Manchester City continues to lead the way in European football, not just through their dominance on the pitch, but also in how they reward top talent.
The club’s wage structure reflects a carefully crafted balance between world-class stars and promising youth, offering generous salaries to those who consistently deliver at the highest level.
Below, we explore the top 25 earners at Manchester City in 2025, along with what each player contributes to Pep Guardiola’s team.
1. Erling Haaland – £27,300,000
Erling Haaland is by far Manchester City’s highest-paid player in 2025, earning a jaw-dropping £27.3 million annually.
The Norwegian forward has proven to be one of the most dominant strikers in the world, consistently topping the scoring charts across the Premier League and Champions League.
His physical presence, deadly finishing, and marketability make him not just a star on the pitch, but a global brand ambassador for the club. City built their team around him, and his wages reflect that superstar status.
2. Jack Grealish – £15,600,000
Despite not always being a regular starter, Jack Grealish remains one of the most expensive British footballers in history, and his £15.6 million salary places him among City’s top earners.
While his numbers may not always grab headlines, his ability to draw fouls, control tempo on the wing, and operate in tight spaces makes him valuable in Guardiola’s system. The club still has faith in his long-term role, and his off-the-pitch commercial appeal also plays a part in his high wage.
3. Bernardo Silva – £15,600,000
Level with Grealish in salary, Bernardo Silva is the heartbeat of City’s midfield and one of Guardiola’s most tactically flexible players.
Whether playing centrally, out wide, or even filling in defensively, Silva’s intelligence, technique, and tireless work ethic make him essential. His consistent performances over several seasons fully justify his premium wage.
4. Omar Marmoush – £15,340,000
A surprise inclusion in the top five, Omar Marmoush earns £15.34 million annually, suggesting City made a significant financial commitment upon signing him.
Commonly Known for his speed, strength, and aggressive attacking style, the Egyptian forward is expected to add a new dynamic to City’s front line. While fans are still getting used to his presence, his salary hints at big expectations from the club.
5. John Stones – £13,000,000
John Stones has reinvented himself under Guardiola, transitioning from a traditional centre-back to a hybrid defender-midfielder capable of dictating play in central areas.
His technical quality, calmness under pressure, and tactical intelligence make him one of the most unique defenders in Europe. Earning £13 million per year, Stones has fully earned his place among City’s top-paid players.
6. Ilkay Gündogan – £11,960,000
Gundogan left City for Barcelona in 2023 but returned just one year later as the Catalan side struggled with their financial mess.
Upon his return last summer the former Germany international was handed a one-year contract, and Guardiola has revealed that that included an option to extend until the summer of 2026 which has now been triggered due to the number of appearances he has made.
7. Phil Foden – £11,700,000
Now 25, Phil Foden has matured into a genuine world-class talent and the face of Manchester City’s future. The academy graduate earns £11.7 million, a well-deserved salary for a player who consistently delivers big goals, assists, and match-winning moments.
Foden’s versatility allows him to operate as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even centrally — and he continues to develop into a complete player.
8. Rodri – £11,440,000
First Manchester City ballon D or winner Rodri remains one of the most indispensable players in the squad. The Spanish defensive midfielder not only breaks up opposition attacks but also sets the rhythm for City’s build-up play.
His £11.44 million annual salary is arguably one of the best-value contracts in football given his consistency, durability, and ability to perform in the biggest matches — including that Champions League-winning goal in 2023.
9. Joško Gvardiol – £10,400,000
City invested heavily in Croatian defender Joško Gvardiol, both in terms of transfer fee and wages. At £10.4 million per year, the 23-year-old brings youth, athleticism, and elite ball-playing ability.
Whether operating at centre-back or left-back, Gvardiol is becoming increasingly reliable, and his long-term potential justifies the club’s financial backing.
10. Manuel Akanji – £9,360,000
Manuel Akanji has become a dependable part of City’s defensive unit, often called upon to fill multiple roles due to his composure and adaptability.
His £9.36 million salary reflects his importance as a consistent performer in both domestic and European competitions. He may not be flashy, but he rarely puts a foot wrong.
11. Ruben Dias – £9,360,000
Sharing the same salary as Akanji, Ruben Dias is the emotional and vocal leader of the backline.
The Portuguese defender’s impact has slightly lessened due to competition and injury, but he remains one of Guardiola’s go-to players for big games. His aggressive defending, leadership, and experience keep him in the top wage bracket.
12. Nathan Aké – £8,320,000
Once seen as a squad player, Nathan Aké has blossomed into a trusted starter under Guardiola, particularly on the left side of defense. His positional discipline and strength in one-on-one situations have earned him a salary of £8.32 million, marking a rewarding climb up the ranks since joining from Bournemouth.
13. Mateo Kovačić – £7,800,000
Signed from Chelsea, Kovačić was brought in to add control and experience to City’s midfield after Gündogan’s departure. Though not a headline-grabbing player, he brings a calmness and ability to retain possession under pressure. His £7.8 million salary reflects his role as a steady, mature presence in the squad.
14. Kalvin Phillips – £7,800,000
Phillips’s time at Manchester City has yet to take off, and his £7.8 million wage has come under scrutiny given his limited playing time. Still, the England international was highly rated when signed from Leeds United, and the club remains hopeful he can turn things around — or secure a valuable transfer elsewhere.
15. Matheus Nunes – £6,760,000
After joining from Wolves, Matheus Nunes is viewed as a midfielder with immense potential. Earning £6.76 million annually, he has been tried in many positions including right back. Though still adapting to Guardiola’s system, the club sees long-term value in his dynamic, ball-carrying ability.
16. Ederson – £5,200,000
Ederson has played key role for long time under Pep Guardiola, and though his £5.2 million salary might seem low compared to outfield players, it’s still elite by goalkeeper standards.
His passing range, composure, and shot-stopping remain key to City’s build-from-the-back philosophy.
17. Stefan Ortega – £4,680,000
Hardly seen keeping. But a dependable second-choice keeper, Ortega has shown impressive form in cup competitions and when called upon in the Premier League.
His £4.68 million salary demonstrates that City values strong depth in goal — a wise strategy for a team competing on multiple fronts.
18. Nico González – £3,120,000
Nico González earns just over £3 million and is among a group of emerging midfielders being groomed for the long term. His role in the squad is still growing, but his inclusion in City’s wage structure shows that the club believes he can contribute in the near future.
19. Oscar Bobb – £2,600,000
Oscar Bobb is one of the breakout names at Manchester City in 2025. The Norwegian youngster has dazzled with creativity, dribbling, and confidence beyond his years. At £2.6 million annually, City are rewarding his rise — and likely preparing for a bigger contract extension down the road.
20. Jérémy Doku – £2,600,000
Jérémy Doku’s electric pace and direct style offer something unique in City’s attack. Though still raw, the Belgian winger is showing signs of development under Guardiola. His current wage of £2.6 million is modest, but it could quickly rise with more consistency and end product.
