Football

The 19 Highest-Paid German Footballers – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

Germany continues to produce some of the world’s most talented and marketable footballers, many of whom play for Europe’s biggest clubs. From seasoned legends like Manuel Neuer to emerging stars like Jamal Musiala, these players are not only vital on the pitch but also command impressive salaries.

Below, we count down the 19 highest-paid German players in 2025, ranked by their weekly and annual wages. The list includes household names in the Bundesliga, Premier League, and La Liga—each one a key figure in their respective teams.

19. Lukas Klostermann – £107,112 per week / £5,569,845 per year

Lukas Klostermann
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

The versatile RB Leipzig defender remains a consistent presence in the Bundesliga. While not the flashiest name, Klostermann’s defensive reliability and tactical discipline earn him a solid wage.

18. Julian Brandt – £113,604 per week / £5,907,411 per year

Julian Brandt
Photo: Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

Brandt has become a key creative force for Borussia Dortmund, often operating between the lines. His technical skill and vision continue to justify his place among Germany’s elite earners.

Read also: The 100 Best Football Players of the 21st Century – Ranked

17. David Raum – £122,530 per week / £6,371,565 per year

David Raum
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Known for his energetic runs and pinpoint crosses from the left flank, Raum has established himself at RB Leipzig. His upward trajectory has been matched by a strong salary package.

16. Matthias Ginter – £122,530 per week / £6,371,565 per year

Matthias Ginter
sbonsi / Shutterstock.com

Now a pillar in SC Freiburg’s defense, Ginter’s experience and leadership make him one of the Bundesliga’s most respected center-backs. His steady performances are reflected in his earnings.

15. Benjamin Henrichs – £122,530 per week / £6,371,565 per year

Benjamin Henrichs
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Capable of playing both full-back positions, Henrichs has found consistency with Leipzig. His versatility and national team appearances contribute to his current pay bracket.

14. Bernd Leno – £130,000 per week / £6,760,000 per year

Bernd Leno
Granada, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fulham’s No. 1 has quietly excelled in the Premier League, regaining top form after his Arsenal spell. His salary reflects both his experience and his importance to the London club.

Read also: Hit or Miss? The Truth About Every €100m+ Football Transfer

13. Emre Can – £129,833 per week / £6,751,327 per year

Emre Can
Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Now captaining Dortmund, Can brings grit, power, and leadership to the midfield. His adaptability across positions continues to make him a valuable asset with a competitive salary.

12. Niklas Süle – £162,292 per week / £8,439,159 per year

Niklas Süle
Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Süle remains a towering presence in Dortmund’s backline, combining strength with technical skill. His experience at both Bayern and BVB contributes to his high-level compensation.

11. Timo Werner – £165,000 per week / £8,580,000 per year

Timo Werner
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

After a rollercoaster stint in England, Werner returned to the Bundesliga aiming to regain his goal-scoring touch. His salary still reflects the high expectations attached to his name.

10. Leon Goretzka – £210,979 per week / £10,970,906 per year

Leon Goretzka
Federico Guerra Moran / Shutterstock.com

Powerful and athletic, Goretzka continues to drive Bayern’s midfield. While sometimes overshadowed by others, his physicality and box-to-box work rate are highly valued in Munich.

Read also: Ranking the 20 Richest Premier League Club Owners

9. Ilkay Gündoğan – £230,000 per week / £11,960,000 per year

Ilkay Gundogan
Oleksandr Osipov / Shutterstock.com

Now bringing leadership and class to Barcelona’s midfield, Gündoğan remains one of the most elegant German midfielders of his generation. His wage speaks to his sustained excellence.

8. Antonio Rüdiger – £236,621 per week / £12,304,293 per year

Antonio Rüdiger
Raffaele Conti 88 / Shutterstock.com

A defensive rock at Real Madrid, Rüdiger’s tenacity and strength have made him indispensable. His move from Chelsea to the Spanish capital significantly boosted his paycheck.

7. Thomas Müller – £243,437 per week / £12,658,738 per year

Thomas Müller
Vlad1988 / Shutterstock.com

Bayern’s talisman for over a decade, Müller remains a fan favorite and creative force. Even as he approaches the twilight of his career, his value to the club is beyond debate.

6. Leroy Sané – £243,437 per week / £12,658,738 per year

Leroy Sané
Photo: Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Electrifying on his day, Sané provides pace, flair, and goals from the wing. Bayern continues to rely on his explosiveness in big games, and his salary reflects that star potential.

Read also: The 16 Longest Bans in Premier League History - Ranked

5. Kai Havertz – £280,000 per week / £14,560,000 per year

Kai Havertz
Photo: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

After his high-profile move to Arsenal, Havertz is carving out a new role in the Premier League. His wages remain among the highest for a German player, a testament to his talent and market value.

4. Jamal Musiala – £306,244 per week / £15,924,692 per year

Jamal Musiala celebrating a goal
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

At just 22, Musiala is already a centerpiece at Bayern and for Germany. His technical brilliance and fearless dribbling make him one of the brightest stars of the next generation.

3. Serge Gnabry – £306,244 per week / £15,924,692 per year

Serge Gnabry
Saolab Press / Shutterstock.com

A proven goal threat from wide areas, Gnabry has consistently delivered in both domestic and European competition. His contribution keeps him among the best-paid Germans.

2. Joshua Kimmich – £324,583 per week / £16,878,317 per year

Joshua Kimmich
Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Kimmich is the heartbeat of Bayern’s midfield, admired for his intelligence and leadership. His ability to control games makes him one of the most valuable—and highest-paid—players in the country.

Read also: The 50 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2025 – Ranked

1. Manuel Neuer – £340,812 per week / £17,722,233 per year

Manuel Neuer
Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Even in his late 30s, Neuer remains one of the world’s top goalkeepers. A Bayern and national team legend, his salary reflects both his legacy and enduring excellence between the posts.