Top 25 Highest-Paid Players in Liga Portugal – 2025/26 Salary Rankings
While Liga Portugal may not boast the same financial power as the Premier League or La Liga, the Portuguese top division still pays significant salaries to many of its star players. With clubs like Benfica, Porto, and Sporting CP competing in Europe year after year, the league continues to attract rising talents and proven veterans alike.
This updated 2025/26 ranking reveals the 25 highest-paid footballers currently playing in Liga Portugal. From exciting young defenders to experienced international midfielders, this list highlights the players making the biggest impact — and the biggest earnings — in the league right now.
25. Manu – £24,295 per week / £1,263,344 per year
The Portuguese talent Manu rounds out the list as the 25th highest-paid player in the league. With steady development and increasing responsibility, his wages reflect his growing importance.
24. Bruma – £25,803 per week / £1,341,756 per year
Veteran winger Bruma continues to earn solid wages in Portugal, offering pace and flair out wide. Despite his ups and downs, he's still seen as an attacking asset.
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23. Ousmane Diomande – £25,803 per week / £1,341,756 per year
The Ivorian center-back has become a key defensive figure. His physicality and potential have earned him a contract that matches his rising stock.
22. António Silva – £26,437 per week / £1,375,724 per year
One of Portugal’s most promising young defenders, Silva’s calmness and composure on the ball are already elite. His salary reflects Benfica’s faith in his future.
21. Alexander Bah – £27,311 per week / £1,420,166 per year
The Danish right-back is known for his energy and attacking contributions. Bah’s consistent performances have made him a key component of his club’s setup.
20. Tomás Araújo – £27,311 per week / £1,420,166 per year
Another emerging Portuguese defender, Araújo is carving out a solid role. His salary is a sign of both current trust and future expectations.
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19. Samu Aghehowa – £27,311 per week / £1,420,166 per year
Aghehowa is a powerful presence on the field, and though not yet a household name, his contract reflects his club’s belief in his trajectory.
18. Gonçalo Inácio – £30,800 per week / £1,601,612 per year
A regular in Sporting’s backline, Inácio is dependable and composed. At just 23, he’s already drawing international interest—and his salary shows why.
17. Alberto Costa – £32,170 per week / £1,672,829 per year
Costa offers experience and consistency in midfield. Though less flashy than others, he remains crucial in maintaining tactical balance.
16. Florentino – £32,170 per week / £1,672,829 per year
Benfica’s midfield engine, Florentino is known for his work rate and interceptions. His wages reflect his importance in breaking up play and setting the tempo.
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15. Jeremiah St. Juste – £32,170 per week / £1,672,829 per year
The Dutch defender adds pace and aggression to the backline. His athleticism is rare among center-backs, and his salary ranks him among the elite.
14. Gabri Veiga – £33,510 per week / £1,742,530 per year
After bursting onto the scene in Spain, Veiga’s arrival in Portugal brought flair and goals from midfield. His contract mirrors that attacking threat.
13. Morten Hjulmand – £33,510 per week / £1,742,530 per year
The Danish international is a midfield general, known for his discipline and vision. His rise in Liga Portugal has been steady and well-rewarded.
12. Pepê – £35,186 per week / £1,829,657 per year
A versatile asset for FC Porto, Pepê can play multiple roles across the pitch. His value is reflected in his impressive salary.
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11. Marko Grujić – £35,353 per week / £1,838,369 per year
The Serbian midfielder brings top-flight experience from across Europe. Grujić’s wages underline his stature as a senior figure in midfield.
10. Enzo Barrenechea – £35,521 per week / £1,847,082 per year
On loan from Juventus, the Argentine has added technical quality and control to midfield. His salary puts him among the league’s top ten earners.
9. Pedro Gonçalves – £40,212 per week / £2,091,036 per year
Commonly known as "Pote", Gonçalves remains one of Sporting's most creative and dangerous players. His scoring ability justifies a hefty wage.
8. Leandro Barreiro – £41,888 per week / £2,178,168 per year
The Luxembourg international has proven to be a reliable and tactically intelligent midfielder. His arrival from the Bundesliga came with Premier League-level pay.
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7. Nicolás Otamendi – £42,223 per week / £2,195,588 per year
Even at 37, Otamendi commands a top-tier salary. The veteran Argentine’s leadership and experience remain invaluable to Benfica’s defense.
6. Kerem Aktürkoğlu – £48,255 per week / £2,509,284 per year
The Turkish winger brings creativity and goals to the final third. His flair and end product make him one of Liga Portugal’s highest earners.
5. Fredrik Aursnes – £48,255 per week / £2,509,284 per year
The Norwegian midfielder has quietly become a mainstay in Benfica’s midfield. His all-around game and intelligence are highly valued.
4. Vangelis Pavlidis – £48,255 per week / £2,509,284 per year
The Greek striker brings goals, hold-up play, and movement. His consistency in front of goal has secured him one of the league’s richest contracts.
3. Richard Ríos – £50,265 per week / £2,613,795 per year
Ríos has emerged as one of the most exciting midfielders in Liga Portugal. The Colombian’s dynamism has earned him a place near the top of the salary list.
2. Anatolii Trubin – £64,507 per week / £3,354,371 per year
Benfica’s Ukrainian goalkeeper is one of the highest-paid shot-stoppers in Europe. At just 24, he’s already delivering on the club’s investment.
1. Trincão – £65,345 per week / £3,397,934 per year
Topping the list is Francisco Trincão, the highest-paid player in Liga Portugal. His dribbling and creativity make him a marquee name, and his salary proves it.
