The 26 Highest-Paid Premier League Players for the 2025/26 Season – Ranked
The Premier League remains the wealthiest and most high-profile football league in the world—and that’s reflected in player salaries. As the 2025/26 season approaches, several stars are cashing in on new deals, legacy contracts, or marquee transfers.
From proven veterans to rising talents, this list highlights the 26 players earning the highest weekly wages in the league. Starting with No. 26 and counting down to the top earner, here’s how the biggest paychecks in English football stack up right now.
26. Matthijs de Ligt – £195,000 per week / £10,140,000 per year
The Dutch center-back commands a strong salary after joining the Premier League as a high-profile defensive reinforcement. Known for his strength and leadership, de Ligt brings top-level experience from Serie A and Bundesliga.
25. Christopher Nkunku – £195,000 per week / £10,140,000 per year
Nkunku’s technical flair and goal threat justify his significant weekly wage. Though injuries have disrupted parts of his Premier League stint, his impact when fit remains undeniable.
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24. Bukayo Saka – £195,000 per week / £10,140,000 per year
The England international continues to be one of the league’s most consistent wide players. His blend of creativity, intelligence, and work rate has earned him a well-deserved spot among the top earners.
23. Joško Gvardiol – £200,000 per week / £10,400,000 per year
Gvardiol is among the most promising defenders of his generation. His ball-playing ability and composure under pressure make him a vital asset in a possession-based system.
22. Thomas Partey – £200,000 per week / £10,400,000 per year
A rock in midfield when healthy, Partey’s experience and tactical awareness justify his earnings. His role as a deep-lying distributor and shield remains crucial.
21. Wesley Fofana – £200,000 per week / £10,400,000 per year
Fofana’s potential as a future defensive leader keeps him among the league’s better-paid defenders. Despite some injury setbacks, he remains highly rated.
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20. Rodri – £220,000 per week / £11,440,000 per year
Arguably the best defensive midfielder in the league, Rodri anchors the midfield with elegance and intelligence. His importance in dictating tempo makes him worth every penny.
19. Marcus Rashford – £225,000 per week / £11,700,000 per year
Rashford’s pace and eye for goal have made him a household name. While his form has fluctuated, his value to both club and brand is reflected in his salary.
18. Phil Foden – £225,000 per week / £11,700,000 per year
The academy product has matured into one of the most versatile attackers in England. With creativity, vision, and a growing goal tally, Foden’s wage mirrors his importance.
17. İlkay Gündoğan – £230,000 per week / £11,960,000 per year
A veteran with unmatched tactical acumen, Gündoğan remains a calming presence in midfield. His experience and leadership continue to carry weight.
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16. Declan Rice – £240,000 per week / £12,480,000 per year
Rice has justified his big-money move with consistent midfield dominance. His defensive grit and forward runs make him one of England’s best-rounded midfielders.
15. Martin Ødegaard – £240,000 per week / £12,480,000 per year
The Norwegian playmaker has blossomed into a true leader. His technical skills and ability to unlock defenses are central to his team’s attacking success.
14. John Stones – £250,000 per week / £13,000,000 per year
Stones has evolved into a modern hybrid defender-midfielder. Calm on the ball and intelligent off it, his salary reflects both experience and versatility.
13. Mason Mount – £250,000 per week / £13,000,000 per year
Mount's transition to a new club came with high expectations. His technical ability and work ethic have earned him a place among the league's top-paid midfielders.
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12. Reece James – £260,000 per week / £13,520,000 per year
When fit, James is one of the most complete full-backs in the world. Strong in attack and defense, his contract reflects both talent and leadership potential.
11. Gabriel Jesus – £265,000 per week / £13,780,000 per year
Jesus brings flair and pressing intensity to the front line. His ability to play multiple roles in attack boosts his value to any Premier League side.
10. Kai Havertz – £280,000 per week / £14,560,000 per year
Havertz’s mix of technical finesse and tactical fluidity continues to earn him high praise. While still divisive at times, his ceiling remains enormous.
9. Omar Marmoush – £295,000 per week / £15,340,000 per year
One of the surprise names on this list, Marmoush has capitalized on recent form and goal-scoring prowess. His rise in earnings reflects a growing impact on the pitch.
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8. Jack Grealish – £300,000 per week / £15,600,000 per year
Grealish’s big-money move is matched by a big salary. Known for his dribbling and ability to draw fouls, his influence in big matches has only grown.
7. Bernardo Silva – £300,000 per week / £15,600,000 per year
A magician in tight spaces, Silva's versatility makes him irreplaceable. Whether out wide or in midfield, his intelligence and work rate remain top-tier.
6. Bruno Fernandes – £300,000 per week / £15,600,000 per year
The Portuguese playmaker is the heartbeat of his team’s attacking rhythm. With assists, goals, and relentless pressing, his value is undisputed.
5. Virgil van Dijk – £350,000 per week / £18,200,000 per year
Van Dijk’s dominance in defense remains unmatched. As captain and anchor at the back, his leadership is as important as his physical presence.
4. Casemiro – £350,000 per week / £18,200,000 per year
The Brazilian enforcer offers steel, experience, and a winning mentality. His salary is reflective of a career decorated with trophies and influence.
3. Kevin De Bruyne – £400,000 per week / £20,800,000 per year
De Bruyne remains the Premier League’s most prolific playmaker. With unmatched passing vision and consistency, he is still a game-changer at the top level.
2. Mohamed Salah – £400,000 per week / £20,800,000 per year
Salah’s relentless goal-scoring has made him a modern Premier League legend. His commercial appeal and output make his wages more than justified.
1. Erling Haaland – £525,000 per week / £27,300,000 per year
Haaland tops the list, and rightly so. With record-breaking scoring stats and a global profile, he is the Premier League’s most valuable striker—both on the pitch and at the bank.
