Ranking the 100 Best-Paid Footballers Worldwide – Saudi League Not Included
In today’s global game, salaries have soared to record-breaking levels. From rising teenage stars to seasoned legends, footballers around the world are earning massive weekly paychecks that reflect their talent, influence, and commercial appeal.
This definitive Top 100 ranking reveals the highest-paid players in football, ordered strictly by annual salary. Whether it’s midfield maestros, clinical strikers, or world-class goalkeepers, each player on this list is making over £6.9 million per year, and many well beyond that.
We start at number 100 and count our way up to number 1 — where one striker sits alone at the summit, earning over £27 million per year. Let’s begin.
100. Raphaël Guerreiro – £134,041 / £6,970,121
A technically gifted left-sided player with great passing and tactical intelligence. Guerreiro has consistently contributed at the top level, reflected in his solid salary.
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99. Nordi Mukiele – £140,743 / £7,318,627
Known for his versatility across the backline, Mukiele brings strength and reliability. His flexibility makes him a valuable squad player with a competitive wage.
98. Dean Huijsen – £150,796 / £7,841,386
A rising young center-back with great composure and passing ability. Huijsen is already commanding top-flight wages for his age and potential.
97. Álvaro Carreras – £150,796 / £7,841,386
An emerging full-back with attacking instincts and defensive discipline. Carreras is earning elite-level pay despite still being in the early stages of his career.
96. Conor Gallagher – £150,796 / £7,841,386
A hard-working box-to-box midfielder praised for his energy and pressing. Gallagher's wage reflects his increasing importance in top-level setups.
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95. Andreas Christensen – £150,796 / £7,841,386
A calm and composed defender known for his intelligence on the ball. Christensen’s reliable style has earned him a secure place in the upper wage bracket.
94. Gregor Kobel – £150,796 / £7,841,386
A steady and athletic goalkeeper with great reflexes. Kobel has established himself as a dependable shot-stopper, which is well-rewarded financially.
93. Konrad Laimer – £150,796 / £7,841,386
An intense and versatile midfielder, Laimer is known for his relentless pressing and ability to play multiple roles in midfield and defense.
92. Serhou Guirassy – £150,796 / £7,841,386
A powerful striker who made headlines with his breakout scoring run. Guirassy’s strong finishing has pushed his value and wages to new heights.
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91. Iñigo Martínez – £151,801 / £7,893,662
An experienced and composed center-back. Martínez is rewarded for his leadership and consistent performances in high-pressure environments.
90. Randal Kolo Muani – £152,304 / £7,919,802
A fast and dynamic forward with a direct attacking style. Kolo Muani is seen as a future star, and his salary reflects the investment in his growth.
89. Gavi – £157,163 / £8,172,467
A teenage sensation in midfield known for his tenacity and tactical awareness. Gavi is among the highest-paid youngsters in the game today.
88. Nuno Mendes – £167,551 / £8,712,652
An explosive left-back with excellent recovery speed and attacking contribution. Mendes earns top-level wages for his age and impact.
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87. Niklas Süle – £167,551 / £8,712,652
A physically dominant center-back with years of Bundesliga experience. Süle is a proven performer and compensated accordingly.
86. Timo Werner – £167,551 / £8,712,652
A pacey forward with a mixed reputation but undeniable threat on the break. Werner’s current salary reflects past performance and remaining potential.
85. Dayot Upamecano – £167,551 / £8,712,652
A fast and aggressive defender, Upamecano is well-paid for his physicality and presence in high-level defensive units.
84. João Palhinha – £167,551 / £8,712,652
One of Europe’s best ball-winners in midfield. Palhinha’s reputation as a destroyer in the middle of the park has earned him a strong wage.
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83. Ferran Torres – £167,551 / £8,712,652
A versatile forward with the ability to contribute across the attacking line. Torres’s salary matches his technical ability and offensive instincts.
82. Daniel Carvajal – £174,588 / £9,078,583
A battle-hardened full-back with years of experience at the highest level. Carvajal remains one of the best-paid veterans on the flanks.
81. Dani Ceballos – £174,588 / £9,078,583
A technical and composed midfielder who offers depth and vision. Ceballos’s contract reflects his steady contribution and control in midfield.
80. Ferland Mendy – £174,588 / £9,078,583
A consistent left-back with excellent tactical awareness and defensive discipline. Mendy remains a trusted figure and is paid like it.
79. Vitinha – £182,631 / £9,496,790
A silky and intelligent midfielder with a great passing range. Vitinha is growing into a central figure and already commands a high salary.
78. Sébastien Haller – £184,306 / £9,583,917
A classic target man known for his aerial strength and hold-up play. Haller has earned respect—and a sizeable wage—through key performances.
77. Harry Maguire – £190,000 / £9,880,000
Despite facing criticism, Maguire remains a strong presence at the back. His experience and international profile secure him a top-level wage.
76. Heung-min Son – £190,000 / £9,880,000
An elite forward with deadly finishing and work ethic. Son's impact on and off the pitch is recognized through his top-tier pay.
75. William Saliba – £190,000 / £9,880,000
A calm and commanding center-back with superb anticipation. Saliba’s rise has been rewarded with a major salary leap.
74. Dani Olmo – £191,000 / £9,932,000
A creative midfielder with flair and movement. Olmo plays with intelligence and composure, which his contract clearly values.
73. Iñaki Williams – £191,000 / £9,932,000
Known for his durability and direct play, Williams has been a reliable attacking outlet for years. His wages reflect that longevity.
72. Warren Zaïre-Emery – £191,008 / £9,932,423
A gifted teenage midfielder already making waves at the top. Zaïre-Emery’s wage shows the club’s belief in his elite future.
71. Bukayo Saka – £195,000 / £10,140,000
An electrifying winger with technical brilliance and maturity. Saka is one of the youngest players with a top-30 salary in the world.
70. Matthijs de Ligt – £195,000 / £10,140,000
A powerful and intelligent center-back with experience in multiple top leagues. De Ligt is well-compensated for his consistency and leadership.
69. Florian Wirtz – £195,000 / £10,140,000
A phenomenal young playmaker known for vision and agility. Wirtz continues to rise, and his salary is already among the elite.
68. Christopher Nkunku – £200,000 / £10,400,000
A versatile attacker capable of scoring and creating. Nkunku’s technical quality and productivity make him one of the best-paid in his role.
67. Wesley Fofana – £200,000 / £10,400,000
A young and commanding central defender with top-level potential. Injuries haven’t stopped him from securing a big-money contract.
66. Hugo Ekitiké – £200,000 / £10,400,000
An explosive forward still developing his consistency. Ekitiké is already earning like a star of the future.
65. Josko Gvardiol – £200,000 / £10,400,000
One of the most promising defenders in world football. Gvardiol’s mix of composure and strength earns him a place high on the wage scale.
64. Viktor Gyökeres – £200,000 / £10,400,000
A powerful striker with an eye for goal and impressive hold-up play. Gyökeres’ move to a top club cemented his financial rise.
63. Jonathan Tah – £201,061 / £10,455,182
A strong and experienced defender who has consistently performed at the top. Tah’s reliability is well compensated.
62. Min-jae Kim – £201,061 / £10,455,182
A physically dominant center-back with excellent anticipation. Kim has quickly climbed the salary ranks after proving himself in top leagues.
61. Rodrygo – £209,439 / £10,900,814
A flair-filled forward with pace and control. Rodrygo’s consistency in key matches makes his top-earning status well deserved.
60. Ronald Araújo – £209,439 / £10,900,814
A physically imposing defender with aerial strength and leadership qualities. Araújo’s performances at the back have earned him a spot among the elite earners.
59. Aurélien Tchouaméni – £209,439 / £10,900,814
A composed holding midfielder with positional discipline and passing range. Tchouaméni’s intelligence and consistency are matched by his salary.
58. Pedri – £209,439 / £10,900,814
An elegant midfielder with technical brilliance and maturity far beyond his age. Pedri is already one of the best-paid playmakers in Europe.
57. Eduardo Camavinga – £209,439 / £10,900,814
A dynamic and tireless midfielder who can play multiple roles. Camavinga’s rising influence and versatility have landed him a major contract.
56. Gianluigi Donnarumma – £213,292 / £11,091,205
An elite goalkeeper with experience far beyond his years. Donnarumma’s reflexes and presence make him one of the world’s best-paid keepers.
55. Leon Goretzka – £217,816 / £11,336,447
A box-to-box midfielder with power and goal-scoring ability. Goretzka's athleticism and versatility earn him a standout salary.
54. Rodri – £220,000 / £11,440,000
A midfield anchor known for his control and game management. Rodri’s tactical importance is reflected in his top-bracket wage.
53. Lucas Hernández – £221,167 / £11,500,700
A reliable and experienced defender who can operate centrally or wide. Hernández’s consistency is rewarded with a sizable paycheck.
52. Achraf Hakimi – £221,167 / £11,500,700
A rapid, attacking full-back with flair and defensive work rate. Hakimi’s two-way impact has earned him one of the top salaries for a defender.
51. Marquinhos – £225,356 / £11,718,516
A calm and composed center-back with leadership experience. Marquinhos continues to earn at the highest level year after year.
50. Phil Foden – £225,000 / £11,700,000
A gifted playmaker with excellent balance and vision. Foden’s creativity and effectiveness justify his place among the top-paid attackers.
49. Michael Olise – £226,194 / £11,762,080
A creative attacker with elite dribbling and vision. Olise’s breakout form has translated into a strong financial package, reflecting his rising value.
48. Jules Koundé – £227,032 / £11,805,643
A quick and aggressive defender known for versatility and timing. Koundé’s growing stature is reflected in his contract and secure role at the back.
47. Ilkay Gündoğan – £230,000 / £11,960,000
A veteran midfielder with experience and clutch-scoring ability. Gündoğan’s leadership and output keep him in the upper salary tier.
46. Tijjani Reijnders – £230,000 / £11,960,000
A rising midfielder praised for his composure and passing ability. Reijnders is already making his mark, both on the pitch and on the payroll.
45. Luis Díaz – £234,571 / £12,197,712
An aggressive winger with pace and flair. Díaz’s ability to stretch defenses has made him a key player—and a highly paid one.
44. Marcus Rashford – £234,571 / £12,197,712
A powerful forward with a reputation for big moments. Rashford’s on-field presence and off-field status earn him one of the biggest salaries in the game.
43. Declan Rice – £240,000 / £12,480,000
A physically dominant midfielder with superb positioning. Rice’s consistency and leadership earn him one of England’s top wages.
42. Martin Ødegaard – £240,000 / £12,480,000
A clever attacking midfielder with vision and leadership. Ødegaard’s influence in midfield earns him a respected salary.
41. Marco Asensio – £243,787 / £12,676,908
A refined attacker known for long-range shooting and calm decision-making. Asensio remains one of the most well-compensated supporting forwards.
40. Antonio Rüdiger – £244,289 / £12,703,046
A strong and aggressive defender with top-level experience. Rüdiger’s commanding presence in defense is reflected in his lucrative contract.
39. Éder Militão – £244,289 / £12,703,046
A fast and disciplined center-back with superb tackling. Militão’s rise in the football world has led to a well-earned spot among the top earners.
38. Jadon Sancho – £250,000 / £13,000,000
A skillful winger with speed and flair. While inconsistent in form, Sancho remains one of the most highly paid English talents.
37. Mason Mount – £250,000 / £13,000,000
A hard-working midfielder with a mix of creativity and pressing energy. Mount has secured a major contract reflecting his big-club credentials.
36. John Stones – £250,000 / £13,000,000
A ball-playing center-back with elegant control and versatility. Stones’s defensive leadership is highly valued, as seen in his salary.
35. Reece James – £250,000 / £13,000,000
An attacking full-back with power, pace, and precise crossing. Despite injuries, James remains among the best-paid defenders in the game.
34. Gabriel Jesus – £265,000 / £13,780,000
A hard-working and mobile striker with a selfless style. Jesus combines creativity and pressing with an impressive pay grade.
33. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – £274,113 / £14,253,898
A dazzling dribbler who has lit up European football. Kvaratskhelia’s breakout seasons have secured him a spot in the highest wage tier.
32. Trent Alexander-Arnold – £279,308 / £14,523,990
One of the most creative defenders in world football. Alexander-Arnold’s unique passing range and attacking output are key to his top-tier wage.
31. Marc-André ter Stegen – £279,308 / £14,523,990
A world-class goalkeeper with elite shot-stopping ability. Ter Stegen’s consistency and leadership earn him one of the biggest keeper salaries.
30. Nico Williams – £279,308 / £14,523,990
A fast, dynamic winger known for his dribbling and movement. Williams’s growth has pushed him into the upper salary echelon.
29. Federico Valverde – £279,308 / £14,523,990
A high-energy midfielder with box-to-box quality. Valverde’s tactical intelligence and engine earn him elite compensation.
28. Lamine Yamal – £279,308 / £14,523,990
A generational young talent with pace and confidence. Yamal is already among the top earners despite his teenage years.
27. Raphinha – £279,308 / £14,523,990
A technical winger with flair and grit. Raphinha’s combination of work rate and creativity makes him one of the top-paid wide men.
26. Kingsley Coman – £284,837 / £14,811,508
A pacey winger with Champions League pedigree. Coman’s experience and big-game ability are reflected in his salary.
25. Omar Marmoush – £295,000 / £15,340,000
A powerful forward with good finishing instincts. Marmoush has recently secured a high-paying deal after proving his value.
24. Jack Grealish – £300,000 / £15,600,000
An elegant attacker known for dribbling and drawing fouls. Grealish’s flair and impact keep him in the elite earnings bracket.
23. Bruno Fernandes – £300,000 / £15,600,000
A creative and hard-working midfielder with strong leadership qualities. Fernandes’s productivity earns him a top salary.
22. Bernardo Silva – £300,000 / £15,600,000
A versatile midfielder who brings technical finesse and tactical brilliance. Silva’s intelligence and big-game reliability make him one of the best-paid in the world.
21. Ousmane Dembélé – £301,592 / £15,682,773
A lightning-fast winger known for dribbling and unpredictability. Despite injury setbacks, Dembélé remains a high-value asset with a massive salary.
20. Bruno Fernandes – £300,000 / £15,600,000
A creative and tireless midfielder who leads with intensity. Fernandes’s vision and goal contributions earn him one of football’s top salaries.
19. Bernardo Silva – £300,000 / £15,600,000
A silky and versatile midfielder with elite football IQ. Silva’s ability to control games across various roles is reflected in his hefty paycheck.
18. Ousmane Dembélé – £301,592 / £15,682,773
A winger with unmatched speed and two-footed dribbling. Dembélé’s explosive ability and attacking threat keep him among the best-paid wingers.
17. Serge Gnabry – £316,169 / £16,440,773
A direct and aggressive attacker with a nose for goal. Gnabry’s consistency in Europe has secured him a high-end salary.
16. Jamal Musiala – £316,169 / £16,440,773
A dazzling attacking midfielder with superb movement and composure. Musiala’s rise to stardom has come with a well-earned wage boost.
15. Frenkie de Jong – £318,347 / £16,554,039
A calm, press-resistant midfielder with superb passing. De Jong’s control in tight spaces has earned him elite status and pay.
14. Vinicius Junior – £318,347 / £16,554,039
An electric winger with world-class dribbling and pace. Vinicius’s constant attacking threat makes him one of the highest earners.
13. Raheem Sterling – £325,000 / £16,900,000
A seasoned forward with top-level experience and goals. Sterling’s impact over the years has earned him a spot among the global elite in earnings.
12. Joshua Kimmich – £335,102 / £17,425,303
A tactical genius who can operate in defense or midfield. Kimmich’s leadership and adaptability secure him a leading salary.
11. Jude Bellingham – £349,000 / £18,148,000
A complete midfielder with composure, power, and goals. Bellingham’s rise has been meteoric, and his salary reflects his world-class status.
10. Jan Oblak – £349,000 / £18,148,000
One of the world’s most consistent goalkeepers. Oblak’s reflexes and calm presence under pressure earn him a top-tier wage.
9. Robert Lewandowski – £349,000 / £18,148,453
A legendary striker with unmatched scoring instincts. Lewandowski’s legacy and output continue to justify one of the game’s biggest salaries.
8. Virgil van Dijk – £350,000 / £18,200,000
A towering defender known for composure and dominance. Van Dijk remains one of the highest-paid defensive players in the sport.
7. Casemiro – £350,000 / £18,200,000
A defensive midfielder with grit and trophy-winning pedigree. Casemiro’s experience and leadership are reflected in his massive earnings.
6. Dušan Vlahović – £372,298 / £19,359,512
A powerful striker with a natural eye for goal. Vlahović has emerged as one of Europe’s top finishers, and his salary now reflects that elite status.
5. David Alaba – £376,990 / £19,603,466
A versatile and elegant defender who brings calm and class. Alaba’s ability to perform across positions makes him a uniquely valuable asset.
4. Mohamed Salah – £400,000 / £20,800,000
A record-breaking winger with elite finishing and consistency. Salah’s output and global marketability earn him a place among football’s top earners.
3. Harry Kane – £418,877 / £21,781,629
An all-around striker known for goals and link-up play. Kane’s transition abroad only strengthened his financial value.
2. Kylian Mbappé – £523,597 / £27,227,036
A generational superstar with unmatched pace and finishing. Mbappé’s global stature is second to none, and so is his paycheck.
1. Erling Haaland – £525,000 / £27,300,000
A goal-scoring machine with physical dominance and cold finishing. Haaland tops the world with the highest weekly and annual salary in football.
