The Highest-Paid Bundesliga Players: A 10-Year Salary Comparison – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
The Bundesliga has seen a major shift in player wages over the last decade, with salaries rising to new heights. In 2014/15, even the league’s top earners made significantly less than today’s highest-paid stars.
We’ve taken a closer look at the 2024/25 season, where Bayern Munich still dominates the wage rankings, and a few familiar names remain at the top. Here’s how the Bundesliga’s highest-paid players compare, ranked from lowest to highest.
The Highest-Paid Bundesliga Players in the 2014/15 Season
The Bundesliga has long been home to some of the world’s best players, and wages in the league have reflected its rising stature. In the 2014/15 season, the highest-paid stars earned significant salaries, though they pale in comparison to today’s figures.
25. Claudio Pizarro – £59,258 per week / £3,081,417 per year
A veteran striker for Bayern Munich, Pizarro was one of the most experienced players in the Bundesliga. His salary reflected his leadership and ability to contribute key goals despite limited playing time.
Read also: The 25 Best Strikers in World Football Right Now - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
24. Matija Nastasić – £63,422 per week / £3,297,949 per year
The young Serbian defender had joined Schalke from Manchester City, looking to revitalize his career. His wages showed the club’s belief in his potential to anchor their defense.
23. Dante – £65,985 per week / £3,431,199 per year
A crucial part of Bayern Munich’s defensive line, Dante was known for his composure and strong aerial presence. His salary reflected his role in the club’s domestic and international success.
22. Rafinha – £65,985 per week / £3,431,199 per year
The Brazilian full-back played an important role in Bayern Munich’s squad, offering defensive stability and attacking contributions. His wages were well-earned as he remained a reliable option under Pep Guardiola.
21. Jefferson Farfán – £66,145 per week / £3,439,527 per year
The Peruvian winger was a key figure for Schalke, bringing speed and creativity to their attack. His salary underlined his importance as one of the league’s best wide players.
Read also: The 10 Managers with most points per game in Champions League
20. Kevin De Bruyne – £66,145 per week / £3,439,527 per year
De Bruyne was a rising star at Wolfsburg, delivering sensational performances that would later earn him a record move to Manchester City. His wages at the time were modest compared to his future earnings in the Premier League.
19. Marco Reus – £72,071 per week / £3,747,669 per year
A fan favorite at Borussia Dortmund, Reus was one of Germany’s most talented attackers. His salary recognized his importance to the team, despite frequent injury setbacks.
18. Javi Martínez – £79,117 per week / £4,114,108 per year
The versatile Spaniard was a crucial player for Bayern Munich, capable of excelling in both midfield and defense. His salary reflected his tactical flexibility and big-game performances.
17. Jérôme Boateng – £79,117 per week / £4,114,108 per year
One of the best defenders in the league, Boateng was a dominant force in Bayern Munich’s backline. His wages were justified by his performances in both domestic and European competitions.
16. Ricardo Rodríguez – £79,438 per week / £4,130,764 per year
The Swiss left-back was a key player for Wolfsburg, known for his pinpoint crosses and set-piece ability. His earnings showcased his reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s top full-backs.
15. André Schürrle – £79,438 per week / £4,130,764 per year
Fresh off his World Cup-winning assist, Schürrle remained a highly rated attacker. His salary reflected his ability to deliver on big occasions for club and country.
14. Rafael van der Vaart – £86,004 per week / £4,472,218 per year
The Dutch playmaker returned to Hamburg, bringing leadership and experience to a struggling side. His wages were among the highest in the league for a player outside the top clubs.
13. Arjen Robben – £92,250 per week / £4,797,016 per year
One of the most electrifying wingers of his generation, Robben was instrumental to Bayern’s success. His salary was a testament to his match-winning abilities and consistency at the top level.
Read also: The 20 Best Goalkeepers in the World Right Now - Ranked
12. David Alaba – £92,250 per week / £4,797,016 per year
The Austrian defender was already one of the world’s best left-backs at just 22 years old. His wages reflected his rapid development and crucial role in Bayern’s dominance.
11. Luiz Gustavo – £92,571 per week / £4,813,673 per year
A key defensive midfielder for Wolfsburg, Gustavo provided steel and composure in the middle of the pitch. His earnings showed his value in stabilizing the team’s midfield.
10. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar – £92,571 per week / £4,813,673 per year
A natural goal scorer, Huntelaar remained Schalke’s most dangerous attacking threat. His salary was well-earned, given his consistent goal returns in the Bundesliga.
9. Thiago – £105,383 per week / £5,479,925 per year
The Spanish midfielder was a central piece in Bayern’s possession-based system. His technical ability and vision justified his high wages.
Read also: The Top Penalty Scorers in Europe’s Big Five Leagues This Season
8. Thomas Müller – £105,703 per week / £5,496,581 per year
A Bayern Munich icon, Müller’s unique playing style made him irreplaceable. His salary reflected his goal contributions and leadership in crucial moments.
7. Robert Lewandowski – £118,997 per week / £6,187,818 per year
Having joined Bayern Munich from Borussia Dortmund, Lewandowski was beginning his journey as one of the best strikers in the world. His wages were just the start of what would become a legendary career.
6. Philipp Lahm – £131,809 per week / £6,854,070 per year
The Bayern captain was one of the most intelligent and consistent players in football history. His earnings were a reflection of his leadership and technical excellence.
5. Bastian Schweinsteiger – £131,809 per week / £6,854,070 per year
A leader in midfield, Schweinsteiger was crucial to Bayern’s domestic and international success. His salary recognized his decade-long contributions to the club.
4. Manuel Neuer – £131,809 per week / £6,854,070 per year
The world’s best goalkeeper at the time, Neuer revolutionized the role with his sweeper-keeper style. His earnings solidified his status as a generational talent.
3. Xabi Alonso – £132,290 per week / £6,879,055 per year
The Spanish midfield maestro brought experience and world-class passing ability to Bayern Munich. His wages reflected his legendary status in world football.
2. Franck Ribéry – £158,235 per week / £8,228,216 per year
The French winger remained one of Bayern’s most dangerous attacking players. His salary was well-earned after years of consistently dazzling performances.
1. Mario Götze – £158,235 per week / £8,228,216 per year
After scoring the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, Götze was the highest-paid player in the Bundesliga. His wages were a testament to his talent and his reputation as Germany’s golden boy at the time.
The Highest-Paid Bundesliga Players in the 2024/25 Season
The Bundesliga continues to be one of Europe’s top leagues, with its biggest stars earning massive salaries. While Bayern Munich dominates the highest-paid rankings, other clubs have also invested heavily in top talent.
25. Marcel Sabitzer – £120,118 per week / £6,246,115 per year
Now playing for Borussia Dortmund, Sabitzer remains a key figure in midfield. His experience and versatility justify his place among the league’s top earners.
24. Benjamin Henrichs – £120,118 per week / £6,287,756 per year
Henrichs has established himself as a reliable full-back for RB Leipzig. His strong defensive play and ability to contribute offensively make him one of the best-paid defenders in Germany.
23. David Raum – £124,615 per week / £6,484,738 per year
A crucial part of RB Leipzig’s setup, Raum is among the Bundesliga’s best left-backs. His pace and crossing ability have made him indispensable for both club and country.
22. Matthias Ginter – £124,615 per week / £6,484,738 per year
The experienced defender remains a leader at SC Freiburg. His consistency and leadership ensure he earns a significant salary even outside Bayern and Dortmund.
21. Raphaël Guerreiro – £128,125 per week / £6,662,523 per year
After years at Dortmund, Guerreiro made the switch to Bayern Munich, where he continues to shine. His technical skill and ability to play multiple positions make him a valuable asset.
20. Emre Can – £128,125 per week / £6,662,523 per year
Can remains a physical and tactical presence in Borussia Dortmund’s midfield. His ability to play both in defense and midfield justifies his high earnings.
19. Nordi Mukiele – £134,532 per week / £6,995,649 per year
Returning to the Bundesliga, Mukiele has reinforced Bayer Leverkusen backline. His versatility as a right-back and center-back makes him one of the most reliable defensive players in the league.
18. Gregor Kobel – £144,141 per week / £7,495,328 per year
Dortmund’s No. 1 goalkeeper has been a standout performer. His excellent reflexes and shot-stopping ability place him among the best-paid goalkeepers in the league.
17. Konrad Laimer – £144,141 per week / £7,495,328 per year
A relentless midfield engine, Laimer has quickly become a vital part of Bayern Munich’s system. His work rate and pressing ability make him worth every penny.
16. Serhou Guirassy – £151,028 per week / £7,853,439 per year
Guirassy has been one of the Bundesliga’s most prolific strikers. His impressive goal tally has earned him a contract that reflects his importance to Stuttgart.
15. Niklas Süle – £160,157 per week / £8,328,154 per year
Now a defensive leader at Borussia Dortmund. His strength and aerial ability keep him among the highest earners.
14. Dayot Upamecano – £160,157 per week / £8,328,154 per year
The French center-back remains a key part of Bayern’s defense. His speed and physicality make him one of the most valuable defenders in the league.
13. João Palhinha – £160,157 per week / £8,328,154 per year
Bayern Munich secured Palhinha to add steel to their midfield. His defensive work rate and ball-winning skills make him an essential piece of the squad.
12. Min-jae Kim – £192,188 per week / £9,993,784 per year
After his move from Napoli, Kim has quickly adapted to the Bundesliga. His composure and ability to dominate in the air make him one of the league’s best defenders.
11. Leon Goretzka – £208,240 per week / £10,828,470 per year
An integral part of Bayern Munich’s midfield, Goretzka combines physicality with attacking contributions. His wages reflect his continued importance to the club.
10. Michael Olise – £216,212 per week / £11,243,007 per year
One of the most exciting young wingers, Olise’s move to Bayern Munich came with a hefty salary. His creativity and dribbling ability make him one of the highest-paid newcomers.
9. Alphonso Davies – £240,235 per week / £12,492,230 per year
The Canadian full-back remains one of the most electrifying players in the Bundesliga. His speed and attacking prowess make him one of the best-paid defenders in world football.
8. Leroy Sané – £240,235 per week / £12,492,230 per year
Sané continues to be a key figure for Bayern Munich’s attack. His dribbling skills and ability to score from distance justify his high salary.
7. Thomas Müller – £272,267 per week / £14,157,861 per year
A Bundesliga legend, Müller’s wages reflect his leadership and attacking influence. Even at 35, he remains a vital part of Bayern’s squad.
6. Kingsley Coman – £272,267 per week / £14,157,861 per year
Known for his pace and ability to deliver in big games, Coman remains a key piece of Bayern’s attack. His salary highlights his importance to the club’s success.
5. Serge Gnabry – £302,216 per week / £15,715,226 per year
Gnabry continues to be a dynamic force for Bayern Munich. His consistency in front of goal and versatility in attack make him one of the league’s top earners.
4. Jamal Musiala – £302,216 per week / £15,715,226 per year
The future of Bayern Munich, Musiala is already one of the world’s best young talents. His salary reflects his meteoric rise and long-term importance to the club.
3. Joshua Kimmich – £312,306 per week / £16,239,900 per year
A leader on and off the pitch, Kimmich is Bayern’s midfield general. His wages demonstrate his crucial role in the team’s tactical setup.
2. Manuel Neuer – £336,329 per week / £17,489,133 per year
Despite being 38 years old, Neuer remains among the highest-paid players in the Bundesliga. His continued dominance as Bayern’s No. 1 shows why he’s still worth such a massive salary.
1. Harry Kane – £400,392 per week / £20,820,384 per year
The biggest signing in Bundesliga history, Kane’s arrival at Bayern came with a record-breaking contract. His goal-scoring ability and leadership make him the highest-paid player in the league.
