La Liga remains one of the most competitive and talent-rich leagues in world football and with that elite quality comes massive wages. The 2024/25 season has seen clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid hand out blockbuster salaries to retain their biggest stars. From world champions to rising icons, these players aren’t just game-changers on the pitch they’re also among the top earners in the sport.
Here are the 20 highest-paid players in La Liga for the 2024/25 season, ranked by their annual salary before taxes:
20. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid) – €10.4 million
A veteran of multiple Champions League titles, Carvajal remains a vital piece for Real and earns accordingly.
19. Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club) – €11.4 million
Williams’ loyalty to Bilbao and his consistent performances make him one of the highest-paid players outside the “big three.”
18. Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid) – €12.5 million
Griezmann remains a fan favorite and creative force at Atlético, earning a spot among the top earners despite being in his 30s.
14–17. Tchouaméni, Rodrygo, Camavinga, Raphinha – €12.5 million each
This quartet represents Real Madrid and Barcelona’s core youth investment — dynamic, talented, and richly paid to secure their long-term futures.
13. Jules Koundé (Barcelona) – €13.6 million
The French defender plays a crucial role in Barça’s back line and earns accordingly.
12. Ansu Fati (Barcelona) – €14 million
Though his form has fluctuated, Ansu Fati still holds a lucrative deal — a nod to his potential and past promise.
11. Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid) – €14.6 million
Strong, vocal, and always dependable Rüdiger’s Premier League experience has made him a valuable asset for Los Blancos.
10. Éder Militão (Real Madrid) – €14.6 million
A key defensive figure for Madrid, Militão’s wage reflects his consistent performances and importance.
9. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) – €15 million
Even with injury setbacks, Courtois remains one of the league’s top-paid goalkeepers and a core figure at Madrid.
8. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) – €16.7 million
Tireless, versatile, and technically gifted — Valverde’s contribution earns him a significant wage in the capital.
7. Jan Oblak (Atlético Madrid) – €20.8 million
One of the most consistent goalkeepers in the world, Oblak’s salary underlines his importance to Diego Simeone’s setup.
6. Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid) – €20.8 million
Real Madrid’s electric winger is not only one of the most dangerous attackers in Europe but also among the highest earners.
5. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – €20.8 million
After a stunning debut season, Bellingham’s salary reflects his meteoric rise and influence as a box-to-box superstar.
4. David Alaba (Real Madrid) – €22.5 million
A defensive leader on and off the pitch, Alaba’s versatility and experience keep his value high at the Bernabéu.
3. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – €31.2 million
In his first La Liga season, Mbappé has instantly become one of the league’s most marketable and highest-paid players and rightly so.
2. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) – €33.3 million
Despite entering the twilight of his career, Lewandowski continues to command top-tier wages for his goal-scoring impact.
1. Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) – €37.5 million
Still a midfield engine at Barça, De Jong tops the list as the league’s best-paid player — a reflection of both his contract legacy and vital role in the squad.
