The 25 highest-paid footballers in Europe’s top five leagues
Footballers across Europe’s elite leagues are earning staggering wages — with even those at the bottom of this list banking well over £250,000 per week. From seasoned veterans to emerging stars, here are the 25 highest-paid players in Europe, starting from number 25 and climbing to the top earner.
25. Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan (£276,395/week)
Inter’s talisman Lautaro Martinez has proven his worth with over 150 goals for the Nerazzurri. His contract runs until 2029, securing him a steady stream of nearly £14 million a year.
24. Alexander Isak – Liverpool (£280,000/week)
Since moving from Newcastle to Liverpool, Isak’s weekly wage has nearly doubled. With his clinical touch and goal record, the Swede is quickly becoming a central figure at Anfield.
23. Kai Havertz – Arsenal (£280,000/week)
Despite early doubts, Kai Havertz has grown into a key role at Arsenal. His hefty salary raised eyebrows initially, but his link-up play and versatility have justified the investment.
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22. Omar Marmoush – Manchester City (£295,000/week)
Marmoush impressed immediately after joining City from Frankfurt, netting seven goals in 16 appearances. His near-£300k wage reflects the club’s faith in his long-term potential.
21. Ousmane Dembele – Paris Saint-Germain (£298,447/week)
Despite winning the Ballon d’Or and leading PSG to a treble, Dembele doesn’t break the £300k threshold. A contract extension with a deserved raise seems inevitable for the electric winger.
20. Bernardo Silva – Manchester City (£300,000/week)
Silva’s intelligence and adaptability have made him a mainstay under Pep Guardiola. Though his influence is waning, he remains one of City’s best-paid stars heading into the final year of his deal.
19. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United (£300,000/week)
United’s skipper signed a big-money extension in 2024 under Erik ten Hag, shortly before the manager’s exit. His consistent performances have made the Portuguese midfielder worth every pound.
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18. Serge Gnabry – Bayern Munich (£312,872/week)
From being overlooked at West Brom to starring at Bayern, Gnabry’s journey is remarkable. Now earning over 15 times his early wage, he’s cemented his status among Germany’s elite attackers.
17. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich (£312,872/week)
Musiala has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Europe, replacing the ageing Thomas Müller seamlessly. His new long-term deal rewards his influence with a top-tier salary.
16. Frenkie de Jong – Barcelona (£315,027/week)
De Jong once topped this list, but a major pay cut has pushed him down the rankings. Still, he remains one of La Liga’s best-paid and most technically gifted midfielders.
15. Raheem Sterling – Chelsea (£325,000/week)
Sterling’s move to Chelsea came with a big contract, but not the expected impact. Once a Premier League standout, he now finds himself on the fringes of Maresca’s squad.
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14. Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich (£331,607/week)
Kimmich's tactical intelligence and versatility make him a vital asset for both club and country. Bayern want him to stay long-term, though Premier League interest continues to swirl.
13. Jan Oblak – Atletico Madrid (£345,369/week)
Oblak is the second-highest-paid goalkeeper in Europe and a decade-long stalwart for Atletico. Even as his form dips slightly, his salary reflects his legendary status in Madrid.
12. Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid (£345,369/week)
Vinicius is widely regarded as the best left winger in the world and paid accordingly. With interest growing from abroad, Real may soon have to offer an even better deal.
11. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid (£345,369/week)
Bellingham burst onto the scene at Madrid, scoring 23 goals in his debut season. Already a Ballon d’Or finalist, his current contract is unlikely to be his biggest in years to come.
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10. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona (£345,369/week)
Barcelona handed Lewandowski a lucrative deal when he joined in 2022. The veteran striker has rediscovered his form under Hansi Flick, making his wage feel like money well spent.
9. Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich (£348,188/week)
The highest-paid goalkeeper in Europe, Neuer’s wage reflects a decade of dominance. At 39, questions remain about his fitness, but his legacy is already firmly established.
8. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool (£350,000/week)
Van Dijk remains Liverpool’s defensive rock and one of the Premier League’s best. With his deal running until 2027, this is likely the final big contract of his storied career.
7. Casemiro – Manchester United (£350,000/week)
Brought in for his trophy-winning experience, Casemiro’s impact at United has declined. As the team shifts toward a pressing style under Amorim, his role may continue to shrink.
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6. Dusan Vlahovic – Juventus (£368,416/week)
Vlahovic is handsomely paid despite not fully meeting expectations in Serie A. Juve will hope his European form can carry over domestically as they rebuild for success.
5. David Alaba – Real Madrid (£373,058/week)
Alaba’s versatility earned him a blockbuster move to Real Madrid and a hefty wage. Though injuries have slowed him down, his value to the squad remains high.
4. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (£400,000/week)
Salah’s contract saga ended with one of the biggest deals in Premier League history. Still the club’s top scorer and a fan favourite, his influence shows no signs of fading.
3. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich (£414,509/week)
Kane made history in his debut Bundesliga season, becoming the league’s top scorer. Bayern’s investment is paying off handsomely, both on the pitch and on the scoreboard.
2. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid (£518,137/week)
Mbappe gave up a massive PSG wage to join his dream club, Real Madrid. While he’s still finding top form in Spain, his paycheck remains one of the most enviable in world football.
1. Erling Haaland – Manchester City (£525,000/week)
No player in Europe earns more than City’s unstoppable striker. Haaland’s goals have shattered records, and his long-term contract ensures he’ll continue to lead the line — and the wage table.
