From Underdogs to Giants: The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Wage Power Rankings

Money plays a decisive role in modern football, and the UEFA Champions League is perhaps the clearest reflection of that reality. While some clubs can afford to assemble star-studded squads worth hundreds of millions, others must rely on clever scouting and tactical cohesion. The gulf in wage bills this season is immense, spanning from just over £2 million to nearly £250 million. Below is a detailed look at how every club competing in the league phase measures up, starting from the lowest spenders all the way to the giants at the top.

36. FC Kairat Almaty – £2.6m

FC Kairat Almaty are entering the competition as true underdogs. With an annual wage bill of only £2.6 million, their budget is dwarfed by the financial might of Europe’s elite. Competing against teams with wage structures nearly 100 times larger, they’ll rely on discipline, team unity and clever tactics to survive. For the Kazakh champions, just being part of the tournament is a historic moment — but every match will be a massive challenge.

35. Pafos FC – £3.1m

Pafos FC have slowly built their name in Cypriot football, but on the continental stage, they are minnows. Their £3.1 million wage bill reflects a pragmatic approach, focusing on experience and leadership rather than a galaxy of stars. The club hopes that key veterans can inspire memorable performances and maybe even a surprise result or two. For Pafos, qualification itself is already an achievement.

34. SK Slavia Prague – £5.4m

Despite their proud history, SK Slavia Prague operate with one of the smallest budgets in the competition. £5.4 million is all they spend annually on player wages, which is minimal compared to the financial powerhouses they’ll face. What they lack in resources, they make up for in fan support and home advantage at their electric Fortuna Arena. They’ve built a team defined by hard work and a clear identity.

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33. FK Bodø/Glimt – £6.4m

FK Bodø/Glimt have captured the imagination of European fans in recent years with their fearless football and fairytale runs. With a wage bill of £6.4 million, they continue to punch above their weight on the continental stage. The Norwegian side prides itself on developing local talent and playing with an attacking philosophy that belies their budget. They will again look to prove that money isn’t everything.

32. Qarabağ FK – £6.5m

Qarabağ FK are regulars in the Champions League qualifiers, and their presence in the league phase is a testament to their stability. With just £6.5 million spent on wages, they know their place in the pecking order but have built a competitive squad within their means. Qarabağ often frustrate bigger teams with compact defending and quick counters, making them tricky opponents despite their financial disadvantage.

31. Royale Union Saint-Gilloise – £9.4m

Royale Union Saint-Gilloise have been one of the most intriguing stories in Belgian football in recent years. Their wage bill of £9.4 million may be low compared to Europe’s elite, but the club has mastered the art of smart recruitment and collective organization. Known for their fluid attacking play and intelligent coaching, they’ll look to bring their vibrant footballing style to a bigger stage.

30. FC København – £15.2m

As Denmark’s biggest club, FC København carry high expectations domestically but face a massive economic gap in Europe. With £15.2 million in wages, they can’t compete financially with the continent’s elite, yet they’ve earned respect through consistency and resilience. Copenhagen’s home ground is notoriously difficult for visiting teams, and their fans’ passionate backing gives them an edge despite a modest budget.

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29. Olympiacos FC – £16.3m

Olympiacos FC are a club steeped in tradition, with decades of domestic dominance in Greece. Their £16.3 million wage bill places them in the lower third of Champions League spenders, but their experience in European competition makes them dangerous opponents. They’ve built a team blending local talent and international veterans, and their fiery home atmosphere in Piraeus often inspires big performances.

28. Club Brugge KV – £23.3m

Club Brugge KV have become regular participants in European tournaments. Their £23.3 million wage bill allows them to retain key players and maintain a strong competitive level without going into financial excess. Known for their solid organization and clever recruitment, Brugge have proven time and again that they can trouble bigger names, especially on home soil.

27. Sporting CP – £27.5m

Sporting CP have a proud history of producing world-class talent and competing at the highest level despite limited resources. Spending £27.5 million on wages, they continue to rely on their academy and sharp scouting to stay competitive. The Lisbon club often outperform richer teams, thanks to their ability to nurture technically gifted players and implement a clear tactical vision.

26. PSV Eindhoven – £28.1m

PSV Eindhoven are another club with a strong tradition of player development and smart recruitment. Their £28.1 million wage bill places them in the lower-middle range, but their ambition remains high. PSV have a history of upsetting European heavyweights and will aim to combine attacking flair with tactical maturity.

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25. AFC Ajax – £28.9m

Few clubs in Europe are as respected for their footballing philosophy as AFC Ajax. With a £28.9 million wage bill, they focus on developing their own stars rather than buying established names. Their famed youth system allows them to remain competitive on a global stage despite spending far less than most of their rivals. Ajax are proof that a clear vision can close financial gaps.

24. SL Benfica – £35.4m

SL Benfica are one of Europe’s best talent factories, consistently producing and selling top-tier players. Their £35.4 million wage bill remains relatively modest for a club of their stature, but their efficient scouting and academy pipeline give them an edge. Benfica may not have the deepest pockets, but they’ve built a model that keeps them relevant year after year.

23. AS Monaco FC – £48.2m

AS Monaco FC sit at a financial crossroads between modest spenders and big hitters. Their £48.2 million wage bill reflects their ability to mix experienced stars with young prospects. Known for grooming elite talents like Kylian Mbappé in the past, Monaco’s strategy revolves around clever squad building rather than outspending others.

22. Eintracht Frankfurt – £51m

Eintracht Frankfurt have steadily risen in the German hierarchy through clever signings and smart management. Their £51 million wage bill gives them flexibility while avoiding the financial risks of larger clubs. Frankfurt are known for their intense atmosphere and physical style, which often make them difficult opponents for richer teams.

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21. Atalanta BC – £55.4m

Atalanta BC are one of Europe’s most beloved success stories. Their £55.4 million budget is modest compared to Italy’s top clubs, yet they consistently compete for domestic and European honors. Known for their high-pressing, attacking football, they’ve proven that smart coaching and a unified squad can rival big budgets.

20. Villarreal CF – £56.9m

Villarreal CF continue to be a model of stability and overachievement. Their £56.9 million wage bill is a testament to their sustainable approach. The Yellow Submarine thrive on technical football and tactical intelligence, often outperforming clubs with larger resources.

19. Olympique de Marseille – £64.5m

Olympique de Marseille are among France’s most passionate and storied clubs. Spending £64.5 million on wages, they sit on the cusp of the competition’s financial upper tier. Known for their fiery atmosphere at the Vélodrome and their attacking intent, Marseille aim to challenge Europe’s giants despite not matching their spending.

18. Bayer 04 Leverkusen – £65.8m

Bayer 04 Leverkusen are a club on the rise, combining smart management with growing ambition. Their £65.8 million wage bill is significantly lower than Bayern Munich or Dortmund, but their tactical discipline and technical quality keep them competitive. Leverkusen’s project is built on balance and sustainable growth.

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17. Athletic Club – £66.1m

Athletic Club are unique in world football, operating under their Basque-only recruitment policy. That makes their £66.1 million wage bill particularly remarkable. Their emphasis on identity, youth development, and loyalty creates a squad that punches above its financial weight year after year.

16. Galatasaray SK – £77.6m

Galatasaray SK are Turkey’s biggest spenders, and their £77.6 million budget reflects their hunger for European relevance. They’ve built a squad full of recognizable stars, aiming to go deep into the competition. Galatasaray’s fanbase is one of the most intense in the world, and they’ll expect big performances in return for big wages.

15. Newcastle United FC – £96.8m

Newcastle United FC have rapidly transformed into one of the Premier League’s financial powerhouses. Their £96.8 million wage bill reflects a club with growing ambition and resources to match. While still relatively new to Europe’s elite tier, Newcastle’s squad is filled with quality and depth.

14. Borussia Dortmund – £100.2m

Borussia Dortmund remain Germany’s second-biggest club both on and off the pitch. A £100.2 million wage bill allows them to keep a strong squad while still relying on their famed youth development. Dortmund’s attacking football and passionate fan culture make them one of Europe’s most recognizable clubs.

13. SSC Napoli – £102.1m

SSC Napoli have invested heavily to maintain their recent competitive level. Spending £102.1 million annually, they boast a squad capable of going toe-to-toe with Europe’s best. Napoli’s resurgence has turned them from challengers to contenders on the continental stage.

12. Juventus FC – £105m

Juventus FC may have faced turbulence in recent years, but their financial might remains intact. A £105 million wage bill places them firmly among Europe’s big spenders. Their experienced squad is built to compete deep into the tournament.

11. Atlético de Madrid – £121.5m

Atlético de Madrid are a Champions League staple. With £121.5 million spent annually on wages, they are built to compete at the very top. Their aggressive, pragmatic style has brought consistent success in Europe, even against richer clubs.

10. Inter Milan – £124m

Inter Milan have re-established themselves as one of Europe’s giants. Spending £124 million on wages, their squad is filled with high-caliber talent. Inter remain Italy’s most financially powerful club in this year’s competition, eager to add another European trophy.

9. Tottenham Hotspur FC – £127m

Tottenham Hotspur FC are climbing the financial ladder fast. £127 million is a massive statement from a club that aims to permanently join Europe’s elite. With a squad full of quality and a modern approach, Spurs are no longer outsiders.

8. Paris Saint-Germain FC – £149m

Paris Saint-Germain FC remain one of the richest clubs in the world, though their spending is slightly more controlled than in previous years. £149 million still secures them a squad stacked with superstars. After their first European triumph, PSG aim to prove they belong among football’s royalty.

7. Chelsea FC – £150.4m

Chelsea FC continue to spend at levels matched by only a handful of clubs globally. £150.4 million reflects their ongoing project of assembling a deep, talented squad. Despite ups and downs, Chelsea remain one of the competition’s financial heavyweights.

6. Liverpool FC – £155m

Liverpool FC are one of England’s most successful clubs and remain serious spenders. £155 million keeps their squad filled with elite talent capable of challenging for every major title. Their wage structure reflects both star power and sustained ambition.

5. Arsenal FC – £178.5m

Arsenal FC have surged financially in recent years to become one of Europe’s biggest spenders. £178.5 million demonstrates their clear intent to fight for Champions League glory. With a young, dynamic squad, they see themselves as long-term contenders.

4. FC Barcelona – £182.4m

FC Barcelona remain financial giants despite their well-documented economic challenges. Their £182.4 million wage bill underlines their commitment to keeping a star-studded squad. Barcelona aim to add another European trophy to their storied history.

3. Manchester City FC – £194.9m

Manchester City FC have built a squad that blends depth, quality, and global stardom. £194.9 million is the price of dominance, and City are expected to challenge for the title once again. Their financial muscle is a reflection of their modern footballing empire.

2. FC Bayern Munich – £201.7m

FC Bayern Munich lead Germany in both sporting and financial terms. With £201.7 million spent on wages, they remain one of the most powerful clubs in world football. Bayern’s squad is stacked with international stars, and anything less than a deep run would be considered a failure.

1. Real Madrid CF – £247.6m

At the very top stands Real Madrid CF, Europe’s ultimate footballing superpower. Their staggering £247.6 million wage bill is a reflection of their star-filled squad, boasting some of the game’s biggest names. As perennial favorites for the trophy, Real Madrid combine footballing tradition, global appeal, and financial dominance like no other club.