David Alaba, Roert Lewandowski, Antonio Rudiger

La Liga’s Highest-Paid Veterans – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

March 9, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Several players in La Liga continue to earn massive salaries well into their 30s, proving that experience and quality still come at a premium. While many clubs look to younger talents, these veterans remain key figures for their teams, commanding some of the highest wages in Spanish football.

We have taken a closer look at the best-paid players in La Liga aged 31 and over, ranking them from the lowest to the highest earners.

17. Nemanja Gudelj – £65,370 per week / £3,399,250 per year

At 33 years old, Nemanja Gudelj remains a key figure in Sevilla’s midfield. The Serbian international provides defensive stability and leadership, qualities that have made him a reliable presence for the Andalusian club. Despite being in his mid-30s, his ability to break up play and distribute the ball remains valuable.

Read the full article

16. Yuri Berchiche – £68,240 per week / £3,548,485 per year

The 34-year-old left-back continues to be an important piece for Athletic Club, bringing defensive solidity and attacking support down the flank. Despite his age, Berchiche’s work rate and tactical intelligence allow him to compete at a high level in La Liga.

15. Isco – £99,650 per week / £5,199,800 per year

At 32 years old, Isco has rediscovered his form with Real Betis after leaving Real Madrid. The Spanish playmaker still possesses his trademark flair, dribbling ability, and vision, making him one of La Liga’s most creative midfielders despite being well into his 30s.

14. Marc-André ter Stegen – £106,096 per week / £5,529,998 per year

The Barcelona goalkeeper is now 32 but remains one of the best shot-stoppers in world football. His reflexes, distribution, and leadership continue to make him indispensable for the Catalan club, proving that age has not slowed him down.

13. Koke – £106,096 per week / £5,529,998 per year

A one-club man, Koke has spent his entire career with Atlético Madrid and continues to be a key part of their midfield at 33. His passing, vision, and work ethic make him a crucial figure in Diego Simeone’s squad, as he leads by example on and off the pitch.

12. César Azpilicueta – £127,552 per week / £6,623,683 per year

At 35, Azpilicueta remains a highly respected and experienced defender. After a long and successful career at Chelsea, he returned to Spain to join Atlético Madrid, where his leadership and versatility allow him to contribute at right-back and center-back.

11. Axel Witsel – £132,813 per week / £6,906,281 per year

The Belgian veteran is now 36 but still plays an important role for Atlético Madrid. Once a deep-lying midfielder, Witsel has transitioned into a defensive role in recent seasons, using his experience and positional awareness to compensate for his declining pace.

10. Lucas Vázquez – £149,554 per week / £7,776,820 per year

At 33 years old, Vázquez continues to be a valuable squad player for Real Madrid. His versatility allows him to play as both a right-back and a winger, making him an important asset for the Spanish giants.

9. Iñigo Martínez – £149,554 per week / £7,776,820 per year

Inigo Martinez — Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Despite being 33, Martínez remains a solid defensive presence for Barcelona. Having joined from Athletic Club, the center-back brings experience, aerial dominance, and composure to the backline.

8. Luka Modric – £166,308 per week / £8,648,000 per year

At 39 years old, Modric is the oldest player on this list, yet he continues to defy expectations. The Croatian maestro remains a key part of Real Madrid’s midfield, dictating play with his intelligence, passing, and vision.

7. Daniel Carvajal – £166,308 per week / £8,648,000 per year

Photo: Raffaele Conti 88 / Shutterstock.com

The experienced right-back is still performing at a high level for Real Madrid at 33. Carvajal’s defensive reliability, crossing ability, and leadership make him an essential part of the squad as he continues to compete for major trophies.

6. Antoine Griezmann – £199,385 per week / £10,368,000 per year

At 33, Griezmann remains Atlético Madrid’s talisman, playing a crucial role in their attack. Having evolved into a more complete forward, he contributes with goals, creativity, and defensive work rate, proving he is still among La Liga’s best.

5. Antonio Rüdiger – £199,385 per week / £10,368,000 per year

The German defender has become one of Real Madrid’s most important players since arriving from Chelsea. At 32, Rüdiger continues to showcase his strength, aggression, and leadership at the heart of Madrid’s defense.

4. Thibaut Courtois – £239,154 per week / £12,435,981 per year

Despite facing injury setbacks in recent seasons, Courtois remains one of the world’s best goalkeepers at 32. His shot-stopping ability, composure, and aerial presence make him a key figure for Real Madrid’s title ambitions.

3. Jan Oblak – £332,112 per week / £17,320,098 per year

Now 32, Oblak has been Atlético Madrid’s No.1 for nearly a decade and remains one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Europe. His reliability and ability to make crucial saves ensure he remains a vital part of Diego Simeone’s team.

2. David Alaba – £358,739 per week / £18,634,800 per year

Photo: Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

The Austrian defender has been a leader in Real Madrid’s defense since joining from Bayern Munich. At 32, his versatility and composure allow him to play at center-back, left-back, and even in midfield when needed.

1. Robert Lewandowski – £531,412 per week / £27,633,414 per year

At 36, Lewandowski is the highest-paid veteran in La Liga and remains one of the deadliest strikers in the world. Despite his age, the Polish forward continues to score goals for Barcelona, proving that top-class strikers can thrive well into their mid-30s.