The business of football is a lucrative one, with billions in revenue generated every year. As a result all the stakeholders are well remunerated for their efforts with football players being the greatest beneficiaries.
This list uncovers13 footballers with the highest weekly wage. All the figures are pre-tax and do not take into consideration income players generate from endorsements and other avenues.
13. Raphael Varane (Manchester United) – £340,000
The France international made a £40 million move from Bernabeu to Old Trafford in the 2021 summer transfer window.
Manchester United will be paying Varane £17.6 million per year which is tripple what he was earning at Real Madrid.
12. Pierre Emrick-Aubameyang (Arsenal) – £350,000 Per Week
The Arsenal and Gabon captain current deal at the Emirates expires in 2023 and he is paid £350,000 per week.
That means He earns over £20 million annually, as well as an extra £300,000 should he register a combined 25 goals per season.
11. Oscar (Shanghai SIPG)
Following two stellar seasons with Chelsea ending in 2017, Oscar made a surprise move to Chinese Super League, where he joined Shanghai SIPG.
He signed a 5 year deal worth £350 per week.
10. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Lewandowski was named FIFA men’s player of the year in 2020 thanks to his incredible goal scoring run for Bayern Munich.
A crucial member for Bayern he helped them win UEFA champions league in 2020 plus back to back Bundesliga titles.
9. David De Gea (Manchester United)
De Gea has been world’s best paid goalkeeper for a while now, thanks to superb performances during his early years at Old Trafford.
The Manchester united number one contract’s runs until 2023 and is paid £375,000 per week.
8. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
One of football’s best midfielders in recent years, Kevin De Bruyne joined Manchester City from Bundesliga side Wolsburg in 2015.
City paid £70 million for his services. His current contract with the citizens runs until 2025 and he earns £380,000 weekly.
7. Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
The France international has been a joy to watch since his days at Monaco
He initially joined PSG on-loan in 2017 before making the move permanent in 2018.
His current contract at Parc Des Princes ends in 2022 and he is paid 403,000 per week
6. Sergio Ramos (PSG) – £406,000 Per Week
Ramos left Real Madrid in the summer, after over 15 years with them and joined PSG, where he agreed to a 2 year deal.
He is paid £406,000 per week, a wage worthy one of the best defenders.
5. Eden Hazard (Real Madrid) – £410,000 Per Week
When Hazard joined Real Madrid from Chelsea, he had already made a name as one of the most fierce forwards in football. Something he yet to prove at Madrid due to his career being hampered by injuries.
Hazard is still one of the most handsomely paid footballers today earning £410,000 per week.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Ronaldo is one of the most popular athletes on the planet and also one of the greatest footballers of all time.
He recently re-joined Manchester United after a 2 year spell with Serie A side, Juventus.
He put a pen to paper a 2 year contract, worth £510,000 per week, making him the highest player in the premier league.
The Portuguese previously player for Manchester united from 2003 to 2009, before joining Real Madrid.
3. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) – £564,000 Per Week
Despite a troubled spell with Real Madrid, Gareth Bale remains one of football’s best paid players.
The Welshman earns £564,000 at Bernabeu and his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2022.
2. Neymar (PSG)
Neymar sealed a £200 million world record breaking move from FC Barcelona to PSG in 2017.
The move made him the world’s highest paid footballer at the time, making £614,000 per week, a bumper salary for one of the most exciting soccer players to watch.
1. Lionel Messi (PSG) – £970,000 Per Week
Lionel Messi tenure with FC Barcelona came to an end recently, after the Blaugranes were unable to offer him a new contract, due to the club’s financial struggles.
The argentine went on to join French Giants PSG, signing a 2 year contract. Messi will be earning £970,000 per week making him the world’s best paid footballer and the the highest paid player in Ligue 1.