La Liga, Spain’s premier football league, is home to some of the world’s most talented and highly paid players. Despite the league’s salary cap, football giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona continue to offer astronomical contracts to their top stars. Even Atletico Madrid, with a smaller budget, competes by providing substantial wages to attract talent. Here, we delve into the top 10 highest-paid players in La Liga for 2024, ranked by their weekly wages before taxes and excluding bonuses.
10. Thibaut Courtois: €288,462 per Week
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid’s star goalkeeper, earns an impressive €288,462 weekly. Since joining from Chelsea in 2018, the Belgian international has secured numerous titles, including the Champions League. Despite an ACL injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023–24 season, Courtois returned in time to help Madrid clinch victory in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. With two years left on his contract, his annual earnings amount to €15 million.
9. Federico Valverde: €320,577 per Week
Federico Valverde, initially an unsung hero, has risen to become one of Real Madrid’s highest earners. The Uruguayan midfielder, rejecting lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia in 2023, signed a long-term deal with a weekly wage of €320,577. Valverde’s commitment to Real Madrid, the club he deems the best in the world, underscores his loyalty and love for his life in Madrid.
8. Ilkay Gundogan: €360,577 per Week
After a stellar treble-winning season with Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023. The German international’s move came with a significant pay hike, increasing his weekly wages to €360,577. Despite a strong personal performance, including five goals and 14 assists, Gundogan’s first season at Barcelona ended without silverware.
7. Jan Oblak: €400,577 per Week
Jan Oblak, Atletico Madrid’s goalkeeping stalwart, earns €400,577 weekly. Since joining Benfica in 2014, Oblak has established himself as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, playing a crucial role in Atletico’s 2020/21 La Liga title win. He is the highest-paid player at Atletico and the second-highest-paid goalkeeper globally, only behind Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer.
7. Vinicius Junior: €400,577 per Week
Vinicius Junior’s journey from a €45 million teenage sensation at Flamengo to one of the world’s best players has been remarkable. Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, he has helped the club win multiple titles, including three La Liga and two Champions League trophies. Vinicius’ new long-term contract, signed in October 2023, sees him earning a base salary of €400,577 weekly, with performance-related bonuses potentially increasing his earnings further.
7. Jude Bellingham: €400,577 per Week
Real Madrid secured Jude Bellingham’s signature in a deal worth €133 million, including bonuses. Alongside the hefty transfer fee, Bellingham receives a base salary of €400,577 weekly, matching Vinicius Junior’s pay. The young England international justified his wages by delivering an exceptional 2023–24 season, with 23 goals and 13 assists across all competitions.
4. David Alaba: €432,692 per Week
David Alaba left Bayern Munich in 2021 after 13 years, joining Real Madrid on a lucrative free transfer. With a €17.7 million signing bonus and a weekly salary of €432,692, Alaba is one of the highest-paid defenders globally. His decision to move to Madrid over other top clubs has significantly boosted his earnings.
3. Kylian Mbappe: €600,962 per Week
Kylian Mbappe’s long-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid came with a substantial pay cut from his Paris Saint-Germain salary. Now earning €600,962 weekly, Mbappe’s five-year contract includes a €150 million signing bonus and potential weekly bonuses of €1.24 million. If all bonuses are triggered, his annual earnings could reach an astonishing €95.83 million.
2. Robert Lewandowski: €640,962 per Week
Robert Lewandowski’s move to Barcelona in 2022 saw his wages structured to increase annually. From €400,577 in his first season to €640,962 for the 2024/25 campaign, the Polish striker’s earnings reflect his value to the team. Despite Barcelona’s hopes to renegotiate terms, Lewandowski remains one of the highest earners in La Liga.
1. Frenkie de Jong: €721,154 per Week
Frenkie de Jong tops the list with an incredible weekly salary of €721,154, making him the highest-paid player in Europe’s top five leagues. The Dutch midfielder’s earnings include potential add-ons of €388,654 weekly. De Jong has clarified that his high wages result from deferred payments and salary adjustments during his initial years at Barcelona.
Conclusion
La Liga continues to be a magnet for footballing talent, with clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid offering staggering salaries to attract and retain their star players. The financial power of these clubs ensures that La Liga remains one of the most competitive and entertaining leagues in the world. As player salaries continue to soar, the league’s appeal to both players and fans shows no signs of waning.
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