The 14 highest-paid Serie A footballers for the 2025–2026 season – ranked from lowest to highest
Serie A remains a stage where footballing pedigree meets financial firepower. As clubs jostle for silverware and Champions League spots, their wage bills reveal who they’re betting on to deliver results. Below, we rank the 14 highest-paid players in Italy’s top division, from the more modest earners to those pulling in truly elite sums.
14. Piotr Zieliński
Polish midfielder Piotr Zieliński earns €8.83 million per season at Inter Milan. Though his role may be shifting with age, his experience and tactical intelligence still command a premium salary in one of Italy’s most competitive squads.
13. Álvaro Morata
Veteran forward Álvaro Morata brings La Liga pedigree to newly promoted Como, earning €8.33 million per year. Despite being registered as a reserve, his wage reflects both his name value and the club’s ambition in their top-flight return.
12. Rasmus Højlund
Napoli’s new Danish signing Rasmus Højlund is earning €9.26 million annually — a hefty sum for a 22-year-old. As a starter, he’s clearly central to the club’s plans, and his salary places him among the best-compensated forwards in the league.
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11. Bremer
Sharing the same annual salary as Højlund, Juventus centre-back Bremer anchors the Bianconeri's back line. A starter and key figure in the club’s defensive identity, his contract runs until 2029, ensuring long-term stability.
10. Christopher Nkunku
French playmaker Christopher Nkunku is earning big despite being listed as a reserve for AC Milan. His €9.26 million annual salary reflects his creative prowess and the club’s investment in flair, even if he's yet to lock down a starting spot.
9. Adrien Rabiot
Also at AC Milan, Adrien Rabiot is earning an identical €9.26 million. Unlike Nkunku, the French midfielder is a consistent starter, valued for his tactical discipline and physical presence in midfield.
8. Alessandro Bastoni
Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni is the highest-paid Italian in Serie A, taking home over €10 million per year. At 26, the centre-back has grown into a leadership role, and his contract shows the club’s commitment to its homegrown talent.
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7. Hakan Çalhanoğlu
Earning €11.11 million annually, Turkish midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu remains vital to Inter Milan’s engine room. Known for his vision, passing range, and dead-ball accuracy, he continues to be a tactical cornerstone for the Nerazzurri.
6. Jonathan David
Canadian striker Jonathan David has signed on with Juventus at the same €11.11 million salary. At 25, his potential is immense, and the club sees him as a long-term solution up front. His blend of speed and composure makes him one to watch.
5. Kevin De Bruyne
Napoli’s marquee signing for the season, Belgian maestro Kevin De Bruyne is pulling in a matching €11.11 million. Though 34, his vision and elite passing make him an instant upgrade in midfield, signalling Napoli’s intent to challenge on all fronts.
4. Nicolò Barella
One of the league’s most consistent performers, Inter Milan’s Nicolò Barella earns just over €12 million per year. The 28-year-old is at the peak of his powers and has cemented himself as one of Italy’s most complete midfielders.
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3. Paulo Dybala
Although listed as a reserve at Roma, Dybala still commands a €12.96 million salary. His technical brilliance and flair remain intact despite limited minutes, and his commercial value continues to make him a valuable asset to the club.
2. Lautaro Martínez
Inter Milan’s captain Lautaro Martínez earns a formidable €16.67 million annually. A regular starter and talismanic figure, the Argentine striker is in his prime and continues to deliver both goals and leadership at the highest level.
1. Dušan Vlahović
Topping the list is Juventus forward Dušan Vlahović, with a staggering annual salary of €22.22 million. The 25-year-old Serbian striker remains the cornerstone of the club’s attack, a powerful presence with a contract to match.
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