The Premier League is home to some of the best defenders in the world, and their salaries reflect their importance on the pitch. Here’s a countdown of the 25 highest-paid defenders in England’s top flight, starting from number 25.
25. Lucas Digne – £120,000 per week / £6,240,000 per year
The French left-back has been a consistent performer in the Premier League, offering defensive stability and attacking contributions from the flank.
24. Riccardo Calafiori – £120,000 per week / £6,240,000 per year
The Italian defender is a rising star known for his composure on the ball and ability to play in multiple positions across the backline.
23. Tosin Adarabioyo – £120,000 per week / £6,240,000 per year
A physically imposing center-back, Adarabioyo has been a solid presence in the Premier League, with excellent aerial ability and distribution skills.
22. Victor Lindelöf – £120,000 per week / £6,240,000 per year
The Swedish defender has been a reliable option for Manchester United, bringing composure and experience to their defensive setup.
21. Kieran Trippier – £120,000 per week / £6,240,000 per year
One of the best right-backs in the league, Trippier provides leadership, precise crossing, and defensive solidity for Newcastle United.
20. Lisandro Martínez – £120,000 per week / £6,240,000 per year
The Argentine center-back is known for his aggressive playing style, strong tackling, and ability to play out from the back.
19. Noussair Mazraoui – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
A versatile full-back, Mazraoui’s ability to contribute in attack and defense makes him a valuable asset to his team.
18. Oleksandr Zinchenko – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
The Ukrainian left-back brings technical quality and tactical intelligence, often operating as an inverted full-back for Arsenal.
17. Ben White – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
One of the most consistent defenders in the league, White can play as a center-back or right-back, offering versatility and defensive stability.
16. Luke Shaw – £150,000 per week / £7,800,000 per year
An experienced left-back for Manchester United, Shaw is known for his attacking runs and defensive reliability.
15. Nathan Aké – £160,000 per week / £8,320,000 per year
The Dutch defender has been a key player for Manchester City, excelling in multiple defensive roles with his pace and technical skills.
14. Andrew Robertson – £160,000 per week / £8,320,000 per year
One of the best left-backs in the world, Robertson is a crucial part of Liverpool’s success with his relentless energy and pinpoint crossing.
13. Cristian Romero – £165,000 per week / £8,580,000 per year
A tough and aggressive center-back, Romero brings South American grit to Tottenham’s defense, making him a formidable opponent.
12. Marc Cucurella – £175,000 per week / £9,100,000 per year
The Spanish full-back is known for his work rate and versatility, playing both as a left-back and a left-sided center-back.
11. Rúben Dias – £180,000 per week / £9,360,000 per year
A rock at the back for Manchester City, Dias is a leader in defense, bringing composure and tactical intelligence.
10. Manuel Akanji – £180,000 per week / £9,360,000 per year
The Swiss international has been a crucial part of Manchester City’s defense, excelling with his passing and positioning.
9. Trent Alexander-Arnold – £180,000 per week / £9,360,000 per year
One of the best attacking full-backs in football, Alexander-Arnold is a key playmaker for Liverpool with his crossing and passing range.
8. William Saliba – £190,000 per week / £9,880,000 per year
A young and dominant center-back, Saliba has been instrumental in Arsenal’s defensive improvement in recent seasons.
7. Harry Maguire – £190,000 per week / £9,880,000 per year
Despite criticism, Maguire remains one of the highest-paid defenders, offering aerial strength and leadership at Manchester United.
6. Matthijs de Ligt – £195,000 per week / £10,140,000 per year
The Dutch center-back is a composed and technically gifted defender, excelling in aerial duels and passing.
5. Wesley Fofana – £200,000 per week / £10,400,000 per year
A promising young center-back, Fofana has shown immense potential despite injuries, commanding a high salary at Chelsea.
4. Josko Gvardiol – £200,000 per week / £10,400,000 per year
One of the best young defenders in the world, Gvardiol is a crucial part of Manchester City’s defense with his strength and ball-playing ability.
3. Virgil van Dijk – £220,000 per week / £11,440,000 per year
Liverpool’s defensive leader, Van Dijk is regarded as one of the best center-backs of his generation due to his dominance in duels and composure.
2. Reece James – £250,000 per week / £13,000,000 per year
Chelsea’s captain and one of the best right-backs in the world, James is exceptional in both attack and defense when fit.
1. John Stones – £250,000 per week / £13,000,000 per year
The highest-paid defender in the Premier League, Stones has evolved into a versatile defensive playmaker under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
