Serie A’s Highest Earners – The Top 13 Contracts in Italy
In the ever-shifting world of Serie A, financial power is just as crucial as tactical brilliance. Clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli, Roma, and AC Milan not only compete on the pitch but also in the boardroom, constructing wage structures that secure stars and safeguard assets. Examining contracts reveals far more than just numbers – it provides insight into how clubs build their identities, manage risk, and ensure that the biggest names in calcio remain under their control.
The following list showcases the 13 best-paid players in Serie A for the 2025-26 season, moving from the lowest figure in the top bracket to the very summit. Each case tells a different story, reflecting age, reputation, marketability, and tactical value. The figures are staggering, but they also highlight the lengths clubs will go to in order to compete in both domestic and European competitions.
13. Manuel Akanji
Manuel Akanji, the Swiss centre-back now representing Inter Milan, has secured a lucrative deal that reflects his international pedigree and steady performances. At 30 years of age, Akanji signed his current contract on September 1, 2025, with an expiration date of June 30, 2026, leaving him just one year remaining on this particular deal. His weekly gross salary stands at €178,077, translating into an annual base of €9.26 million, while his estimated bonus adds another €2.31 million to his potential earnings. That leaves his gross remaining salary value for this term at €9.26 million, marking him as one of Serie A’s most reliable earners in his position.
Inter brought Akanji in for his defensive solidity and versatility, as he is capable of operating across the backline. His Swiss national team pedigree, with appearances at World Cups and European Championships, means he brings leadership and international know-how into a squad already rich with defensive options. Akanji’s contract, though shorter than many others on this list, highlights Inter’s strategy of securing experienced players on high wages but with limited long-term risk. For a player entering the later years of his career, such a deal ensures both stability for the club and financial reward for the player.
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12. Bremer
The Brazilian centre-back Bremer, who plies his trade with Juventus, has become one of the cornerstones of their defensive unit. At 28 years old, he is entering the prime of his career, and Juventus moved quickly to lock him down with a contract signed on August 5, 2024, expiring on June 30, 2029. With four years remaining, the Bianconeri have ensured they retain control over one of their most valuable defensive assets. Bremer earns €178,077 per week, identical to Akanji, resulting in an annual gross of €9.26 million. His estimated bonus package is €1.85 million per year, while his gross remaining salary stands at €37.04 million.
Juventus’ decision to secure Bremer on such terms is part of their long-standing tradition of building from the back. Brazilian defenders have historically thrived in Serie A, and Bremer’s blend of physicality and tactical awareness makes him a natural fit. His contract reflects not only his current status but also the expectation that he will continue anchoring Juventus’ defense in the years to come. Long-term deals like this also protect the club against poaching from Europe’s elite, ensuring that if Bremer were to leave, it would only be for a significant fee.
11. Adrien Rabiot
French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, a figure who has divided opinions across his career, finds himself among Serie A’s top earners with AC Milan. At 30 years of age, Rabiot signed his current contract on September 1, 2025, set to expire on June 30, 2028, leaving three years on his deal. His salary amounts to €178,077 per week, equivalent to €9.26 million annually, with an estimated bonus of €2.31 million. Over the length of his contract, he is projected to earn a gross remaining total of €27.78 million.
Rabiot’s inclusion in AC Milan’s wage hierarchy illustrates how Italian clubs have shifted in recent years. Known for his elegant passing, physicality, and ability to cover multiple midfield roles, Rabiot has often been a polarizing figure, but Milan clearly believe in his qualities. At 30, he represents experience in midfield but still retains several years of top-level competition ahead of him. The financial package demonstrates Milan’s determination to build depth and leadership in their midfield, ensuring stability as they look to remain competitive in both Serie A and Europe.
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10. Rasmus Højlund
At just 22 years of age, Danish striker Rasmus Højlund is already one of Serie A’s highest-paid players, a testament to both his talent and the level of investment Napoli have placed in him. Signing his contract on September 1, 2025, Højlund is tied to the club until June 30, 2026, with only one year remaining. Despite the short length, the financial figures are striking – a weekly salary of €178,077, resulting in €9.26 million annually, and bonuses valued at €2.31 million. His gross remaining earnings for this contract amount to €9.26 million.
Napoli’s move for Højlund highlights their ambition to secure one of Europe’s brightest young forwards. Having already showcased his raw pace, power, and goal-scoring ability, Højlund represents the future of striking talent in Serie A. This contract may well serve as a bridge to an even bigger deal, either with Napoli or another European giant. For such a young player to command this salary illustrates the fierce competition for emerging talent and underlines Napoli’s determination not to be left behind in the transfer market.
9. Christopher Nkunku
French forward Christopher Nkunku, currently with AC Milan, sits firmly among Serie A’s elite earners. At 27 years of age, Nkunku signed his contract on August 30, 2025, with an expiration date of June 30, 2030, meaning he has a lengthy five years remaining. His weekly wage is €178,077, resulting in an annual base salary of €9.26 million, while bonuses add €2.31 million per year. Over the full duration, his gross remaining total is valued at an impressive €46.30 million.
Nkunku’s deal reflects Milan’s desire to secure a versatile and creative forward who can operate across multiple attacking roles. Known for his dribbling, vision, and ability to score from midfield positions, Nkunku is a dynamic presence that adds depth and unpredictability to the Rossoneri attack. The long-term nature of his deal shows Milan’s commitment to him as a central piece of their project. The combination of age, skill, and marketability makes this contract one of the most logical investments in Serie A today.
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8. Alessandro Bastoni
Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, one of Italy’s brightest defensive talents, has been rewarded with a significant contract reflecting his growing influence. At 26 years old, Bastoni signed on July 5, 2023, with the deal running until June 30, 2028, giving him three years remaining. His weekly gross is €195,962, leading to an annual base salary of €10.19 million, with bonuses adding €1.85 million. His gross remaining contract value is €30.57 million.
Bastoni’s presence in Inter’s wage structure shows just how highly he is valued. Tall, composed, and technically gifted, he embodies the modern Italian centre-back. His ability to play in both traditional and progressive defensive systems makes him indispensable for both club and country. The figures may not reach the astronomical levels of the very top, but they reflect his role as a foundation piece in Inter’s future. Bastoni’s contract ensures that he remains a pillar in defense as Inter seek domestic dominance and European success.
7. Hakan Çalhanoğlu
Turkish midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu, also of Inter Milan, has established himself as one of the most creative midfielders in Serie A. At 31, he signed his current contract on July 5, 2023, running until June 30, 2026, leaving two years remaining. His weekly wage mirrors others at €213,654, which equates to €11.11 million annually, with an estimated bonus of €930,000. The gross remaining value of his contract is €22.22 million.
Çalhanoğlu’s deal reflects Inter’s recognition of his ability to control tempo, deliver set pieces, and contribute goals from midfield. Despite being in his thirties, his technical ability ensures he remains invaluable. Inter’s choice to structure his contract over a shorter period provides both flexibility and reward, ensuring they benefit from his prime years without committing excessively to the long term. For a player of his skill, the wages reflect both consistency and a proven track record in Serie A.
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6. Jonathan David
Canadian striker Jonathan David, representing Juventus, stands out as one of the few North American stars in Serie A’s top wage bracket. At 25 years of age, David signed his deal on July 4, 2025, lasting until June 30, 2030, giving him a full five years remaining. His gross weekly salary is €213,654, resulting in €11.11 million annually, alongside bonuses of €3.7 million per year. With such length, his gross remaining contract value is a massive €55.55 million.
David’s inclusion is symbolic of Serie A’s growing international reach. A consistent goal-scorer with Lille before moving to Italy, David has brought pace, finishing, and marketability to Juventus. The long-term financial commitment reflects not only his current ability but also Juventus’ strategy of betting on his development into one of Europe’s top strikers. His deal also ensures that Juventus remain competitive in attracting non-European talents, diversifying their squad with global stars.
5. Kevin De Bruyne
Belgian maestro Kevin De Bruyne, now with Napoli, is among the most technically gifted players in world football, and his salary reflects that status. At 34 years of age, De Bruyne signed his contract on July 1, 2025, with an expiration date of June 30, 2027, leaving two years remaining. His weekly wage is €213,654, leading to an annual base salary of €11.11 million. His estimated bonus package is €2.78 million, while his gross remaining value is €22.22 million.
Napoli’s decision to bring in De Bruyne highlights their ambition to blend experience with talent. Even at 34, his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate games make him a valuable asset. The short-term contract length reflects his age, but the financial package acknowledges his pedigree. For Napoli, this signing adds not only on-field brilliance but also global recognition, making it one of the most high-profile deals in Serie A.
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4. Nicolò Barella
Italian midfielder Nicolò Barella, playing for Inter Milan, has secured a contract that emphasizes both his talent and the club’s commitment to building around him. At 28 years of age, Barella signed his deal on June 11, 2024, running until June 30, 2029, leaving four years remaining. His weekly salary is €231,538, which totals €12.04 million annually, with an additional €930,000 in bonuses. His gross remaining value is €48.16 million.
Barella’s contract underlines his role as one of the most important Italian players of his generation. Energetic, technically sharp, and a leader in midfield, he is considered indispensable for both Inter and the Italian national team. The long-term structure of his deal ensures that Inter can continue building their project around him, and the wages reflect his dual status as a domestic star and a European-level performer. Few deals in Serie A embody stability and ambition as clearly as Barella’s.
3. Paulo Dybala
Argentine forward Paulo Dybala, currently at Roma, has been a familiar name in Serie A for over a decade. At 31 years old, he signed his deal on January 17, 2025, which runs until June 30, 2026, leaving only one year remaining. His weekly wage is €249,231, resulting in €12.96 million annually, with bonuses of €1.85 million. Interestingly, his release clause is set at €12 million, making him the only player in this group with such a relatively low exit option. His gross remaining value equals €12.96 million.
Dybala’s situation is unique. His wages reflect his star power and technical flair, but the short-term deal and low release clause indicate uncertainty about his long-term role at Roma. At 31, he remains a match-winner but also represents a risk in terms of injuries. Nevertheless, his salary package acknowledges both his historical contributions to Serie A and his continuing marketability. Roma’s decision allows flexibility, ensuring they benefit from his talent while retaining an escape clause should circumstances change.
2. Lautaro Martínez
Inter Milan’s Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez stands as one of the pillars of the Nerazzurri project. At 28 years old, Martínez signed his contract on August 12, 2024, which runs until June 30, 2029, leaving four years on his deal. His weekly gross wage is €320,577, equivalent to €16.67 million annually, with bonuses of €3.7 million per year. His gross remaining value is €66.68 million, an immense commitment reflecting his centrality to the team.
Martínez’s contract positions him not only as Inter’s talisman but also as one of the most marketable players in Serie A. His leadership, finishing, and consistency make him invaluable. Inter’s willingness to commit such figures highlights both their financial ambition and their intent to remain competitive against Europe’s elite. For a player in his prime, this package is entirely justified, and it secures Martínez as the face of Inter Milan for years to come.
1. Dušan Vlahović
At the very top of Serie A’s wage structure stands Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović of Juventus. At 25 years of age, he signed his contract on January 28, 2022, with an expiration of June 30, 2026, leaving one year remaining. His weekly gross stands at €427,308, resulting in a staggering annual salary of €22.22 million. Bonuses add another €5.56 million to the total. His gross remaining value for this contract is €22.22 million.
Vlahović’s contract illustrates Juventus’ determination to keep hold of one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. Despite having only a year left, his wages place him firmly at the top of the league. The decision to offer such a salary at a relatively young age shows Juventus’ belief in his potential to become one of the defining strikers of his generation. Whether he extends beyond 2026 or moves elsewhere will be one of the defining stories of Serie A’s transfer market in the coming years.
