The 21 Highest-Paid Bundesliga Veterans – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

February 13, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The Bundesliga remains one of Europe’s most competitive and financially stable leagues, attracting top talent from around the world. While younger stars often steal the spotlight with their potential and rising market value, veteran players over 30 continue to play a crucial role in shaping the league. Their years of experience, tactical intelligence, and leadership qualities make them invaluable assets to their respective teams. In this article, we take a closer look at the highest-paid Bundesliga players over the age of 30.

21. Leonardo Bittencourt – £39,231 per week / £2.125 million per year

Werder Bremen’s midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt, now 31, remains an important figure for the club. His versatility and leadership make him a key asset, and his salary reflects his continued value despite entering the later stages of his career.

20. Kevin Kampl – £39,231 per week / £2.125 million per year

RB Leipzig’s veteran midfielder Kevin Kampl, now 34, has been a consistent performer in the Bundesliga. With his experience and ability to control the tempo of the game, he continues to earn a respectable salary as one of the league’s older stars.

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19. Lukas Hrádecký – £45,192 per week / £2.21 million per year

Lukas Hradecky — Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Bayer Leverkusen’s captain and goalkeeper, Lukas Hrádecký, has reached 35 but remains a reliable presence between the posts. His leadership and reflexes have kept him among the Bundesliga’s most trusted goalkeepers.

18. Jonas Omlin – £52,500 per week / £2.55 million per year

Swiss goalkeeper Jonas Omlin, now 30, has been a steady performer for Borussia Mönchengladbach. His shot-stopping ability and composure make him a valuable asset in goal, securing him a strong salary at the start of his 30s.

17. Oliver Baumann – £60,231 per week / £2.975 million per year

Hoffenheim’s long-time goalkeeper, Oliver Baumann, has turned 34 but remains an ever-present figure for the club. His consistency and leadership have earned him a well-deserved spot among the best-paid veteran players.

16. Kevin Trapp – £60,231 per week / £2.975 million per year

Eintracht Frankfurt’s goalkeeper, Kevin Trapp, is still one of Germany’s most respected shot-stoppers at 34. His performances in both domestic and European competitions justify his high salary.

15. Mario Götze – £60,231 per week / £2.975 million per year

At 32, Mario Götze continues his career at Eintracht Frankfurt. The 2014 World Cup hero may not be at his peak anymore, but his technical ability and experience still make him a key playmaker.

14. Andrej Kramarić – £69,231 per week / £3.4 million per year

Hoffenheim’s striker Andrej Kramarić remains a clinical finisher at 33. His ability to score from various positions has helped him secure a lucrative salary as one of the league’s best veteran forwards.

13. Jonas Hofmann – £69,231 per week / £3.4 million per year

Bayer Leverkusen’s winger Jonas Hofmann has been a vital part of his team’s attack at 32. His creativity and work rate continue to make him an important player despite his age.

12. Granit Xhaka – £71,442 per week / £3.527 million per year

Swiss international Granit Xhaka, now 32, has brought leadership and stability to Bayer Leverkusen’s midfield. His aggressive style and passing range have cemented his status as a key figure.

11. Pascal Groß – £71,538 per week / £3.536 million per year

Pascal Gross — Photo: katatonia82 / Shutterstock.com

The 33-year-old German midfielder, now at Brighton before returning to the Bundesliga, continues to impress with his intelligence and passing. His salary reflects his importance in dictating play.

10. Alassane Pléa – £78,923 per week / £4.012 million per year

Alassane Plea — Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Borussia Mönchengladbach’s forward Alassane Pléa is still a reliable goal scorer at 32. His movement and finishing ability make him one of the club’s top earners.

9. Eric Dier – £85,385 per week / £4.25 million per year

Recently arriving in the Bundesliga, Eric Dier has brought his Premier League experience to Germany at 31. His versatility as both a defender and midfielder keeps him in demand.

8. Péter Gulácsi – £95,962 per week / £4.76 million per year

RB Leipzig’s experienced goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi, now 34, remains a crucial part of the team. His shot-stopping ability has helped Leipzig stay competitive at the highest level.

7. Willi Orbán – £110,769 per week / £5.61 million per year

RB Leipzig’s captain Willi Orbán, now 32, is still a defensive leader. His physicality and aerial dominance ensure that he remains one of the highest-paid defenders in the Bundesliga.

6. Matthias Ginter – £123,462 per week / £6.417 million per year

At 31, Matthias Ginter continues to be a solid defensive option for SC Freiburg. His experience and consistency have earned him one of the top salaries among Bundesliga defenders.

5. Raphaël Guerreiro – £130,769 per week / £6.8 million per year

Bayern Munich’s left-back Raphaël Guerreiro is a versatile player at 31, capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. His technical ability keeps him among the best-paid defenders.

4. Emre Can – £130,769 per week / £6.8 million per year

Borussia Dortmund’s captain, Emre Can, has turned 31 but remains a vital piece of their midfield. His leadership and defensive skills make him one of the club’s highest earners.

3. Thomas Müller – £277,885 per week / £14.45 million per year

Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller, now 35, continues to play an influential role for the club. Despite his age, his footballing intelligence and experience keep him among the Bundesliga’s elite.

2. Manuel Neuer – £343,269 per week / £17.85 million per year

At 38, Bayern Munich’s legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains one of the highest-paid players in Germany. His leadership and shot-stopping abilities ensure he is still irreplaceable.

1. Harry Kane – £408,654 per week / £21.25 million per year

Topping the list is Bayern Munich’s star striker Harry Kane, now 31. Since joining from Tottenham, Kane has continued to prove his worth with goals and leadership, making him the highest-paid player in the Bundesliga.