Soccer, the world’s most popular sport, offers its top athletes incredible earning potential. Professional soccer players’ salaries vary widely based on their skill level, league, team, and sponsorship deals.
For instance, in the English Premier League, salaries can range from $1 million annually for younger players to $15 million or more for seasoned stars.
This article dives into the earnings of soccer players, from rookies to superstars, and examines how they manage their wealth.
How Much Does a Pro Soccer Player Make?
Average Salaries by League
Professional soccer players’ salaries vary significantly depending on the league:
- Major League Soccer (MLS): The average salary is approximately $450,000 annually, with top players earning over $7 million.
- English Premier League (EPL): Salaries range from $1 million to $15 million per year, with some earning even more through endorsements.
- La Liga: Players in Spain’s top league earn between $1.5 million and $20 million annually.
- Other Leagues: Salaries in smaller leagues or lower divisions may range from $50,000 to $300,000 per year.
Rookies vs. Established Stars
Rookie players often earn the league minimum, which varies by country and league. For example, in Major League Soccer, rookies typically start at $85,000 per year, while European leagues like the Bundesliga offer higher starting salaries for emerging talent.
In the MLS, rookies typically earn around $85,000 annually, while seasoned players and superstars can command multi-million-dollar contracts.
Who is the Highest Paid Soccer Player?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have long dominated the list of highest-paid soccer players. Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain and Ronaldo’s lucrative deal with Al-Nassr have kept them at the top for years.
In 2024, Messi reportedly earned over $130 million, including $50 million in salary and $80 million in endorsements.
Ronaldo, close behind, brought in $121 million through similar channels. Younger stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are also climbing the ranks, with Mbappé earning over $100 million in salary and bonuses alone.
Which Soccer Player is Making $100 Million?
Kylian Mbappé, playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is one of the few players to surpass the $100 million mark. His salary and performance bonuses make him one of the highest earners in the sport.
Can Soccer Players Become Billionaires?
Several soccer players have accumulated vast wealth through salaries, endorsements, and investments. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are both billionaires, with Ronaldo achieving the milestone in 2020 and Messi following soon after.
Ronaldo’s lifetime deal with Nike and Messi’s endorsement with Adidas have significantly contributed to their wealth. Their wealth stems not only from their playing careers but also from sponsorships, business ventures, and long-term investments.
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FAQs About Soccer Player Salaries
How much does a pro soccer player make?
Professional soccer players earn anywhere from $50,000 to over $50 million annually, depending on their league, team, and sponsorship deals.
Who is the richest soccer player?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are among the richest soccer players, with net worths exceeding $1 billion.
Who is the highest paying soccer player?
In 2024, Lionel Messi is the highest-paid soccer player, earning over $130 million from salary and endorsements.
How much do soccer rookies get paid?
Soccer rookies typically earn the league minimum, which can range from $50,000 in smaller leagues to $85,000 in the MLS. In Europe, these figures are often higher, with clubs offering competitive wages to attract young talent.
Conclusion
Professional soccer players’ salaries reflect the global appeal and financial power of the sport. From rookies striving to make their mark to superstars earning millions, the earning potential in soccer is immense.
As the sport continues to grow, so does the opportunity for players to achieve financial success both on and off the field.
