Football

The 29 Highest-Paid Premier League Players Ahead of the 2025/26 Season

The Premier League is entering the 2025/26 season with even bigger stars, record-breaking deals, and jaw-dropping salaries. With broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and global fanbases pushing revenues higher than ever, England’s top clubs are investing heavily in their elite talent.

From rising young superstars to seasoned veterans, the financial hierarchy shows just how valuable these players are to their teams. Here’s the full breakdown of the 29 highest-paid Premier League players, starting from number 29 all the way up to the league’s top earner.

29. Xavi Simons – £195,000 per week / £10.14M per year

Xavi Simons
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

The young Dutch star continues to impress with his creativity and flair on the ball. At just 22, Xavi Simons has established himself as one of the league’s brightest attacking talents.

28. Cristian Romero – £195,000 per week / £10.14M per year

Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

The Argentine defender remains a cornerstone in defense, combining aggressive tackling with strong positioning. Romero's consistency has made him an invaluable asset at the back.

Read also: 20 Worst Premier League Signings of All Time

27. Bukayo Saka – £195,000 per week / £10.14M per year

Bukayo Saka
Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

One of England’s brightest stars, Saka continues to shine with his explosive pace and goal contributions. His new deal reflects his value as a vital player for both club and country.

26. Florian Wirtz – £195,000 per week / £10.14M per year

Florian Wirtz,
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

The German midfield sensation has seamlessly adapted to the Premier League. Wirtz’s technical ability and vision make him one of the most exciting young players to watch.

25. Matthijs de Ligt – £195,000 per week / £10.14M per year

Matthijs de Ligt
Orange Pictures / Shutterstock.com

De Ligt remains one of Europe’s top defenders, bringing leadership and composure to the backline. His experience at the highest level adds significant strength to his team’s defense.

24. Wesley Fofana – £200,000 per week / £10.4M per year

Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Despite previous injury struggles, Fofana has bounced back to reclaim his spot as one of the league’s most promising defenders. His pace and anticipation are crucial for his side’s backline.

Read also: Premier League Summer 2025/26: The Biggest Spenders Revealed

23. Hugo Ekitiké – £200,000 per week / £10.4M per year

Hugo Ekitike
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

The young French forward has become a rising star in the Premier League. Ekitiké’s combination of speed and clinical finishing makes him a dangerous attacking threat.

22. Josko Gvardiol – £200,000 per week / £10.4M per year

Joško Gvardiol
Photo: Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

Gvardiol has quickly cemented himself as one of the most reliable defenders in England. Known for his strength and passing ability, he’s becoming a dominant presence at the back.

21. Rúben Dias – £200,000 per week / £10.4M per year

Rúben Dias
Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

A rock in defense, the Portuguese international continues to deliver consistent top-level performances. His leadership and reading of the game make him one of the league’s finest center-backs.

20. Viktor Gyökeres – £200,000 per week / £10.4M per year

Viktor Gyökeres
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

The Swedish striker’s incredible rise has been remarkable, combining strength with a natural goal-scoring instinct. Gyökeres has quickly adapted to the pace and intensity of the Premier League.

Read also: The 11 Longest League Title Streaks in Football History

19. Rodri – £220,000 per week / £11.44M per year

Rodri
Photo: Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

Arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world, Rodri’s ability to control games is unmatched. His vision and calmness under pressure make him a vital part of his team’s success.

18. Phil Foden – £225,000 per week / £11.7M per year

Phil Foden
Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Foden continues to develop into one of England’s most gifted players. Known for his quick feet and creativity, he’s now a consistent game-changer at the highest level.

17. Ilkay Gündoğan – £230,000 per week / £11.96M per year

Ilkay Gundogan
Oleksandr Osipov / Shutterstock.com

The German midfielder brings composure, experience, and versatility to his side. Gündoğan’s intelligence and ability to control the tempo of matches make him a key player.

16. Tijjani Reijnders – £230,000 per week / £11.96M per year

Tijjani Reijnders
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

The Dutch midfielder’s move to the Premier League has paid off, as he continues to impress with his dynamism and technical quality. Reijnders adds energy and creativity to midfield play.

Read also: Top 10 NBA Power Forwards Right Now — Ranked

15. Declan Rice – £240,000 per week / £12.48M per year

Declan Rice
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Rice has solidified his reputation as one of the top defensive midfielders in Europe. His defensive work, leadership, and passing range make him an essential figure for his team.

14. Martin Ødegaard – £240,000 per week / £12.48M per year

Martin Ødegaard
Photo: Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com

The Norwegian playmaker is at the heart of his team’s attack, dictating play with precision and flair. Ødegaard’s vision and creativity have elevated him into world-class territory.

13. Jadon Sancho – £250,000 per week / £13M per year

Jadon Sancho
Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

After rediscovering his form, Sancho is once again becoming one of the league’s most exciting wingers. His dribbling and creativity make him a constant threat in the final third.

12. Reece James – £250,000 per week / £13M per year

Photo: Ettore Griffoni / Shutterstock.com

The English right-back combines defensive solidity with attacking threat. When fit, James is one of the most complete full-backs in world football.

Read also: Top 40 Footballers with Contracts Expiring in Summer 2026 – Ranked

11. John Stones – £250,000 per week / £13M per year

John Stones
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Known for his composure and ball-playing ability, Stones has become an integral part of his team’s defensive setup. His versatility allows him to shine both as a center-back and midfielder.

10. Gabriel Jesus – £265,000 per week / £13.78M per year

Gabriel Jesus
Photo: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

The Brazilian forward offers energy, pressing, and clinical finishing. Jesus’s experience at the top level continues to make him a valuable attacking weapon.

9. Kai Havertz – £280,000 per week / £14.56M per year

Kai Havertz
Photo: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

Havertz has elevated his game, providing creativity, goals, and tactical flexibility. The German star’s intelligent movement and finishing make him a crucial player.

8. Omar Marmoush – £295,000 per week / £15.34M per year

Omar Marmoush
Photo: Giannis Papanikos / Shutterstock.com

The Egyptian forward’s breakthrough season has been nothing short of sensational. Marmoush’s pace and technical skill have made him one of the league’s most dangerous attackers.

7. Bruno Fernandes – £300,000 per week / £15.6M per year

Bruno Fernandes
Photo: Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com

The Portuguese playmaker continues to lead by example with goals and assists. Fernandes’s influence on matches makes him one of the Premier League’s most important midfielders.

6. Bernardo Silva – £300,000 per week / £15.6M per year

Bernardo Silva
katatonia82 / Shutterstock.com

A creative genius, Silva’s dribbling and passing make him one of the most entertaining players in the league. His consistency at the highest level is remarkable.

5. Raheem Sterling – £325,000 per week / £16.9M per year

Raheem Sterling
kivnl / Shutterstock.com

Sterling’s pace, movement, and finishing continue to cause problems for defenses. As one of England’s top forwards, he remains a decisive figure in big matches.

4. Virgil van Dijk – £350,000 per week / £18.2M per year

Virgil Van Dijk
Photo: viewimage / Shutterstock.com

The Dutch defender remains one of the best center-backs in the world. His leadership, aerial dominance, and calmness under pressure make him an irreplaceable presence.

3. Casemiro – £350,000 per week / £18.2M per year

Casemiro
Photo: kreditering: MDI / Shutterstock.com

Casemiro’s world-class defensive skills and ability to control midfield battles make him indispensable. His experience continues to bring balance and stability to his team.

2. Mohamed Salah – £400,000 per week / £20.8M per year

Mohamed Salah
Photo: Edward Thomas Bishop / Shutterstock.com

The Egyptian King remains one of the league’s deadliest forwards. With his pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing, Salah continues to be a nightmare for defenders.

1. Erling Haaland – £525,000 per week / £27.3M per year

Erling Haaland
Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

The Norwegian superstar tops the list as the Premier League’s highest-paid player. Haaland’s incredible goal-scoring record and physical dominance make him one of football’s biggest global icons.

Rasmus Kristensen

Rasmus Kristensen is a passionate content creator for Lente Desportiva, covering football, Formula 1, and rugby. Although still new to the media world, he’s already making waves with his sharp insights and engaging storytelling. With a fresh voice and fearless approach, Rasmus is quickly becoming one to watch in the world of sports journalism.