The 50 Highest Paid Bundesliga Players in 2025 (Excluding Bayern Munich) – Ranked

The Bundesliga is one of Europe’s most competitive leagues, not only in footballing quality but also in terms of wages. While Bayern Munich usually dominate financially, removing their players still leaves us with a fascinating ranking of the league’s top earners. Here are the 50 highest-paid stars from outside Bayern, starting at #50 and working up to #1.

50. Jesper Lindstrøm – Wolfsburg (£3.74m / £72k per week)

Lindstrøm is a technically gifted playmaker who thrives between the lines. His creativity and sharp dribbling make him a vital attacking spark for Wolfsburg.

49. Jonas Hofmann – Bayer Leverkusen (£3.74m / £72k per week)

Hofmann is a versatile winger with an excellent work ethic. He combines intelligent movement with a knack for goals, giving Leverkusen extra attacking depth.

48. Christoph Baumgartner – Leipzig (£3.74m / £72k per week)

Baumgartner adds energy and directness to Leipzig’s midfield. His intelligent runs and eye for space make him dangerous both as a scorer and creator.

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47. Ramy Bensebaini – Borussia Dortmund (£3.89m / £74k per week)

Bensebaini is a strong and disciplined left-back. His defensive experience and physical presence provide Dortmund with much-needed balance at the back.

46. Vincenzo Grifo – Freiburg (£3.91m / £75k per week)

Grifo is Freiburg’s set-piece specialist and chief creator. His consistency on the wing makes him one of the most dependable players in the Bundesliga.

45. Angelo Stiller – Stuttgart (£3.90m / £75k per week)

Stiller has grown into a reliable deep-lying playmaker. His ability to dictate tempo and spread the ball has been crucial for Stuttgart’s progress.

44. Deniz Undav – Stuttgart (£3.90m / £75k per week)

Undav has proven himself a clinical finisher after arriving from England. His pressing and relentless energy add an extra edge to Stuttgart’s attack.

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43. Yan Couto – Borussia Dortmund (£4.07m / £78k per week)

The Brazilian right-back is quick, adventurous, and fearless going forward. His attacking instincts give Dortmund an added dimension down the flank.

42. Rasmus Kristensen – Eintracht Frankfurt (£4.07m / £78k per week)

Kristensen offers strength and reliability at the back. His stamina and tactical discipline make him a solid option in Frankfurt’s defensive line.

41. Franck Honorat – Monchengladbach (£4.07m / £78k per week)

Honorat is a tricky winger with speed and determination. His crossing ability and creativity are central to Gladbach’s attacking play.

40. Nico Schlotterbeck – Borussia Dortmund (£4.07m / £78k per week)

Schlotterbeck is regarded as one of Germany’s best young defenders. Strong in the air and confident on the ball, he has a bright future at Dortmund.

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39. Maximilian Eggestein – Freiburg (£4.07m / £78k per week)

Eggestein has become a leader in Freiburg’s midfield. His composure and tidy passing make him a key figure in their controlled style of play.

38. Malik Tillman – Bayer Leverkusen (£4.07m / £78k per week)

Tillman is a versatile attacking player who brings creativity and vision. His flair makes him a potential game-changer in Leverkusen’s frontline.

37. Loïc Badé – Bayer Leverkusen (£4.07m / £78k per week)

Badé is a composed centre-back with strength in duels. His ability to play out from the back suits Alonso’s possession-oriented system.

36. Lovro Majer – Wolfsburg (£4.07m / £78k per week)

Majer is Wolfsburg’s creative hub, dictating play in midfield. His passing range and ability to unlock defenses make him vital to their attacking rhythm.

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35. Martin Terrier – Bayer Leverkusen (£4.07m / £78k per week)

Terrier is a versatile forward capable of scoring and assisting. His movement in the final third makes him a constant danger for defenders.

34. Mark Flekken – Bayer Leverkusen (£4.07m / £78k per week)

Flekken is a reliable goalkeeper with sharp reflexes. His presence has given Leverkusen confidence at the back.

33. Jobe Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund (£4.07m / £78k per week)

Jobe, the younger brother of Jude, is carving his own path in Germany. His flair and confidence on the ball mark him out as a player with huge potential.

32. Amadou Haidara – Leipzig (£4.23m / £81k per week)

Haidara’s tireless running and aggression make him ideal for Leipzig’s high-energy style. His box-to-box role ensures balance across the midfield.

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31. Jonathan Burkardt – Eintracht Frankfurt (£4.23m / £81k per week)

Burkardt is a lively striker with pace and directness. His fearless style of play makes him one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young forwards.

30. Julian Ryerson – Borussia Dortmund (£4.30m / £83k per week)

Ryerson is a versatile defender capable of playing across the backline. His consistency and commitment have made him a trusted option for Dortmund.

29. Karim Adeyemi – Borussia Dortmund (£4.30m / £83k per week)

Adeyemi is one of the fastest attackers in the league. His direct runs and explosive pace make him a nightmare for defenders.

28. Waldemar Anton – Borussia Dortmund (£4.30m / £83k per week)

Anton is an experienced defender who adds calmness to Leipzig’s backline. His leadership is vital in guiding younger teammates.

27. Castello Lukeba – Leipzig (£4.55m / £88k per week)

Lukeba has emerged as a composed and intelligent young defender. His anticipation and maturity have impressed since arriving in Germany.

26. Philipp Lienhart – Freiburg (£4.55m / £88k per week)

Lienhart is Freiburg’s defensive anchor. His strength in duels and consistent performances make him indispensable to the club.

25. Aleix García – Bayer Leverkusen (£4.55m / £88k per week)

García is a smart midfielder with excellent distribution. His tactical intelligence helps Leverkusen dictate games.

24. Maximilian Arnold – Wolfsburg (£4.47m / £86k per week)

Arnold is Wolfsburg’s captain and leader. His experience and set-piece quality give him an influential role both on and off the pitch.

23. Péter Gulácsi – Leipzig (£4.88m / £94k per week)

The veteran goalkeeper continues to be a model of consistency. His leadership and shot-stopping ability are crucial for Leipzig.

22. Pascal Groß – Borussia Dortmund (£4.88m / £94k per week)

Groß arrived with Premier League pedigree and immediately provided control in midfield. His passing and intelligence have made him a valuable asset for Dortmund.

21. Edmond Tapsoba – Bayer Leverkusen (£4.88m / £94k per week)

Tapsoba is a commanding centre-back with calmness under pressure. His ability to read the game makes him one of the best in the league.

20. Ritsu Doan – Eintracht Frankfurt (£4.88m / £94k per week)

Doan is a creative winger with flair and determination. His dribbling skills make him a constant attacking threat.

19. Willi Orban – Leipzig (£4.88m / £94k per week)

Orban is Leipzig’s defensive leader and captain. His strength in the air and organizational skills bring stability to the team.

18. Matthias Ginter – Freiburg (£4.88m / £94k per week)

Ginter’s experience at the highest level makes him invaluable for Freiburg. His composure and defensive intelligence ensure reliability.

17. Lukas Klostermann – Leipzig (£4.88m / £94k per week)

Klostermann combines pace with strong defensive positioning. His versatility across the defense is a major advantage for Leipzig.

16. Robin Koch – Eintracht Frankfurt (£4.88m / £94k per week)

Koch is a composed centre-back who adds experience and strength to Frankfurt’s defense. His presence has shored up their backline.

15. Exequiel Palacios – Bayer Leverkusen (£4.88m / £94k per week)

Palacios is a hard-working midfielder who excels at ball recovery. His distribution helps Leverkusen maintain control in midfield.

14. Felix Nmecha – Borussia Dortmund (£4.88m / £94k per week)

Nmecha offers athleticism and versatility in midfield. His presence allows Dortmund to rotate and maintain balance in key matches.

13. Carney Chukwuemeka – Borussia Dortmund (£5.17m / £99k per week)

Chukwuemeka is one of the league’s rising stars. His flair and technical quality make him a future key player for Dortmund.

12. Lucas Vázquez – Bayer Leverkusen (£5.69m / £109k per week)

Vázquez brings Champions League-winning experience to Leverkusen. His leadership and flexibility make him a vital member of the squad.

11. Julian Brandt – Borussia Dortmund (£6.03m / £116k per week)

Brandt is Dortmund’s creative heartbeat. His passing vision and knack for decisive moments ensure his high standing in the squad.

10. Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen (£6.18m / £119k per week)

Grimaldo has transformed Leverkusen’s left flank with his attacking prowess. His set-pieces and overlapping runs make him one of the best in his position.

9. Marcel Sabitzer – Borussia Dortmund (£6.47m / £125k per week)

Sabitzer provides leadership and toughness in midfield. His all-round qualities make him indispensable in Dortmund’s squad.

8. David Raum – Leipzig (£6.51m / £125k per week)

Raum is a dynamic left-back known for his pinpoint crosses. His constant attacking runs keep opponents under pressure.

7. Benjamin Henrichs – Leipzig (£6.51m / £125k per week)

Henrichs’ consistency across both full-back positions makes him a core player for Leipzig. His intelligence and adaptability give his team tactical flexibility.

6. Patrik Schick – Bayer Leverkusen (£6.51m / £125k per week)

Schick is a lethal striker with a proven scoring record. His finishing ability makes him one of Leverkusen’s most dangerous weapons.

5. Emre Can – Borussia Dortmund (£6.89m / £133k per week)

Can is Dortmund’s midfield general, offering both physicality and leadership. His experience brings balance to the team in big games.

4. Gregor Kobel – Borussia Dortmund (£7.81m / £150k per week)

Kobel is one of the top goalkeepers in Europe. His agility and commanding presence provide Dortmund with a secure last line of defense.

3. Serhou Guirassy – Borussia Dortmund (£8.13m / £156k per week)

Guirassy has exploded as one of the Bundesliga’s most prolific forwards. His clinical finishing has made him an essential part of Dortmund’s title push.

2. Timo Werner – Leipzig (£8.62m / £166k per week)

Werner’s pace and movement continue to trouble defenders across Germany. His ability to stretch backlines makes him one of Leipzig’s most valuable attackers.

1. Niklas Süle – Borussia Dortmund (£8.62m / £166k per week)

Süle stands tall as Dortmund’s defensive leader. His experience, strength, and consistency cement his place at the very top of this ranking.