The 29 Highest-Paid Foreign Players in the Bundesliga – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
Although the Bundesliga is often dominated by German powerhouse clubs, the league is packed with international stars who play a crucial role for their teams. Foreign players bring skill, physicality, and experience from around the world, and some of them are rewarded with massive contracts for their performances.
We’ve taken a closer look at the highest-paid foreign players in the Bundesliga and ranked them from lowest to highest.
29. Lutsharel Geertruida – £75,594 per week / £3,930,888 per year
Lutsharel Geertruida has emerged as one of the most versatile defenders in the Bundesliga. The Dutch right-back, who can also play as a center-back, is a crucial part of RB Leipzig’s defensive setup. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset.
28. Alassane Pléa – £75,594 per week / £3,930,888 per year
Alassane Pléa has been a key player for Borussia Mönchengladbach in recent years. The French forward is known for his ability to play both centrally and on the wings, consistently delivering goals and assists for his team. His experience and attacking prowess make him one of the club’s top earners.
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27. Lovro Majer – £75,594 per week / £3,930,888 per year
Lovro Majer has made a name for himself as a creative force in midfield. The Croatian playmaker has impressed with his dribbling skills, vision, and passing ability. His technical excellence ensures that he is a key part of his team’s attacking play.
26. Castello Lukeba – £80,078 per week / £4,164,077 per year
Castello Lukeba is one of the most promising young defenders in the Bundesliga. The French center-back, who joined RB Leipzig from Lyon, is known for his composure on the ball and strong tackling ability. His rapid development has justified his high salary.
25. Eric Dier – £80,078 per week / £4,164,077 per year
After a long career in the Premier League, Eric Dier has brought leadership and experience to his new club. The English defender is known for his versatility, playing both in defense and midfield. His presence adds depth to the squad.
24. Edmond Tapsoba – £80,078 per week / £4,164,077 per year
Bayer Leverkusen’s defensive rock, Edmond Tapsoba, has established himself as one of the league’s top center-backs. The Burkinabé international is admired for his composure under pressure and excellent ball distribution, making him a key figure in Leverkusen’s backline.
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23. Exequiel Palacios – £80,078 per week / £4,164,077 per year
Exequiel Palacios has played a vital role for Bayer Leverkusen since his arrival. The Argentine midfielder is known for his work rate, passing range, and tactical intelligence, helping dictate the tempo of games in midfield. His performances have made him one of the Bundesliga’s top South American stars.
22. Péter Gulácsi – £89,688 per week / £4,664,027 per year
Péter Gulácsi has been RB Leipzig’s number one for years, providing stability and leadership between the posts. The Hungarian goalkeeper’s shot-stopping ability and experience make him one of the most reliable keepers in the league.
21. Loïs Openda – £90,649 per week / £4,713,735 per year
One of the most exciting strikers in the Bundesliga, Loïs Openda has been a revelation for RB Leipzig. The Belgian forward is known for his pace, movement, and finishing ability, making him a constant threat in front of goal.
20. Benjamin Sesko – £90,649 per week / £4,713,735 per year
Benjamin Sesko has been tipped as one of Europe’s next great forwards. The Slovenian striker, with his height, strength, and eye for goal, has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland. His potential justifies his high wages at RB Leipzig.
19. Alejandro Grimaldo – £96,094 per week / £4,996,892 per year
A product of Barcelona’s La Masia, Alejandro Grimaldo is one of the most technically gifted left-backs in the Bundesliga. The Spanish defender is known for his attacking runs and pinpoint crosses, making him a key part of Bayer Leverkusen’s setup.
18. Xavi Simons – £96,094 per week / £4,996,892 per year
Xavi Simons has become one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe. The Dutch playmaker, at RB Leipzig, is known for his dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to score crucial goals. His performances have made him a key asset in the Bundesliga.
17. Felix Nmecha – £96,094 per week / £4,996,892 per year
Felix Nmecha has quickly risen through the ranks as one of the most promising midfielders in German football. Born in England but representing Germany, he has developed into a dynamic playmaker with strong passing and defensive contributions.
16. Patrik Schick – £96,094 per week / £4,996,892 per year
Patrik Schick is one of the Bundesliga’s most prolific strikers. The Czech forward gained international attention during Euro 2020 and has continued to impress at Bayer Leverkusen with his clinical finishing and ability to hold up play.
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15. Josip Stanišić – £105,703 per week / £5,496,581 per year
Josip Stanišić has become an important defensive option in the Bundesliga. The Croatian right-back, currently on loan from Bayern Munich to Bayer Leverkusen, is known for his defensive discipline and ability to play multiple positions in the backline.
14. Willi Orbán – £105,703 per week / £5,496,581 per year
Willi Orbán has been a defensive leader for RB Leipzig for several seasons. The Hungarian center-back is known for his aerial dominance and strong tackling ability, making him one of the best defenders in the league.
13. Yussuf Poulsen – £105,703 per week / £5,496,581 per year
Yussuf Poulsen has been a loyal servant to RB Leipzig for over a decade. The Danish striker has played a crucial role in the club’s rise to Bundesliga prominence with his tireless work rate, aerial presence, and leadership.
12. Marcel Sabitzer – £120,118 per week / £6,246,115 per year
Marcel Sabitzer is one of the most experienced midfielders in the Bundesliga. The Austrian international has played for both RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich and is now a key player for Borussia Dortmund, providing leadership and attacking quality.
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11. Nordi Mukiele – £134,532 per week / £6,995,649 per year
Nordi Mukiele has been a consistent performer in the Bundesliga. The French right-back, who plays at Bayer Leverkusen after a stint at Paris Saint-Germain, is valued for his defensive strength and ability to support the attack.
10. Gregor Kobel – £144,141 per week / £7,495,338 per year
Gregor Kobel has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s best goalkeepers. The Swiss shot-stopper is a key figure for Borussia Dortmund, providing crucial saves and commanding presence in goal. His performances have made him one of the highest-paid keepers in Germany.
9. Konrad Laimer – £144,141 per week / £7,495,338 per year‘
Konrad Laimer is a hardworking and versatile midfielder. The Austrian international, now playing for Bayern Munich, is known for his pressing ability, tackling, and tireless work ethic. His high-energy style makes him a crucial part of the team’s midfield.
8. Serhou Guirassy – £151,028 per week / £7,853,439 per year
Serhou Guirassy has been one of the Bundesliga’s most in-form strikers. The Guinean forward has impressed with his goal-scoring ability for VfB Stuttgart, attracting interest from top European clubs due to his clinical finishing and physical presence.
7. Dayot Upamecano – £160,157 per week / £8,328,154 per year
Dayot Upamecano is one of the best young defenders in world football. The French center-back plays a key role for Bayern Munich, using his pace, strength, and ball-playing ability to control the defense. His performances have justified his high salary.
6. João Palhinha – £160,157 per week / £8,328,154 per year
João Palhinha has become a dominant presence in midfield. The Portuguese defensive midfielder is known for his tough tackling, positioning, and ability to break up opposition attacks. His move to Bayern Munich has made him one of the league’s best-paid midfielders.
5. Min-jae Kim – £192,188 per week / £9,993,784 per year
Min-jae Kim has made an instant impact in the Bundesliga after joining Bayern Munich. The South Korean center-back, nicknamed “The Monster,” is admired for his strength, composure on the ball, and ability to command the backline.
4. Michael Olise – £216,212 per week / £11,243,007 per year
Michael Olise has quickly become one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting attacking talents. The English-born French winger is known for his dribbling, creativity, and ability to change games with his technical brilliance.
3. Alphonso Davies – £240,235 per week / £12,492,230 per year
Alphonso Davies is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in world football. The Canadian international has been a key player for Bayern Munich with his blistering speed, attacking threat, and defensive awareness.
2. Kingsley Coman – £272,267 per week / £14,157,861 per year
Kingsley Coman has won league titles in every country he has played in. The French winger is a key player for Bayern Munich, using his dribbling ability and pace to terrorize defenses. His high wages reflect his importance to the team.
1. Harry Kane – £400,392 per week / £20,820,384 per year
Harry Kane is the highest-paid foreign player in the Bundesliga. The English striker made a blockbuster move to Bayern Munich, bringing world-class goal-scoring ability and leadership to the German
