Ranking the World’s Biggest Football Clubs by Payroll – From Lowest to Highest
Financial power plays a crucial role in modern football, and the gap between the highest-spending clubs and the rest of the world continues to grow. Some teams manage to compete at the top level despite having a significantly lower wage budget, while others rely on massive financial backing to attract and retain world-class talent.
We have analyzed the payrolls of clubs across the globe and ranked them from lowest to highest, revealing the biggest spenders in football today.
24. Everton – £1,393,500 per week / £72,462,000 per year
Everton continues to maintain a high wage bill despite ongoing struggles in the Premier League. With financial concerns looming, their investment in players remains significant as they aim to stay competitive and avoid slipping further down the table.
23. Roma – £1,428,118 per week / £74,262,148 per year
AS Roma’s payroll reflects their ambition to challenge Italy’s top clubs. With key players on substantial wages, the club is focused on securing Champions League football and competing for domestic trophies.
22. AC Milan – £1,572,740 per week / £81,782,466 per year
AC Milan has returned to the top of Italian football, but maintaining that success comes at a cost. Their wage bill is among the highest in Serie A as they continue to invest in experienced players and emerging talent.
21. RB Leipzig – £1,640,967 per week / £85,330,259 per year
RB Leipzig has built a strong squad with a focus on young, dynamic players, and their payroll reflects their rise in European football. They remain one of Germany’s biggest spenders as they push to challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title.
20. Juventus – £1,782,705 per week / £92,700,678 per year
Juventus continues to be one of Italy’s top spenders, even after financial restructuring. Their wage bill reflects their strategy of mixing high-profile stars with young talents as they look to reclaim the Serie A title and make an impact in Europe.
19. Newcastle United – £1,791,000 per week / £93,132,000 per year
Since their Saudi-backed takeover, Newcastle has seen a rapid rise in their wage bill. With major signings on big contracts, they are pushing to establish themselves among England’s elite and secure Champions League football consistently.
18. Borussia Dortmund – £1,818,260 per week / £94,549,531 per year
Dortmund’s wage bill continues to grow as they aim to balance developing young stars with retaining key players. They remain one of the highest-spending clubs in Germany, hoping to close the gap on Bayern Munich.
17. Tottenham Hotspur – £2,153,000 per week / £111,956,000 per year
Despite being known for their careful spending, Tottenham has significantly increased its wage bill in recent years. Their ambitions to challenge for major trophies have led to higher salaries for key players.
16. Atletico Madrid – £2,178,132 per week / £113,262,889 per year
Atletico Madrid remains a major force in La Liga, and their high payroll reflects their commitment to competing with Barcelona and Real Madrid. Diego Simeone’s squad includes some of the best-paid players in Spain.
15. Inter Milan – £2,253,566 per week / £117,185,449 per year
Inter Milan’s recent success in Serie A and European competitions has led to an increase in wages. With high-profile players and a competitive squad, they continue to be one of the biggest spenders in Italian football.
14. Aston Villa – £2,382,000 per week / £123,864,000 per year
Aston Villa’s high wage bill reflects their rapid rise in ambition. They have made significant investments in top-tier players as they push to establish themselves as a regular contender for European football.
13. Liverpool – £2,488,000 per week / £129,376,000 per year
Liverpool remains one of the biggest clubs in world football, and their wage bill supports a squad full of world-class talent. As they compete for domestic and European trophies, they continue to spend heavily to retain their best players.
12. Al Hilal – £2,739,802 per week / £142,469,724 per year
Al Hilal is one of the leading clubs in Saudi Arabia and a key player in the country’s football revolution. Their massive payroll reflects their aggressive recruitment strategy, bringing in high-profile international stars on lucrative contracts.
11. Al-Ahli – £3,041,218 per week / £158,143,311 per year
With financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s ambitious sports investment plan, Al-Ahli has built a squad filled with global stars. Their wages rank among the highest in football, showing their intent to compete at the highest level.
10. Al-Ittihad – £3,102,558 per week / £161,332,994 per year
Al-Ittihad has emerged as one of the biggest spenders in world football, offering record-breaking wages to attract top talent. Their payroll reflects their ambition to dominate the Saudi Pro League and compete internationally.
9. Chelsea – £3,112,500 per week / £161,850,000 per year
Chelsea remains one of the highest-spending clubs in Europe, with a wage bill that matches their ambitious transfer policy. Despite recent squad overhauls, their payroll continues to be among the biggest in the Premier League.
8. Barcelona – £3,226,199 per week / £167,762,326 per year
Barcelona’s financial struggles have not prevented them from maintaining one of the highest payrolls in football. With an emphasis on retaining key players and securing new talent, their wage bill remains one of the largest in Spain.
7. Manchester United – £3,296,500 per week / £171,418,000 per year
Manchester United continues to spend heavily on player salaries as they look to reclaim their status as England’s top club. Their wage bill is among the highest in world football, reflecting their commitment to competing for major trophies.
6. Arsenal – £3,320,500 per week / £172,666,000 per year
Arsenal has significantly increased its spending on wages as they push to establish themselves as Premier League title contenders again. Their payroll mirrors their ambitions, with key players earning top salaries.
5. PSG – £3,552,758 per week / £184,743,431 per year
Paris Saint-Germain has long been associated with financial dominance, and their wage bill remains enormous. With some of the world’s biggest stars in their squad, their payroll is among the highest in European football.
4. Manchester City – £4,301,000 per week / £223,652,000 per year
Manchester City’s payroll is a testament to their sustained dominance in English and European football. Their financial backing allows them to offer top wages to world-class players, ensuring continued success.
3. Real Madrid – £4,385,093 per week / £228,024,846 per year
Real Madrid continues to be a financial powerhouse, maintaining one of the largest payrolls in world football. Their ability to attract and retain elite talent has kept them at the top of European football for decades.
2. Bayern Munich – £4,420,007 per week / £229,840,384 per year
Bayern Munich remains Germany’s dominant club, reflected in their substantial wage bill. Their investment in top players ensures continued Bundesliga success and competitiveness in the Champions League.
1. Al Nassr – £5,742,742 per week / £298,622,603 per year
Al Nassr tops the global payroll rankings, leading Saudi Arabia’s football revolution with unprecedented spending. Their ability to offer enormous salaries has attracted some of the world’s biggest stars, reshaping the financial landscape of football.
