The role of a goalkeeper has evolved dramatically over the years. No longer just shot-stoppers, modern goalkeepers are key playmakers, distributors, and leaders on the pitch. This evolution is reflected in the salaries commanded by the world’s best, as clubs recognize the importance of having a reliable presence between the posts.
Below is a breakdown of the highest-paid goalkeepers in world football, detailing their earnings, contributions, and overall impact.
1. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) – £338,385 per week (£17.6 million per year)
A true legend of the game, Neuer has redefined the role of a goalkeeper with his famous “sweeper-keeper” style. His leadership at Bayern Munich is invaluable, and despite his age, he remains one of the most consistent and well-paid shot-stoppers in the world.
2. Jan Oblak (Atlético Madrid) – £335,645 per week (£17.5 million per year)
Oblak is the epitome of consistency. Known for his exceptional reflexes, composure, and penalty-area dominance, the Slovenian has been Atlético Madrid’s defensive cornerstone for years. His salary reflects his importance to Diego Simeone’s system.
3. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) – £241,703 per week (£12.6 million per year)
Courtois has been a key factor in Real Madrid’s recent domestic and European successes. His towering frame and agility allow him to pull off match-winning saves, and his earnings underline his status as one of the best in the business.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain) – £205,126 per week (£10.7 million per year)
Donnarumma’s rise from a teenage sensation at AC Milan to PSG’s first-choice goalkeeper has been remarkable. His shot-stopping ability, confidence, and physical presence make him one of the top earners in his position.
5. Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) – £177,249 per week (£9.2 million per year)
After winning the Champions League with Chelsea, Mendy moved to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli in a lucrative deal. His commanding presence and reflexes have earned him a significant pay rise in the Saudi Pro League.
6. Yassine Bounou (Bono) (Al-Hilal) – £161,553 per week (£8.4 million per year)
Bounou, widely known as Bono, made his name at Sevilla and with Morocco in the 2022 World Cup. His move to Al-Hilal has seen him become one of the best-paid goalkeepers in the world, highlighting the increasing financial muscle of Saudi clubs.
7. Alisson Becker (Liverpool) – £150,000 per week (£7.8 million per year)
A key figure in Liverpool’s recent success, Alisson is among the most complete goalkeepers in the world. His ability to distribute the ball, command his box, and make crucial saves has been vital to Jurgen Klopp’s system.
Manuel Neuer | Bayern Munich | £338,385 per week |
Jan Oblak | Atlético Madrid | £335,645 |
Thibaut Courtois | Real Madrid | £241,703 per week |
Gianluigi Donnarumma | PSG | £205,126 per week |
Edouard Mendy | Al-Ahli | £177,249 per week |
Yassine Bounou | Al-Hilal | £161,553 per week |
Alisson Becker | Liverpool | £150,000 per week |
Emiliano Martínez | Aston Villa | £150,000 per week |
Gregor Kobel | Borussia Dortmund | £145,022 per week |
Jordan Pickford | Everton | £125,000 per week |
Marc-André ter Stegen | Barcelona | £125000 per week |
André Onana | Manchester united | £120,000 per week |
Ederson Moraes | Manchester City | £100,000 per week |
Dean Henderson | Crystal Palace | £100,000 per week |
David Raya | Arsenal | £100,000 per week |
8. Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) – £150,000 per week (£7.8 million per year)
Martínez’s career skyrocketed after his heroics in Argentina’s Copa América and World Cup victories. Now a top earner at Aston Villa, his leadership and passion continue to drive his team forward.
9. Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund) – £145,022 per week (£7.5 million per year)
Kobel has become one of the Bundesliga’s top goalkeepers, impressing with his reflexes and shot-stopping ability at Borussia Dortmund. His consistent performances have made him a key figure in the team’s title ambitions.
10. Jordan Pickford (Everton) – £125,000 per week (£6.5 million per year)
Pickford remains England’s number one and a crucial player for Everton. His ability to produce spectacular saves, combined with his leadership qualities, ensures he remains among the best-paid goalkeepers in the Premier League.
11. Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona) – £124,702 per week (£6.3 million per year)
Barcelona’s reliable last line of defense, ter Stegen is renowned for his technical ability, ball distribution, and shot-stopping. His wages reflect his importance to Xavi’s tactical setup.
12. André Onana (Manchester United ) – £ 120,000 per week (5.7 million per year)
Andre Onana joined Manchester United from Inter Milan for £47.2 million in 2023, replacing David de Gea. Signed for his ball-playing ability, his early performances drew criticism even till now but that doesn’t affect his pocket as he’s still one of the highest paid goal keepers in the world .
13. Ederson Moraes (Manchester City) – £100,000 per week (£5.2 million per year)
Ederson has revolutionized the goalkeeper’s role under Pep Guardiola. His composure on the ball, pinpoint passing, and ability to initiate attacks make him indispensable to Manchester City’s success.
14. Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace) – £100,000 per week (£5.2 million per year)
Henderson’s move to Crystal Palace provided him with regular first-team football and a substantial salary. His talent and potential make him one of the most promising goalkeepers in England.
15. David Raya (Arsenal) – £100,000 per week (£5.2 million per year)
Raya’s move to Arsenal has seen him become one of the top earners in his position. His excellent ball distribution and shot-stopping ability have made him a valuable asset in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
