How Big Is the Difference? This Is How Much the Biggest Bundesliga Stars Were Paid 10 Years Ago
Bundesliga stars today earn astronomical salaries, with the highest-paid player, Harry Kane, making £21 million per year. But how much did the league’s biggest names earn a decade ago?
We take a look back at the 2015/16 season and rank 22 of the highest-paid Bundesliga players from lowest to highest.
22. Javi Martínez – £75,734 per week / £3,938,155 per year
Javi Martínez was a key figure in Bayern Munich’s midfield and defense, providing versatility and physical presence. His annual salary of nearly £4 million reflected his importance to the squad, despite injuries limiting his playing time.
21. Ricardo Rodríguez – £75,893 per week / £3,946,446 per year
The Swiss left-back was one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe during his time at VfL Wolfsburg. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and solid defensive skills earned him a lucrative contract in the Bundesliga.
20. Medhi Benatia – £75,893 per week / £3,946,446 per year
Signed as a defensive reinforcement, Benatia struggled with injuries but remained one of Bayern’s highest earners. His salary showcased the club’s investment in top-class center-backs.
19. André Schürrle – £75,893 per week / £3,946,446 per year
The German winger played a crucial role for Wolfsburg, with his pace and attacking instinct. His wages reflected his reputation, though he never fully reached his potential at club level.
18. Julian Draxler – £75,893 per week / £3,946,446 per year
A highly-rated playmaker, Draxler’s creativity and dribbling ability made him one of the most exciting players in Germany. His salary at Wolfsburg highlighted his status as a future star.
17. Douglas Costa – £75,893 per week / £3,946,446 per year
Costa’s pace and dribbling ability made him a nightmare for defenders at Bayern Munich. His salary was well-deserved, as he played a crucial role in providing width and creativity for the Bavarians.
16. Ilkay Gündogan – £82,271 per week / £4,278,080 per year
Gündogan was the heartbeat of Borussia Dortmund’s midfield, known for his vision and technical skills. His wages reflected his growing reputation before his eventual move to Manchester City.
15. David Alaba – £88,329 per week / £4,593,133 per year
Alaba’s versatility, playing as a left-back, center-back, and midfielder, made him invaluable to Bayern Munich. His ability to perform at the highest level in multiple positions justified his high salary.
14. Arjen Robben – £88,329 per week / £4,593,133 per year
A Bayern Munich legend, Robben was one of the most feared wingers in world football. His blistering pace, signature cut-ins, and clutch performances ensured he was among the Bundesliga’s best-paid players.
13. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar – £88,648 per week / £4,609,714 per year
The Dutch striker was a prolific goal scorer for Schalke, consistently delivering in front of goal. His impressive salary highlighted his importance as the club’s main attacking outlet.
12. Luiz Gustavo – £88,648 per week / £4,609,714 per year
A defensive midfield powerhouse, Gustavo provided Wolfsburg with stability and toughness in the center of the pitch. His wages highlighted his importance as a leader in the squad.
11. Thiago – £113,840 per week / £5,919,669 per year
Thiago was the brain of Bayern Munich’s midfield, controlling games with his technical mastery and vision. His high salary reflected his growing importance in the team’s tactical setup.
10. Robert Lewandowski – £113,840 per week / £5,919,669 per year
One of the deadliest strikers in world football, Lewandowski was Bayern Munich’s primary goal threat. His earnings mirrored his goal-scoring prowess and his status as one of Europe’s elite strikers.
9. Philipp Lahm – £126,117 per week / £6,558,065 per year
The Bayern captain and club legend was a model of consistency, intelligence, and leadership. His salary recognized his incredible career and contributions to both Bayern Munich and the German national team.
8. Manuel Neuer – £126,117 per week / £6,558,065 per year
The world’s best goalkeeper at the time, Neuer revolutionized the role with his sweeper-keeper style. His wages cemented his place as one of Bayern Munich’s most valuable players.
7. Xabi Alonso – £126,595 per week / £6,582,938 per year
The Spanish maestro brought elegance and control to Bayern’s midfield, dictating play with his pinpoint passing. His salary was a reflection of his world-class ability and experience.
6. Arturo Vidal – £149,395 per week / £7,768,530 per year
Vidal’s aggressive and combative style made him a crucial part of Bayern’s midfield. His big-money contract highlighted his value as a box-to-box powerhouse.
5. Jérôme Boateng – £151,308 per week / £7,868,020 per year
A dominant center-back for Bayern, Boateng’s strength, pace, and passing ability made him elite. His salary cemented his status as one of the Bundesliga’s top defenders.
4. Franck Ribéry – £151,308 per week / £7,868,020 per year
A Bayern legend, Ribéry was a key part of the club’s golden era with his dribbling and creativity. His wages reflected his years of service and continued excellence on the pitch.
3. Marco Reus – £157,367 per week / £8,183,072 per year
Despite battling injuries, Reus remained Dortmund’s talisman and one of Germany’s most gifted attackers. His salary highlighted his significance to both club and country.
2. Mario Götze – £157,526 per week / £8,191,363 per year
The World Cup-winning hero was still one of the most well-paid players in the league, despite his struggles. His contract reflected the high expectations that came with his talent.
1. Thomas Müller – £189,095 per week / £9,832,952 per year
Müller was the face of Bayern Munich, known for his intelligence, movement, and ability to score crucial goals. As the highest-paid player in the Bundesliga, his earnings highlighted his immense value to the club.
