These are the highest paid footballers in Europe – 2025 edition
Talking about money in football? It is often a hot topic. But because of complex contracts full of bonuses, image rights and special clauses, it is quite tedious to reach the exact numbers – but some names definitely stand out.
Cristiano Ronaldo is not a part of this list, contrary to many possible assumptions. He is still one of the highest paid athletes on a global basis. But this particular list takes a look at the top earning footballers currently playing for European clubs in 2025.
Highest paid footballers in Europe
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
Mohamed Salah is an Egyptian professional footballer, born on June 15, 1992. He started his career in the Middle Eastern country in 2010, before shifting to FC Basel in 2012. In January 2024, he transferred to Chelsea for around 11 million pounds.
Mohamed Salah joined at least a couple more football clubs, before joining Liverpool in 2017 for approximately 36.9 million pounds. He is a club legend for his record breaking debut season gold tallies and subsequent honours.
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Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior has turned into a superstar at Real Madrid, one of the most prominent European football clubs. Since joining the squad as a teenager, the Brazilian footballer has scored more than 100 goals and dazzled fans through his performance.
His brand appeal is just as strong, featuring compelling contracts from major companies such as Pepsi and PlayStation, among others. Vinicius Junior reportedly earns more than 42 million pounds annually, thanks to both his club salaries and brand endorsements.
Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
Sitting at the top of this list is non other than Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar is easily one of the greatest footballers of his generation and the highest paid football player in Europe in 2025. Isn’t it incredible?
Kylian Mbappe recently inherited the Number 10 jersey at Real Madrid, a symbolic passing of the torch from Luka Modric. He apparently earns more than 70 million pounds per year. His mix of talent and marketability makes him a dream signing for any football club.
