Athletic Club Bilbao celebrating a trophy

Inside Athletic Club’s Payroll: The Biggest Earners at the Basque Giants

February 3, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Athletic Club Bilbao, known for its unique Basque-only player policy, has maintained a competitive squad while rewarding its top talents with substantial salaries. The club, deeply rooted in tradition, ensures that its key players are compensated well for their contributions. Below is a look at the highest-paid players at the club, starting from the fourteenth best-paid player and moving up to the top earner.

14. Álex Berenguer – €25,000 per week / €1,300,000 per year

Álex Berenguer has established himself as a crucial attacking option for Athletic Club. The winger, known for his versatility and creativity, can operate on both flanks and even as a second striker. His dribbling skills and eye for goal have made him a valuable asset to the team. Despite not being among the absolute top earners at the club, his contributions remain vital to the attacking structure.

13. Aitor Paredes – €25,000 per week / €1,300,000 per year

Aitor Paredes is a promising center-back who has been gradually earning more playing time with Athletic Club. His composure on the ball and solid defensive positioning make him a reliable option in the backline. While he still has room to grow, his salary reflects the club’s faith in his development. Paredes has the potential to become a defensive mainstay for the Basque side in the years to come.

Read the full article

12. Óscar de Marcos – €25,000 per week / €1,300,000 per year

A veteran leader in the squad, Óscar de Marcos has been with the club for over a decade. Known for his versatility, he has played in multiple positions, including right-back and midfield. His experience and leadership qualities make him a key figure both on and off the pitch. Despite being in the later stages of his career, his consistent performances continue to justify his salary.

11. Andoni Gorosabel – €32,692 per week / €1,700,000 per year

A relatively recent addition to Athletic Club, Andoni Gorosabel provides much-needed depth in the defensive department. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively as a full-back makes him an important squad player. While he may not be a household name, his work rate and defensive stability ensure he remains a valuable option for the team.

10. Álvaro Djaló – €36,154 per week / €1,880,000 per year

Álvaro Djaló is another exciting winger in the Athletic Club setup. His pace and dribbling ability allow him to create chances and stretch defenses. As he continues to develop, his salary reflects the club’s expectations of him. If he maintains his progress, he could become one of the team’s standout attacking players in the future.

9. Gorka Guruzeta – €40,000 per week / €2,080,000 per year

Gorka Guruzeta has stepped up as a reliable goal-scoring option for the team. The striker’s movement in the box and finishing ability make him a valuable presence in attack. Although he may not be the biggest star at the club, his contributions in front of goal have earned him a strong role in the squad. His salary highlights the importance of his goal-scoring abilities.

8. Mikel Vesga – €40,000 per week / €2,080,000 per year

A midfield anchor, Mikel Vesga is a crucial presence in the center of the pitch. His defensive awareness and ability to control the tempo of the game make him an essential player for the team. While not the flashiest midfielder, his consistency and discipline have earned him a respectable salary. Athletic Club relies on Vesga’s stability to maintain balance in midfield.

7. Yeray Álvarez – €46,154 per week / €2,400,000 per year

A rock at the heart of the defense, Yeray Álvarez is one of the team’s most dependable center-backs. His aggressive defensive style and excellent reading of the game make him a tough opponent for attackers. His salary reflects his importance to the club, as he is one of the leaders in the defensive unit. Having overcome personal challenges, including a battle with cancer, Yeray’s resilience has made him a fan favorite.

6. Oihan Sancet – €48,077 per week / €2,500,000 per year

One of the most exciting young midfielders at the club, Oihan Sancet has been making a name for himself with his technical ability and goal contributions. His attacking instincts and ability to link midfield and attack make him a crucial part of the squad. With his potential, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his salary increase in the coming years. Athletic Club sees him as a future leader in midfield.

5. Dani Vivian – €60,192 per week / €3,130,000 per year

Dani Vivian has grown into one of the club’s most trusted defenders. His aerial ability and strength make him a dominant presence at the back. Over the past seasons, he has developed into a key starter for the team. His salary reflects his growing influence within the squad as a reliable and commanding center-back.

4. Unai Simón – €82,308 per week / €4,280,000 per year

As Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper, Unai Simón is not only a crucial player for Athletic Club but also a key figure on the international stage. His shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure have earned him recognition across Europe. Given his status as a top-tier goalkeeper, his salary is well-deserved. Athletic Club will be keen to keep him for as long as possible, as goalkeepers of his caliber are hard to replace.

3. Yuri Berchiche – €82,308 per week / €4,280,000 per year

A dynamic left-back, Yuri Berchiche plays a vital role in both defense and attack. His aggressive style of play and ability to provide attacking width make him one of the best full-backs in La Liga. His experience and quality justify his high salary. Despite being in his 30s, he remains an important part of Athletic Club’s tactical setup.

2. Nico Williams – €200,385 per week / €10,420,000 per year

Nico Williams has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Spanish football. His blistering pace, dribbling skills, and ability to take on defenders make him a nightmare for opposition teams. His salary, among the highest at the club, reflects his rapid rise in importance. With several top European clubs monitoring him, Athletic Club has done well to secure his services with a lucrative contract.

1. Iñaki Williams – €219,231 per week / €11,400,000 per year

At the top of the salary chart is Iñaki Williams, the club’s star forward and longest-serving player. His incredible speed, work rate, and loyalty to Athletic Club have made him a legendary figure at the club. Despite receiving offers from bigger European clubs, he has remained committed to the team, making him a fan favorite. His salary is a testament to his years of dedication and contributions to the club’s success.