The highest-paid English footballers in world football

English footballers continue to command enormous salaries across Europe and beyond, with the game’s biggest stars rewarded handsomely for their influence on and off the pitch. From Saudi Arabia to Spain and Germany, England’s elite talents are among the top earners in world football. Some have justified their wages with silverware and record-breaking performances, while others still have a point to prove. Starting from the bottom of the top 10, here are the highest-paid English players in 2026.

10. Reece James – Chelsea (£250,000-per-week)

Reece James rounds off the list as one of four English players earning £250,000 per week. Chelsea’s captain has endured a frustrating few years with injuries, but when fit, he remains one of the most complete full-backs in the game. His leadership role at Stamford Bridge following Cesar Azpilicueta’s departure underlines how highly he is valued internally. If he can finally enjoy a sustained run of fitness, his salary will look like very smart business indeed.

9. Jadon Sancho – Aston Villa (£250,000-per-week)

Jadon Sancho is still banking £250,000 per week despite a turbulent spell since leaving Borussia Dortmund. After failing to rediscover his Bundesliga brilliance at Manchester United, he has found himself on loan once again, this time at Aston Villa. The winger is attempting to rebuild his reputation under Unai Emery, though consistency has remained elusive. Few players in England face as pivotal a period in their careers as Sancho does right now.

8. John Stones – Manchester City (£250,000-per-week)

John Stones has been a crucial tactical weapon for Pep Guardiola during Manchester City’s dominant era. Equally comfortable stepping into midfield as he is marshalling the back line, his versatility has been invaluable in title-winning campaigns. Though he may not be the flashiest name in the squad, his intelligence and composure have earned him a place among England’s highest earners. At £250,000 per week, he remains one of the Premier League’s most trusted defenders.

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7. Mason Mount – Manchester United (£250,000-per-week)

Mason Mount’s move to Manchester United came with both expectation and a significant pay rise. The former Chelsea academy graduate now earns £250,000 per week at Old Trafford, placing him among the club’s top earners. Injuries have disrupted his rhythm since arriving, but there is still belief that he can become a key figure in United’s midfield rebuild. At 27, time remains on his side to prove he is worth every penny.

6. Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid (£276,724-per-week)

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s switch to Real Madrid marked the beginning of a new chapter and a substantial salary increase. No longer on Liverpool’s wage structure, the England international now earns just under £277,000 per week in Spain. His passing range and technical quality have long made him one of the most unique right-backs in world football. At the Santiago Bernabéu, he is expected not just to compete, but to win.

5. Bukayo Saka – Arsenal (£300,000-per-week)

Bukayo Saka’s rise from Hale End prospect to Arsenal talisman has been rewarded with a £300,000-per-week contract. The winger has consistently delivered in big moments, combining goals, assists and relentless work ethic. Arsenal moved decisively to secure his long-term future, knowing how central he is to their ambitions. Still only in his mid-20s, his best years may yet be ahead of him.

4. Jack Grealish – Everton (£300,000-per-week)

Jack Grealish continues to earn £300,000 per week, even while on loan away from Manchester City. The £100 million signing has had his critics, but flashes of his old swagger have reappeared during his spell at Everton. At his best, he offers control, creativity and the ability to draw defenders out of shape. Whether he fully justifies his salary remains debated, but few doubt his natural talent.

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3. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid (£345,781-per-week)

Jude Bellingham’s meteoric rise has been matched by a salary befitting a global superstar. Earning £345,781 per week at Real Madrid, the midfielder has already become one of the faces of European football. His goal-scoring exploits from midfield have drawn comparisons with some of the club’s modern greats. For a player still only 22, both his influence and his earnings are extraordinary.

2. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich (£415,003-per-week)

Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich delivered both trophies and a significant financial reward. The England captain now earns more than £415,000 per week in the Bundesliga, reflecting his status as one of the world’s most reliable strikers. Goals have followed him wherever he has played, and Germany has been no different. Few would argue that Bayern are not getting full value for their investment.

1. Ivan Toney – Al-Ahli (£423,469-per-week)

At the top of the list sits Ivan Toney, whose move to Al-Ahli transformed his financial standing. The former Brentford striker now earns £423,469 per week in Saudi Arabia, making him the highest-paid English footballer in the world. His clinical finishing in the Premier League earned him admirers across Europe, but it was the Saudi Pro League that secured his signature. For Toney, the decision has proved life-changing both professionally and financially.

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