The Bundesliga is home to some of the world’s finest defenders, with clubs investing heavily to secure their backline. In this article, we rank the best-paid center-backs in Germany’s top league, starting from the lowest earner and working our way up to the highest-paid defender.

24. Denis Vavro – £30,885 per week / £1,606,500 per year

Slovakian defender Denis Vavro is a solid and physical presence in defense. His ability to win aerial duels and maintain defensive organization makes him a reliable asset for his team.

23. Marvin Friedrich – £32,692 per week / £1,700,000 per year

Marvin Friedrich has built a reputation as a consistent and dependable defender. His strong tackling and excellent positioning make him an important part of his club’s defense.

22. Leo Østigård – £36,462 per week / £1,921,000 per year

Norwegian center-back Leo Østigård is known for his aggressive defensive style and high intensity. His aerial ability and commitment to challenges make him a key figure in his team’s backline.

21. Robin Koch – £40,231 per week / £2,091,000 per year

Robin Koch has developed into a dependable Bundesliga center-back. His tactical awareness and ability to play out from the back have made him a sought-after defender.

20. Sebastian Bornauw – £46,000 per week / £2,397,000 per year

Belgian defender Sebastian Bornauw is recognized for his strong aerial presence and leadership qualities. A physical and determined center-back, he plays a crucial role in his team’s defense.

19. Dan-Axel Zagadou – £46,269 per week / £2,405,500 per year

Dan-Axel Zagadou has impressed with his strength, composure on the ball, and defensive awareness. His ability to anticipate attacks and make crucial interventions has been vital for his team.

18. Jonathan Tah – £46,269 per week / £2,405,500 per year

A mainstay in the Bundesliga for years, Jonathan Tah is one of Germany’s most experienced center-backs. His combination of strength, composure, and leadership has made him a reliable presence in defense.

17. Ozan Kabak – £51,490 per week / £2,677,500 per year

Turkish international Ozan Kabak has established himself as a strong and aggressive defender. His ability to win duels and read the game makes him a key asset for his club.

16. Mario Hermoso – £53,962 per week / £2,805,000 per year

Spanish center-back Mario Hermoso is known for his versatility, being capable of playing as both a center-back and left-back. His technical skills, passing ability, and defensive intelligence have earned him a respectable salary.

15. Nico Elvedi – £57,462 per week / £2,975,000 per year

Swiss defender Nico Elvedi has been a consistent performer in the Bundesliga for years. His excellent positioning and ability to read the game make him a key part of his team’s defensive setup.

14. Arthur Theate – £59,500 per week / £3,094,000 per year

Belgian center-back Arthur Theate has built a reputation as a strong and commanding defender. His ability to step out of the defense and contribute to build-up play has made him a valuable player.

13. Hiroki Ito – £61,308 per week / £3,213,000 per year

Japanese international Hiroki Ito is a composed and technically skilled center-back. His intelligence in reading the game and his ability to distribute the ball from the back have seen his stock rise in the Bundesliga.

12. Piero Hincapié – £61,308 per week / £3,213,000 per year

Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié is one of the most promising young center-backs in the league. His ability to play in multiple defensive roles, combined with his composure on the ball, has earned him a strong salary at just 22 years old.

11. Waldemar Anton – £64,231 per week / £3,366,000 per year

German center-back Waldemar Anton is a crucial part of his team’s defensive setup. His leadership, aerial ability, and consistency in performances make him one of the more valuable defenders in the Bundesliga.

10. Nico Schlotterbeck – £77,154 per week / £4,012,000 per year

Nico Schlotterbeck is one of the most highly-rated German defenders. His ability to combine physical strength with technical ability has made him a top player in the league.

9. Edmond Tapsoba – £81,231 per week / £4,250,000 per year

Burkina Faso international Edmond Tapsoba is one of the most composed ball-playing center-backs in the Bundesliga. His ability to break lines with his passing and his defensive awareness make him a highly valued player.

8. Eric Dier – £81,231 per week / £4,250,000 per year

English defender Eric Dier made the switch to the Bundesliga to bring experience and leadership to his team. His tactical understanding and ability to organize the defense justify his impressive wages.

7. Castello Lukeba – £81,231 per week / £4,250,000 per year

One of the most exciting young defenders in the Bundesliga, Castello Lukeba has already shown immense potential. His defensive positioning and calmness on the ball make him one of the league’s rising stars.

6. Lukas Klostermann – £107,885 per week / £5,610,000 per year

German international Lukas Klostermann has been a key player for both club and country. His pace and versatility allow him to play both as a center-back and right-back, making him an essential defensive asset.

5. Willi Orbán – £107,885 per week / £5,610,000 per year

Hungarian defender Willi Orbán is one of the most experienced and consistent center-backs in the Bundesliga. His leadership qualities and defensive stability make him one of the highest earners in the league.

4. Matthias Ginter – £123,413 per week / £6,417,500 per year

A Bundesliga veteran, Matthias Ginter has consistently performed at the highest level. His leadership and defensive skills have made him one of the best-paid German defenders.

3. Niklas Süle – £163,462 per week / £8,500,000 per year

Niklas Süle is a commanding presence in the Bundesliga. His strength, aerial ability, and experience make him one of the highest-paid defenders in Germany.

2. Dayot Upamecano – £163,462 per week / £8,500,000 per year

French international Dayot Upamecano is one of the most dominant center-backs in Europe. His combination of pace, strength, and ball-playing ability earns him a huge salary.

1. Min-jae Kim – £196,154 per week / £10,200,000 per year

The highest-paid center-back in the Bundesliga, Min-jae Kim is a defensive powerhouse. His commanding performances and leadership qualities justify his status as the league’s top earner.