per year
Manchester City’s greatest-ever goal scorer, Agüero, was paid handsomely for his incredible goal-scoring exploits.
10. David Silva – £160,000 per week / £8,320,000 per year
A magician in midfield, Silva’s vision and passing ability made him one of Manchester City’s highest earners.
9. Juan Mata – £160,000 per week / £8,320,000 per year
The Spanish playmaker was a key figure at Manchester United, with his technical skills and intelligence earning him a lucrative deal.
8. Cesc Fàbregas – £171,481 per week / £8,917,000 per year
After moving to Chelsea, Fàbregas played a vital role in their midfield, commanding a high salary for his experience and quality.
Read also: The Top Penalty Scorers in Europe’s Big Five Leagues This Season
7. John Terry – £175,000 per week / £9,100,000 per year
Chelsea’s captain, leader, and legend, Terry was still among the league’s highest earners in the latter stages of his career.
6. Eden Hazard – £185,827 per week / £9,663,000 per year
Chelsea’s most exciting attacker, Hazard’s dribbling and goal-scoring made him one of the best-paid players in the league.
5. Yaya Touré – £190,000 per week / £9,880,000 per year
The powerhouse of Manchester City’s midfield, Touré’s salary was reflective of his dominance on the pitch.
4. Robin van Persie – £210,000 per week / £10,920,000 per year
After guiding Manchester United to the title in 2013, Van Persie remained one of the highest-paid players in the league.
3. Wayne Rooney – £235,000 per week / £12,220,000 per year
Manchester United’s all-time top scorer was rewarded handsomely for his loyalty and leadership.
2. Ángel Di María – £250,000 per week / £13,000,000 per year
Despite a disappointing spell at Manchester United, the Argentine winger was one of the highest earners.
1. Radamel Falcao – £285,000 per week / £14,820,000 per year
Falcao was the highest-paid player in the Premier League in 2014/15, despite struggling to make an impact at Manchester United.
2024/25 Season: The 25 Highest-Paid Players
A decade after the 2014/15 season, the financial landscape of the Premier League has changed dramatically. Clubs now generate record revenues from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and commercial deals, allowing them to offer staggering wages to top players. In 2024/25, the highest earners make significantly more than their counterparts from ten years ago, with Erling Haaland leading the way at over half a million pounds per week. Below is a breakdown of the 25 highest-paid players in the Premier League today.
25. Matthijs de Ligt – £195,000 per week / £10,140,000 per year
The Dutch center-back, known for his leadership and defensive prowess, has established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in Europe. His move to the Premier League brought him a lucrative contract that places him among the league’s top earners.
24. Bukayo Saka – £195,000 per week / £10,140,000 per year
One of Arsenal’s biggest stars, Saka has become a crucial player for both club and country. His consistent performances and attacking threat justify his position as one of the highest-paid young talents in the league.
23. Wesley Fofana – £200,000 per week / £10,400,000 per year
Despite injury setbacks, Fofana remains a key part of Chelsea’s defense. His wages reflect the club’s long-term faith in his potential as one of the best center-backs in the Premier League.
22. Thomas Partey – £200,000 per week / £10,400,000 per year
The Ghanaian midfielder plays a pivotal role in Arsenal’s midfield, offering defensive stability and composure. His wages reflect his experience and importance to the team.
21. Josko Gvardiol – £200,000 per week / £10,400,000 per year
One of the most sought-after defenders in world football, Gvardiol’s technical ability and versatility have earned him a top-tier salary at Manchester City.
20. Virgil van Dijk – £220,000 per week / £11,440,000 per year
Now an experienced leader, Van Dijk remains one of the best center-backs in the world. His salary ensures he remains among the highest-paid defenders in Premier League history.
19. Rodri – £220,000 per week / £11,440,000 per year
The midfield general for Manchester City, Rodri is crucial to Pep Guardiola’s system. His ability to control the tempo of the game makes him one of the best-paid midfielders in England.
18. Marcus Rashford – £225,000 per week / £11,700,000 per year
A homegrown Manchester United star now on loan to Aston Villa, Rashford’s salary reflects his status as one of the club’s most marketable and important players.
17. Phil Foden – £225,000 per week / £11,700,000 per year
The Manchester City academy graduate has blossomed into one of the best attacking midfielders in the world. His wages highlight his importance to Guardiola’s squad.
16. İlkay Gündoğan – £230,000 per week / £11,960,000 per year
The German midfielder remains a key figure in midfield, offering experience and leadership. His salary reflects his years of consistent top-level performances.
15. Declan Rice – £240,000 per week / £12,480,000 per year
Rice’s move to Arsenal came with high expectations, and he has lived up to them. His role as a midfield anchor has earned him one of the highest salaries in the league.
14. Martin Ødegaard – £240,000 per week / £12,480,000 per year
Arsenal’s captain and playmaker, Ødegaard is instrumental in the team’s attacking setup. His vision and technical skills make him one of the best-paid midfielders in the league.
13. Reece James – £250,000 per week / £13,000,000 per year
Chelsea’s captain and one of the best right-backs in the world, James’ salary reflects his importance to the team when fit.
12. Mason Mount – £250,000 per week / £13,000,000 per year
After his move to Manchester United, Mount secured a significant wage increase. Though injuries have affected his consistency, he remains a highly valued midfielder.
11. John Stones – £250,000 per week / £13,000,000 per year
A vital piece of Manchester City’s defense, Stones’ ability to play both as a center-back and a defensive midfielder makes him invaluable to Pep Guardiola’s system.
10. Gabriel Jesus – £265,000 per week / £13,780,000 per year
Since joining Arsenal, Jesus has been a key player in their attack, bringing experience and versatility to the frontline. His wages reflect his role in the club’s ambitions.
9. Kai Havertz – £280,000 per week / £14,560,000 per year
After a mixed spell at Chelsea, Havertz has found a stable role at Arsenal, where he earns one of the highest wages in the squad.
8. Omar Marmoush – £295,000 per week / £15,340,000 per year
After an explosive six-month run at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he took the Bundesliga by storm, Marmoush earned a high-profile January move to Manchester City.
7. Bernardo Silva – £300,000 per week / £15,600,000 per year
The Portuguese midfielder remains a key figure at Manchester City, known for his creativity, versatility, and work rate. His wages reflect his world-class status.
6. Bruno Fernandes – £300,000 per week / £15,600,000 per year
Manchester United’s talisman, Fernandes is one of the league’s most creative players. His contract ensures he remains among the highest-paid midfielders in England.
5. Jack Grealish – £300,000 per week / £15,600,000 per year
Despite his record-breaking transfer to Manchester City, Grealish has struggled to justify his massive wages. With limited playing time and inconsistent performances, he has not had the impact many expected when he arrived from Aston Villa.
4. Casemiro – £350,000 per week / £18,200,000 per year
The Brazilian midfielder brings experience and leadership to Manchester United. His salary reflects his status as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation.
3. Mohamed Salah – £350,000 per week / £18,200,000 per year
Liverpool’s star forward continues to be one of the most consistent goal scorers in the league. His wages make him one of the highest-paid players in Premier League history.
2. Kevin De Bruyne – £400,000 per week / £20,800,000 per year
The best playmaker in the league, De Bruyne’s influence on Manchester City remains unmatched. His salary reflects his world-class talent and importance to the club’s success.
1. Erling Haaland – £525,000 per week / £27,300,000 per year
The highest-paid player in the Premier League, Haaland has taken the league by storm with his record-breaking goal-scoring ability. His wages make him the best-paid player in the league’s history, setting a new standard for top earners.
